Student Submission: It’s about your brand
Brett Reynolds is a senior studying Marketing & Business Administration at Utah State. He is the Student Director for the Huntsman ProSales Program, a member of the HMA, and the Brand Manager for the creative company Denik, LLC.
STUDENTS, YOU AREN’T A PRODUCT. BUT YOU ARE A BRAND.
When a product is successful, the brand name is strengthened. When a product is unsuccessful, the brand name is damaged. Some brands continue to develop, continue to entertain, or continue to inform, while other brands sit still and slowly fade away.
You’ve heard about the importance of a company brand but have you stopped to think about your personal brand? Don’t let your GPA and degree be your brand.
Students spend their academic career stressing because of GPA. Nothing is more satisfying to a student than seeing an “A” on a final test. Professors also spend their careers stressing the importance of being in the top 20%, and peers compare test and assignment scores almost daily.
The truth is, business owners and hiring managers don’t really care about GPA, sometimes. GPA is just one small part of your brand. Your brand is what business owners and hiring managers really care about. Is your brand relying on your degree and GPA to be successful? As it turns out, Leadership and high-quality work experience are what hiring managers value most.
How can you build your personal brand?
LIST YOUR VISION:
Don’t just think, write. Name 10 attributes you would want others to see in you. For example, High Quality, Bold, Passionate, Educated, Free-Thinker, Stylish, Creative, Leader, Organized, Goes Above and Beyond the Norm.
NETWORK WITH PROFESSIONALS THAT INSPIRE YOU:
Brady Murray, the President/CEO at MassMutual Financial Group – Intermountain West, said, “You become the books that you read and the people you surround yourself with.” A smaller company trying to grow will focus on brand awareness, and brand awareness happens by collaboration with influencers and leaders in the industry. Similarly, you can grow your personal brand awareness by making an extended effort to reach out to people that inspire your vision.
SHOW AND TELL:
Don’t hide. If your brand inspires or adds value to others, there is no shame in amplifying it. Market yourself and be heard. Use tools like LinkedIn, Social Media, WordPress and Medium to market your brand. Speak up, talk to everyone and be seen.
Go above and beyond in building your personal brand. Don’t allow your brand to be just your GPA or just your degree. Unexpected opportunities will be there waiting, but only once you reach.
— brettreynolds126@gmail.com