“Take pride in your personal brand. Whether you’re just starting to build it or refining what’s already there, know that this is your story to tell. It’s not just about impressing others—it’s about being proud of who you are and the value you bring.”
When I was fresh out of school, I worked hard to make my resume stand out and it paid off! The reviews I received from mentors and recruiters were full of praise for its creativity and how it captured my experiences and leadership roles. But as much as I valued that piece of paper, I quickly realized that building a personal brand goes far beyond a polished resume. It’s about who you are, how you show up, and the value you bring, both online and in person.
Your personal brand is a reflection of your story, values, and strengths. It’s the sum of how you present yourself on LinkedIn, in interviews, and even at networking events. In a world where opportunities can come from a single connection or post, building a personal brand is not something to take lightly—it’s something to take pride in. Here’s how you can get started building and refining your personal brand with tangible advice and examples:
Start with Your Story
Anyone can list skills and job titles, but your story is what makes you unique. What experiences shaped who you are today? What values drive your decisions? When I built my personal brand, I wanted it to reflect not just my professional achievements, but the journey I took to get there. My transition from co-op roles to full-time work, my passion for mentorship and STEM outreach, and my personal growth experiences all play a part in how I present myself.
One great example of story-based branding is Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx. Her personal brand isn’t just about her product, it’s about her journey from selling fax machines door-to-door to becoming a self-made billionaire. She consistently shares her story of resilience and perseverance, and that authenticity resonates with people on a deep level. Your story can do the same. Reflect on the moments that defined your career and growth, and don’t be afraid to incorporate them into your brand.
Own Your Online Presence
In today’s digital age, your online presence is often the first impression someone has of you. For me, building my LinkedIn profile wasn’t just about listing jobs; it was about curating an online space that reflected my values, passions, and accomplishments. I took the time to highlight my leadership roles, my involvement with the Society of Women Engineers, and my work in operations management, all while showcasing my personality.
One key tip here is to be intentional with your online engagement. Gary Vaynerchuk, an entrepreneur and marketing expert, advises creating content that provides value. For example, instead of only posting about your own achievements, try sharing insights from your field, lessons learned from challenges, or helpful advice for others in your industry. This positions you as a thought leader and someone who contributes meaningfully to conversations in your industry.
“Your personal brand is your reputation. And your reputation in perpetuity is the foundation of your career.”
Gary Vaynerchuk – Entrepreneur and Investor
In addition to LinkedIn, don’t overlook other platforms where your brand can shine. For example, GitHub for developers or Behance for designers are excellent places to showcase your work in creative, specialized formats. Keep your online presence consistent across platforms, with a focus on demonstrating your expertise and values.
Stand Out in Interviews and Networking Events
Your personal brand extends beyond your resume and online profiles, it’s how you carry yourself in conversations and interviews. I’ve always believed that authenticity is key. When you’re networking or interviewing, it’s not about saying what you think the other person wants to hear; it’s about staying true to your values and experiences.
In interviews, don’t shy away from sharing the “why” behind your career decisions. When Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, was interviewing at Google, she didn’t just talk about her skills; she emphasized her passion for building meaningful relationships and creating a positive impact. That’s what made her stand out. Likewise, in networking situations, focus on building genuine connections instead of simply exchanging business cards. Ask thoughtful questions, follow up with personalized messages, and continue to engage over time.
Practical tip: Be prepared with a 30-second elevator pitch that sums up your brand. Highlight your strengths, what you’re passionate about, and why you’re different.
“Hi, I’m Olivia Wright. I’m an operations manager with a passion for optimizing supply chains and mentoring future leaders in STEM. I’ve spent the past five years leading innovative projects that drive efficiency and cost savings, and I’m always looking for ways to foster creativity in engineering.”
Take Pride in Your Branding
Here’s my biggest piece of advice: take pride in your personal brand. Whether you’re just starting to build it or refining what’s already there, know that this is your story to tell. It’s not just about impressing others—it’s about being proud of who you are and the value you bring. Your personal brand is a living thing that grows with you, and it’s something to nurture with intention and care.
Let’s look at Michelle Obama as an example of someone who has consistently stayed true to her brand. Her focus on empowerment, education, and advocacy for women and girls has remained a core part of her identity, no matter what role she’s in. She’s authentic, and that authenticity makes her brand powerful.
Your personal brand should grow as you do. Keep updating it as you gain new experiences, learn new skills, and take on new roles. The more it reflects who you truly are, the more powerful it becomes.
Be Consistent and Authentic Across Platforms
One thing people often forget is the importance of consistency. Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and in-person presentation should all tell the same story. This doesn’t mean every platform needs to look identical, but the core values and experiences you share should align.
For example, Elon Musk is known for his ambitious, visionary branding across platforms. Whether he’s tweeting about Tesla’s next move or speaking in an interview about his work with SpaceX, his message is consistent: he’s focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Your message should be equally clear and aligned, no matter the context.
Building your personal brand is a continuous journey. It’s about showcasing not just what you do, but who you are and how you add value. From your resume to your LinkedIn profile, interviews, and networking events, your brand should tell your story and reflect the pride you take in your experiences and growth. By focusing on your unique journey, being intentional with your online presence, and staying authentic in every interaction, you can create a personal brand that sets you apart from the crowd.
Olivia N. Wright 
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