We all know what a brand is – we encounter them every day. So, it can seem strange to think of yourself in the same context. After all, you’re a person, not a product. But as you begin your professional career, you have your own brand to develop and uphold. It’s your calling card. It’s how you present yourself to the world and reflects how people begin to understand you, not just face-to-face but across your online social networks as well.
It’s important to develop an image that you are comfortable with all different people viewing, whether it’s friends and family or potential employers. Within this newsletter, you’ll find tips and advice on how to begin building a personal brand - from nurturing your strengths and identifying your weaknesses to getting involved in activities that you’re passionate about. It’s never too early to start positioning yourself in a way that sets you apart from the crowd.
Hear from her
What do the women at Deutsche Bank think about personal branding?
“Get involved in a club, start-up, or activity that you can take ownership of. Not only will this give you experience prior to an internship, but it will also allow you to speak passionately about a part of your life.” Meghan – Associate, Corporate Finance
“Evaluate yourself as part of your class; understand what type of role you’d like to play when in group dynamics and try to strengthen the good things (like leadership, assertiveness, listening skills) and work on the weaknesses (like shyness, apprehension to speak in public, self-doubt).” Natalia – Director, Corporate Finance
“A social media presence is an indication of your behavior and your personality. Sometimes one’s personality displayed in a social context is not necessarily the same persona one would want in a professional environment.” Kimberly – VP, Credit Risk Management
“Try something out of your comfort zone that will make you stand out from your peers: study abroad, join a new club, try a new business venture. All of these experiences will ultimately help define you as an individual and build a unique personal brand.” Jes – VP, Markets Equity Trader
“Personal brand and social media go hand-in-hand. Whatever you post online could potentially be seen by a future employer, so be mindful before uploading or posting something on your social media account.” Catherine – Analyst, Compliance
The message is resounding – be aware of yourself and your actions. Develop an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and try new things. By doing this, you’ll be able to build a personal brand that will set you on a path to success.
How to…
Build a brand to be proud of
Consider your skills. What can you offer an employer that other people can’t? Once you’ve identified these, promote yourself - a brand means nothing if people don’t know it exists. Start with your digital footprint. Your online content is an excellent outlet to express yourself to the outside world. LinkedIn in particular is an optimal platform to showcase your accomplishments and highlight work you’re proud of. Join groups that are relevant to your interests and actively share updates that reflect what matters to you.
You can also conduct a social media audit to ensure you’re upholding your brand online. Contribute articles to industry relevant publications and tweet about people or businesses that inspire you. Do whatever you can to accurately represent and differentiate yourself from the competition.
Ultimately, people with strong brands are clear about who they are. They know their strengths and they know how to maximise their potential. A good personal brand will give you an edge - if you’re qualified, confident and passionate, show people you are.
Learn more about Deutsche Bank
From being named in the Bloomberg Financial Services Gender-Equality Index to earning a top score of 100 by the Human Rights Campaign, Deutsche Bank is committed to the well-being of everyone who works with them. Theirs is an accepting environment that encourages diversity and fosters collaboration.
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