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Why Building a Personal Brand Is Essential for Every Student Today?

Being a student, you always have lectures to attend, group projects to complete, and even pull some all-nighters to study. Although these are also making you learn and become skilled, you also have something equally important to you as a human being, and that is your personal brand. 


Reflect on your presentation to the outside world outside campus. It is all about the combination of the way you prefer to express yourself, the things that you are passionate about, and the things that you have created so far. A personal brand is similar to your GPA, especially in the context of internships, employment, and even freelancing in the digital world. 


The social media activity of your brand is worth considering. One visit to LinkedIn is sufficient to have a clue about your professional history. It contains a lot of major facts about you that may act as a first impression, and social media is one of them.


A First Impression Online: Why Companies Scout Social Media


A college student reviewing LinkedIn and Instagram profiles on a laptop, representing how social media shapes a student’s personal brand and first impression online.

Personal brand is the first impression, and it takes social media seriously. A lot of information can be provided about a person through Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. An individual is evaluated based on the work appearance of his or her social media. 


An empty Instagram or LinkedIn profile seems like one that was not thought over. To be taken seriously, you'd better have a good social media page that is professional and well considered. 


A lot of information about you is given on your social media. A social media page that is branded will provide an opportunity to shine, but it can work the other way around: a messy social media account will provide you with a bad reputation.


It is not necessary to perform the scrubbing off your personality off your profile, but it is nice to be smart.


 Tips to clean things up:

  • Erase anything you do not wish to be noticed by a future boss.

  • Put a real name (or a familiar variation) on social media.

  • Select a clear and easy-going profile photo.

  • Include a brief biography that would indicate your hobbies, research, or aspirations.


Promoting Your Work Online: Show, Not Just Tell


Feel like being different among job seekers? Present what you have created, composed, created, or assisted in thriving. You do not need to be a coder or an expert designer; simply provide people with a glimpse of what you are doing.


Here's how to start simple:


Build a Simple Portfolio

You can create a mini-site or use an existing platform to showcase your work. Try:


Start a Blog or Medium Page

If you love writing or have opinions on industry trends, share them. One or two posts a month can show recruiters how you think and communicate, two skills every boss values.


Include in your portfolio:

  • A short description of each project.

  • What you contributed (teamwork counts!).

  • What the outcome was: grades, feedback, impact, or results.


Document Your Journey

You don’t need “finished” work. Post about your process, what you’re learning, what didn’t work, and what surprised you. These kinds of updates help humanize your journey and build connections.


A creative student workspace with a laptop, notepad, and digital tools used to design a personal brand portfolio, symbolizing self-expression and career preparation.

LinkedIn is not a Place for grown-ups; It is Your Career Journal


LinkedIn may be overwhelming initially, particularly when you are in your early years in your career. It is, however, designed to have students begin to write their career narratives.


Suggestions to refine the LinkedIn page:


  • Profile Photograph: Use a headshot that is clean and made in a friendly way. You do not require any high-end accessories; simply good lighting and a smile.

  • Headline: Do not simply say that you are a student of XYZ College. Go with such keywords: Business Student| Marketing Enthusiast| future Brand Strategist.

  • Summary Section: This is a summary of the elevator pitch. Give a short description of your history, hobbies, and ambition.

  • Experience & Projects: Add internships, volunteering work, part-time work, and class projects.

  • Skills: Name pertinent skills, such as public speaking, Python, Photoshop, Excel, cooperation, or leadership.

  • References: You can request your professors, project mentors, or group leaders to write a brief recommendation of your capabilities.


A well-rounded profile makes a strong impression and helps recruiters find you faster. If you’re looking to dig deeper, check out “Ultimate Guide to Building a Killer LinkedIn Profile for Students” where you will find an in-depth guide on using and showcasing your work through the platform.


Obtaining Recommendations: Have People on Your Side


Credibility on the internet can be increased with the help of your teachers, mentors, and even your senior classmates. Recommendations and endorsements are not merely digital pats on the back; they demonstrate that other people believe in your work ethic and abilities.


The polite way of requesting a recommendation:


  • Start with someone who knows your work well.

  • Be clear about what you’re asking:“Would you be comfortable writing me a short LinkedIn recommendation based on our work on the XYZ project?”

  • Offer to write a draft for them if they’re busy.This makes it easier and faster, and they can tweak it if they want.


It is also possible to share endorsements with classmates. Mutually benefit one another, it is good karma, and intelligent networking.


A student updating their LinkedIn profile on a laptop, highlighting professional growth, skill development, and the importance of a strong online presence.

Keep It Real, Keep It Consistent


Being perfect is not a part of your personal brand, but being real and considerate is. You do not have to write every day and have half a dozen accomplishments. Focus on:


  • Being real with your goals and image on the internet.

  • Posting or sharing of things that are of your interest.

  • Communicating with people in a respectful and professional manner.


And also, do not fret that you are still working it out (we all are). As you move forward, you can update your bio, hone your portfolio, or switch your focus. That's part of the journey.


Start Today


It is likely that you are still busy with classes, projects, and possibly even a side job. However, creating time to develop your personal brand may unlock new opportunities that you would have never imagined.


It helps you:


  • Make a splash with employers (before you even graduate).

  • Connect in the areas of industry that are of interest to you.

  • Be competitive in the job market.

  • Be confident in your professional abilities.


The best part? You already have the tools to start: your ideas, your voice, and your story.

So go ahead. Clean up your profiles, share your work, ask for support, and build your digital handshake to the world. Your future self will thank you.


If you have any queries or would like to submit a guest post, please contact or email us at cityoneintitiative@gmail.com. Do not forget to like and give your feedback on the blog.


 
 
 

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