A warning to all interns: Start building your personal brand now, before you graduate

Whether you’re fresh out of school or already accustomed to the groove of university, you will have increasingly heard the phrase “personal brand”. On first encounter the concept may seem completely alien or even unnecessary; however, in fact, you already have a brand but may not be aware of it. It’s the key that will open your eyes to prospects and create the opportunities that will hopefully lead to your dream career.

What is a personal brand?

Your personal brand is like your Facebook profile – it’s the aggregate of what people see and think when they meet you. As the term suggests, it is similar to a company brand. For example, when we see Apple’s logo or the Nike Swoosh, we immediately think of certain products and what the company means to us. Firms spend millions of dollars creating their brand; you should regard your brand as being just as important to selling yourself.

It is essential that you work hard to create your brand on your own terms.

By taking the initiative to develop it you are able to positively impact your reputation.

First you need to be aware that your every action is reflected in your brand. A partner at a top law firm recently told my class: “Once your reputation has been marred it’s gone forever.” So be mindful of how you behave in public and how you are portrayed online.

There are four essential considerations when building your brand:

1) First impressions count, always

Look presentable at all times. You don’t need to spend a fortune on designer clothes, just ensure that you put thought in to what you wear. I try to follow this line of thinking: dress for the job you want, not the one you have. It says that you pay attention to detail and that you care about your company and clients.

2) Work hard

Utilise your passion for the financial services industry. Being young, we are supposedly full of energy and enthusiasm – don’t let it go to waste. I arrive at my intern job early and leave as late as possible. The more hours I clock up gaining experience and learning from my colleagues will help me long term. Make yourself visible in a positive way, and don’t waste your employer’s time chatting on your mobile, answering personal emails, or looking at Facebook.

3) Impress your boss

Do everything in your power to ensure your work is correct and completed on time. Also, if you have the option, complete extra tasks – you’re there to gain experience and it may lessen other’s workloads.

4) Start networking

The Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) offers free membership and fantastic opportunities for students to connect with professionals and leaders in the industry. Look out for networking events run by your university or finance societies as well. Networking demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps promote your personal brand beyond your friendship circles. You may even consider making your own business cards, which will help to represent who you are and what you stand for. Create a LinkedIn profile as a student to establish your professional online presence and make sure your profile is consistent with the brand you wish to have.

There are many different ways to develop your personal brand; these examples are just a guide. Take some time to think about how you want to appear to others. If a colleague or employer were to describe you, what adjectives would you like them to use? Once you have established the sort of person you want to be, put in all your energy to ensure that it becomes a reality.

The author is studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Finance. The views expressed are his own and not those of eFinancialCareers.

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