Graduation comes faster than most students expect. One day you’re updating a syllabus, and the next you’re updating LinkedIn and wondering how to stand out in a crowded job market. That’s where personal branding comes in. Building a personal brand before graduating isn’t about self-promotion, it’s about clarity, consistency and credibility.
At its core, a personal brand is how people perceive you professionally. It’s what professors, peers, internship supervisors and recruiters think of when your name comes up. The good news is that you’re already building it, and the key is being intentional.
Start by identifying what you want to be known for. Are you interested in media relations, social media strategy, event planning or creative storytelling? You don’t need a niche locked in forever, but having a direction helps shape your experiences and messaging. Once you know your focus, make sure it shows up consistently across platforms, especially LinkedIn. A clear headline, concise summary and updated experience section go a long way in signaling your interests and strengths.
Next, put your work where people can see it. Whether it’s a digital portfolio, personal website or sharing career updates on LinkedIn, employers want proof of your skills. Class projects, PRSSA campaigns, social media graphics and writing samples all count. Even if you don’t have formal experience yet, showing initiative and growth matters just as much as a job title.
Networking is another major piece of personal branding, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Attending events, introducing yourself to guest speakers and following up with professionalshelps put a face to your name. The more people who know your interests and work ethic, the stronger your brand becomes. It’s important to remember that networking isn’t asking for favors, but rather, it’s focused on building relationships.
Your online presence matters, too. Recruiters often look beyond resumes, so be mindful of what’s public. This doesn’t mean deleting personality, but it does mean aligning your content with how you want to be perceived professionally. Sharing industry articles, celebrating accomplishments or posting about involvement in student organizations can reinforce your brand.
You have to let your brand evolve. You’ll gain new skills, interests and perspectives throughout college, and your personal brand should grow with you. What matters most is authenticity. When your brand reflects who you are and what you care about, it becomes something people remember long after graduation.
Isabellia Moyers-Chavez is a senior studying Strategic Communications with a minor in Marketing and can be found on LinkedIn here.