Class 17

Embracing Personal Branding and Interview Preparedness

Today, our classroom transformed into a gateway to the professional world as we welcomed a distinguished guest speaker to discuss career development. I was very pleased and eager to learn insights from her that could help me bridge the gap between academic life and the professional realm.

The Power of Personal Branding

Emphasizing the significance of personal branding was particularly enlightening for me as it has helped me shift my focus into working on my personal brand more. In a world saturated with talent, what distinguishes one candidate from another? It is the unique narrative we craft about ourselves. I chose to share with the class that I enjoy going into interviews with stories that share my accomplishments with the interviewer. I feel this is more engaging and sets me apart from the competition. Personal branding is not just about self promotion though; it is about authenticity and consistency. It is the amalgamation of our values, skills, and passions presented compellingly.

Preparation

Transitioning to interview preparadedness, I feel I learned a lot about how interviews are not just about answering questions but about storytelling. It is an opportunity to narrate our journey, challenges, and triumphs. A method I learned back at University really stuck with me during this part of the presentation and because of the presentation I feel that I will be more included to use the method I learned elsewhere.

The STAR method- situation, task, action, result- as a framework to structure our responses, ensuring clarity and impact.

I also learned back at University that it is highly important to research a company thoroughly prior to the interview. Understanding the mission, culture, and recent developments allows us to tailor our responses, demonstrating genuine interest and initiative.

Key Takeaways

The main things I took away from this presentation is to be authentic, find jobs that keep me engaged, be prepared for interviews, and always be working on and fine tuning your personal brand.

Looking Ahead

Inspired by today's session, I am committed to refining my personal brand and enhancing my interview skills. I plan to engage in mock interviews, seek feedback, and immerse myself in networking opportunities. The insights gained today have equipped me with the tools to navigate the transition from academia to the professional world confidently.

Outside Resource

I wanted to delve deeper into interview preparation, where I came across the article, "From the perfect CV to acing an interview- experts on 23 ways to get the job of your dreams". It offers comprehensive advice on crafting an impressive CV and mastering the interview process, providing valuable insights for recent graduates.

Therefore, today's session was more than just a presentation, it was a catalyst for personal and professional growth. As I embark on my career journey, the lessons learned today will undoubtedly serve as guiding principles, steering me toward success.