Authentic Personal Branding in Today’s Digital Landscape
Wahiba Chair | Assistant Professor
ACSS Department, University Canada West
1-You’ve worked as an engineer, an entrepreneur, a digital strategist, and a professor. How have these different roles helped shape your personal brand?
I think what these roles taught me is the importance of knowing who you are (e.g. your values) and your audience (e.g. What do they care about?). Once you have clarity on those, it’s easier to build genuine connections, which are the backbone of personal branding.
2-Why is personal branding important for students today, and how can it help them in their future careers or in starting their own businesses?
In the AI age, when most applications don’t even get to be analyzed by humans, students need to stand out. The best way for them to stand out is by building their personal brands, particularly on LinkedIn, the world’s top professional network. This can help them build connections which will be beneficial whether they’re seeking to start their careers or a new business.
3-What are some common challenges people face when trying to build their personal brand?
-Sounding like AI chatbot (i.e. generic content)
-Overly promotional
-Not sharing anything personal or showing any vulnerability - which (in my opinion) is key to connecting with others on a human level.
4-How do you teach your students to build their personal brand, and are there any projects or initiatives you’ve worked on that help people develop their brand in a practical way?
In upper-level courses, my students are encouraged to create a LinkedIn profile and to connect with each other
-I will then encourage them to leverage some of the course content/updates as post ideas on LinkedIn
-e.g. In my capstone, students post using the course hashtag and we support each other as a community (they have to do a certain # of posts and comments throughout the term)
5-Do you think building a personal brand today is easier or harder than before, and how have digital tools and social media changed the way people create and grow their personal brand?
The tools are easier but it’s very noisy - People are more aware of personal branding and are posting more content which makes it harder for anyone to stand out. Posts that have personal stories with vulnerable and relatable moments are the ones which tend to cut through the noise.
Building Your Personal Brand as a Student
Annee Sharma
ACSS Department, University Canada West
In today’s competitive world, standing out isn’t just about grades or titles. It’s about how you present yourself and the story you tell. Your personal brand is that story: how classmates, professors, and employers remember you. The good news is: you can start building it right now as a student.
Introducing the BRAND framework!
1. Be Self Aware
Begin by identifying your strengths, values, and interests. What drives you? What do you want people to associate with your name? Maybe you are passionate about social impact, business innovation, or creative design. Clarity helps you express yourself with confidence and direction.
Pro Tip: Do a quick SWOT analysis, and add your findings to a vision board. It’s a great reminder of your goals and what makes you unique.
2. Reach Out and Get Involved
Join clubs, student associations, or volunteer with causes that reflect your goals. Whether you help organize an event, mentor peers, or support a community initiative, each experience strengthens your skills, builds your confidence, and shows initiative beyond the classroom.
Pro Tip: Participate in at least one event, club, or volunteer project each month. It’s an easy way to meet people, explore interests, and grow your brand naturally.
3. Apply What You Learn
Your projects can be more than just coursework. Design a campaign, conduct research, or organize an event, and share it.
Pro Tip: Take a group photo after completing a project and post it on LinkedIn with a short reflection about what you learned. It’s an authentic way to showcase teamwork and growth.
4. Nurture Your Online Presence
Keep your digital profile professional and align with your goals.
Pro Tip: Share one post every week or two on LinkedIn. It could be a learning experience, an achievement, or a campus highlight. Consistency builds visibility and credibility over time.
5. Develop Real Connections
Networking is about genuine relationships, not numbers. Engage with classmates, professors, and professionals.
Pro Tip: Message someone whose work inspires you. A short, thoughtful note or question can spark valuable mentorship or opportunity.