BUILDING A PERSONAL BRAND IN A DIGITAL AGE
By Stefanie Tedards
hile you’re busy trying to define your identity offline, your family, friends, peers, employers (and even total strangers) are getting to know you online. You can use this dynamic to your advantage by cultivating your online presence and building a personal brand.
In a crowded digital world, having a clear personal brand helps you get noticed. It also helps you build credibility and showcase your true skills, interests, and passions. So, let’s talk about a few ways you can make a great digital first impression. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS, SKILLS, AND INTERESTS Building a personal brand takes time, but the process is impossible without a clear vision of the image you want to project to the world. The first step? Exploring who you are and what you like to do. Since building a personal brand and personal growth go hand in hand, anything that expands your skillset, introduces new experiences, and broadens your perspectives will be beneficial. Start by evaluating the skills you lean on most. Are you a strong writer or great with people? Do you love spending hours getting lost in research? You can practice and develop these skills into key elements of your personal brand.
Personal branding isn’t something only celebrities or influencers have to think about. Every post, like, share, and comment creates a digital reflection of who you are, what you value, and where your interests lie. While social media isn’t an official part of most application processes, it’s still a part of what you bring to the table. Colleges, future employers, scholarship committees, and even local volunteer organizations want to build strong communities, and they’re looking for individuals who will contribute positively and mesh well with their culture.
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