Throughout the year we talk a lot to students about branding. I don’t mean a product or service you’re marketing or a social media campaign you’re creating, but the brand that is YOU. It’s how you’re memorable and it’s the message you send about the skills and talents you bring to your field. It’s also about being authentically you.
As a senior, along with the MANY things you might be thinking about right now, your professional brand might be one of them! Don’t stress, along with many of the resources for life that we offer, we’ve got you covered on this one too.
Take a look at some past blogs on the subject, and for a quick rundown, our Career Services Team has some branding words for you!
It’s not just about how you present online, but your work ethic and how you connect with colleagues in your day to day work. –Jessica Chance, ’00
Authenticity. It’s not a buzzword, it’s a way of life. If you put something out about yourself, make sure it’s something you’d actually say. Online audiences are becoming more skeptical about the way we present ourselves online and, with a media-savvy generation of users entering the workforce, you’re going to want to remain consistent in how you connect and engage with the members of your network. My number one piece of advice: Find your voice and keep it. –Anders Croft
Take a little time and write a Personal Mission Statement. Ask yourself the questions – Who are you? What do you value? What do you want to add to the world? Use that mission statement to guide your personal and professional decisions, it will help you stay true to you. – Emily Smedick
Every interaction is an opportunity to convey who you are – and thus a part of your personal brand. The way you dress for an interview, the way you communicate for job applications and networking requests, even the voicemail message on your phone. Think about how you can present your true brand consistently through these various mediums. – Marissa Shallcross
Brand yourself as the professional you want to be, not the student you currently are. Demonstrate to employers that you are well-read about the industry in which you want to work and are connected to professional organizations. Time to transition into being a professional and not to let past accomplishments define the professional you want to be. – Mary Federico
