In today’s digital age, building a personal brand has become essential for students and professionals alike. The right personal brand can open doors to opportunities, foster career growth, and establish one’s credibility in their field. Media tools and platforms provide a powerful means to create and promote this brand, offering endless possibilities for personal expression and professional growth. Below, we explore how media can be leveraged to establish a compelling personal brand, with insights drawn from contemporary trends and academic programs.

Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Understanding Personal Branding
• Key Strategies
• Relevance of Media Education in Personal Branding
• Key Benefits of Media Programs
• Survey Data
• Key Hiring Statistics
• Creating a Personal Brand Action Plan
• Conclusion
• References

Key Takeaways

• Use social media: Consider it your stage. LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok are excellent platforms for exhibiting your abilities and interests. To establish a strong professional presence, share your thoughts, interact with people in the industry you work in, and allow your distinctive voice to shine through.
• Use Content to Share Your Story: Create a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast to share your knowledge and passion. Whether it’s through tutorials, personal anecdotes, or industry recommendations, generating content allows you to connect with people and demonstrate your skills.
• Create Your Digital Showcase: Your professional website is like your online CV. It’s a place to compile all your accomplishments, initiatives, and testimonials. Keep it up to date with frequent changes, and make sure it’s simple to browse so visitors can quickly understand what you’re about.
• Learn and Grow Through Media Education: Programs such as the LJMU Media Culture and Communication BA (Hons) at Westford may be game changers. They teach you how to handle media technologies, acquire hands-on experience, and build vital contacts to further your career.
• Be Social Media-Smart: Employers often review social media accounts during the recruiting process. More than 70% of them do this, and a considerable percentage have made decisions based on their findings. So, it’s critical to carefully manage your online presence to ensure that it reflects the best version of you.

Understanding Personal Branding

Personal branding is the practice of marketing oneself and one’s career as a brand. It involves:

• Identifying Unique Strengths: Understanding what sets you apart from others in your field.
• Communicating Value: Clearly articulating your skills, experiences, and contributions.
• Consistent Engagement: Maintaining a consistent presence and interaction with your audience.

Key Strategies

The use of media tools is pivotal in developing a personal brand. Here are key strategies:

Social Media Platforms

LinkedIn

• Create a professional profile highlighting your education, experiences, and skills.
• Share industry-related content to position yourself as a thought leader.
• Engage with professionals and groups in your field to expand your network.

Instagram and TikTok

• Showcase your creativity and personal interests through visual storytelling.
• Use hashtags strategically to increase visibility.
• Collaborate with influencers to reach a broader audience.

Blogging and Content Creation

Start a Blog or YouTube Channel

• Share insights, tutorials, and personal stories related to your field of interest.
• Utilize SEO strategies to increase your content’s reach.
• Encourage audience interaction through comments and feedback

Podcasts and Webinars

Host or Participate in Podcasts

• Discuss topics related to your expertise to demonstrate your knowledge.
• Collaborate with industry experts to enrich content and gain exposure.
• Use webinars to engage live with your audience, answering questions and sharing insights.

Digital Portfolios

Create a Professional Website

• Compile your work, achievements, and testimonials in a digital portfolio.
• Include a blog section for regular updates on your projects and insights.
• Optimize for mobile and ensure a user-friendly design.

Relevance of Media Education in Personal Branding

Educational programs can significantly aid in building a personal brand. For instance, Liverpool John Moores University’s-  Media Culture and Communication BA (Hons) program delivered by Westford University College provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the media and communication industries.

Key Benefits of Media Programs

Skill Development

• Gain expertise in media production, digital marketing, and communication strategies.
• Learn about the latest tools and technologies in media.

Practical Experience

• Engage in projects and internships that offer real-world experience.
• Build a portfolio of work that showcases your capabilities.

Networking Opportunities

• Connect with industry professionals and alumni for guidance and mentorship.
• Participate in seminars and workshops to enhance your learning and exposure.

Survey Data

Recent survey data from major job portals reveal the growing importance of personal branding in career development.

Digital Presence Matters

• Professionals with strong personal brands are more likely to receive job offers and promotions.

Visual Content is Key

• Visual content, such as videos and infographics, receives higher engagement on social media platforms.
• Infographics are shared three times more than other content types, making them an effective tool for branding.

Key Hiring Statistics

Social Media Checks

• Over 70% of employers check candidates’ social media profiles during the hiring process (Fischer, & Reece, 2021).
• 54% of employers have rejected a candidate based on their social media profiles (Fischer, & Reece, 2021).

From the above studies, here is a combined pie chart illustrating the impact of social media checks on the hiring process:

• 54% of employers have rejected a candidate based on their social media profile.
• 16% of employers check social media but do not reject candidates based on it.
• 30% of employers do not check social media at all.

This chart provides a comprehensive view of how social media checks influence hiring decisions.

Creating a Personal Brand Action Plan

Here’s a step-by-step guide to building your brand using media:

Conclusion

Building a personal brand through media is a dynamic and ongoing process. By strategically utilizing media tools and educational resources like the LJMU Media Culture and Communication BA (Hons) program, students and professionals can effectively establish and promote their brands. Embrace the power of media to connect with your audience, showcase your talents, and advance your career.

Incorporating media into your personal branding strategy not only enhances your visibility but also reinforces your identity in a competitive landscape. Start building your brand today and unlock a world of opportunities.

References

Fischer, A. and Reece, A., 2021. Stop screening job candidates’ social media. Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2021/09/stop-screening-job-candidates-social-media [Accessed 6 August 2024].