GETTING READY
GET A HEAD START ON PERSONAL BRANDING Building your personal brand takes work, but it will boost your reputation and position yourself well in your chosen professional field.
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ersonal branding is not about erasing who you are and creating a new identity! Essentially, it is about highlighting your true strengths and representing a distinct professional reputation for yourself. A good personal brand encapsulates at least three things: your career objectives, your values, and your goals in life. It may seem daunting to have to think about defining your personal branding when you have barely started your career. However, there is no timeline for this. A personal brand is a lifelong investment that follows you throughout your career. So it is important to get started on building that professional reputation as early as you can.
Define yourself Before figuring out how to define yourself, look through your social media accounts and evaluate if your posts, images and content are aligned with the personal brand you wish to project. As your posts have no set expiry dates, there is always a slight chance a potential employer can come across an unflattering picture, embarrassing post or unwanted comment that you posted years ago. Take the time to carry out intense “housekeeping” for all your social media platforms or at least hide them from public view. Then take some time to be introspective, and create a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Feel free to ask your friends and family members for their inputs. Consider asking yourself the following questions: • What kind of job can make me happy? • Will I take a job that can pay me better than a job that aligns with my values and interests? • What characteristics have others complimented me on? • Do I feel happier working in a corporate environment or in a start-up? • Do I see myself as an entrepreneur? Once you are aware of what motivates you when it comes to your working life, then you can decide how best to proceed with your personal branding.
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SUTD career guide 2021
Showcase your talents and interests Your hobbies and interests do not have to be pushed to the background as just something you do occasionally in your spare time. They can be a key part of your personal brand as well. As you are defining your brand, consider your talents and interests. They are part of what makes you unique, so look at developing them if you are interested in using them during your career journey. For instance, if you’re keen on drawing, why not take up classes or join art circles? Those skills may come in handy when you need to design a product or visualise a new branding campaign at work.
