Professional Branding

 

Professional Branding

So, you want to build your professional brand. Have you considered creating a LinkedIn profile? How about building your professional connections? Have you prepared an elevator pitch? These are all important components that can help you build your professional brand. 

LinkedIn

    LinkedIn is a valuable tool that helps you build your professional network by connecting with like-minded individuals. While using LinkedIn, you can learn new skills, learn about different careers and industries, and search for jobs. LinkedIn represents your online/virtual self, so it is important to treat it professionally, unlike other social media platforms. Start by having a good profile photo. Although getting a professional headshot is not completely necessary, you still want to make sure that you are positioning yourself as a professional in your field. Wearing professional clothing and smiling are two easy tips to follow. It is important to take the time to reflect on what you want your LinkedIn to represent. Your summary should be well thought out and highlight your interests, experiences, skills, knowledge areas and goals. If you need help, look at other summaries of professionals in your field.  How are they talking about their experiences? Read it aloud and read it to a friend to get their reaction. Lastly, your skills, experience, and education should all be relevant to the industry that you are interested in. Include your employment, volunteer experience, internships, and your awards and accomplishments. Use this platform to speak to your professional accomplishments. Remember to proofread, proofread, and proofread. Check your profile for grammar, spelling errors and flow. Ask yourself, if you were an employer, would you be interested in connecting further based on your own profile? 

Elevator Pitch

    Building your network also requires you to be able to introduce yourself. There are important components that you want to have in your elevator pitch. Stating your name, your key and relevant skills, qualifications, and education are commonly discussed. You might want to add how your qualifications are valuable to the employer. Furthermore, you can also talk about what type of career or jobs you are seeking. So, start building those meaningful connections now! 

  

Connect With Us!
We are here to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! We offer many student resources on our portal (careerzone.brocku.ca) and can be contacted via email at career@brocku.ca to answer any inquiries you may have.

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Written by: Kwasi Duah, Career Assistant 

Edited by Kara Renaud, Supervisor of Career Education, CCEE Department