Personal Branding Tips to Gain Yourself an Edge
You might think that branding is just something done by companies, but it's not! As a high school student, you can also have a personal brand. A strong personal brand leaves a lasting impression, which sets you apart from the crowd. So, if you're applying to universities, how can you do this? Let's have a look at what personal branding is, as well as some personal branding tips!
What is Personal Branding?
Your personal brand tells a story about your values, personality traits, and skills. It is, in a nutshell, your reputation.
When it comes to university admission officers, they want to see more than just your stellar grades; they want to see you as a well-rounded person. Admission officers are looking at different dimensions of your personality, from the activities you're involved in, what difference you can make to the world, as well as your motivation. If you're not sure where to start building your personal brand, check out these personal branding tips!
Understand who you are
Before curating your personal brand, start by thinking about who you truly are, including your goals and values. Take some time to reflect on yourself, or ask yourself some of the following questions:
- What qualities do I offer that others don't have? Think about what you have been doing so far.
- What do I stand for? Do you participate in activities that align with your values?
- What was the project that I handled successfully? It could be the fundraising project you started a few years back, or perhaps your clothing line.
- What are the things that motivate me—the ones that thrill me?
If you're having trouble answering these questions, you can ask friends, family, or teachers to help you out. Moreover, they may provide insights into yourself from a different perspective, helping you to be more aware of your personality and qualities.
Assess your strengths and weaknesses
You may have heard the saying, 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer.' Well, it's similar when assessing your strengths and weaknesses. You should be aware of both aspects. In this way, you can dive deeper into the activities that make use of your greatest strengths. On the other hand, you can cross out the activities that don't contribute to your goal or purpose.
Bonus personal branding tips: Build an accurate digital personal brand
Not only do employers look at the social media accounts of potential employees, but so do university admission officers. According to a survey conducted by Kaplan Test Prep, a higher percentage of admission officers who look at applicants' social media say it influences their view of them.
'Social media can provide a more authentic and holistic view of applicants beyond the polished applications,' said Yariv Alpher, executive director of research at Kaplan Test Prep. Hence it's important to deliver an online identity that resembles your true self!
After reading some of these personal branding tips, have you figured out what sets you apart from others? Remember that building your personal brand is a lasting journey, so don't rush yourself too much!
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