Career Development Insights – What I Would Tell Myself at 22 (Part B)


This is Part B of a a 2 part blog written by Charelle Lewis for the the Duke Engineering management blog.  Charelle is a certified IT Project Manager for GlaxoSmithKline.

Part B of Charelle’s blog focuses on Personal Branding.  Charelle points out 5 key points to the continual process of developing yourself with your employer.  Those points are;

1) Be Mindful of Your Reputation
2) Know Where You Stand
3) Learn The Art of Bragging
4) You’re Not Supposed to Know it All
5) Know Where You Draw the Line

In reality what Charelle has outlined here are some key components to your personal brand.

Many companies have tried to create a strong brand.  Those that succeed, and many do, create a product or company that cannot be mistaken.  You as a consumer buy many different strong brands, brands that stick in your mind for one reason or another.  The same holds true for employers, they hire people who have branded themselves by their work ethic, success and commitment to their field. It only makes sense to brand yourself in a way that your current or next employer cannot live without.

Branding yourself delivers a recognizable and unique value proposition.  Your personal brand is what’s on the cover, what you do best, and how people see you and where they see you. Branding yourself is a concept that is rooted in understanding yourself; who you are, how you think, what your abilities and beliefs are, what motivates you, and what doesn’t.  Your personal brand message will be focused on your strengths, abilities, and passions.  The objective is to make yourself noticed, attractive, identifiable and relevant.

By branding yourself you will be in a better position to secure a promotion, raise or a new job.  Many people believe that their employer “knows” them.  Would you be surprised to learn that after you have worked in a position for 6 months or more that you are identified by the position and not by strengths? Why not share your brand with your manager or HR department so they can better understand you and your abilities.  This will keep you top of mind for new assignments and promotions.  Branding yourself will also allow you to be recognized among your peers and within your industry.

Click here for the original article.

Personal Branding   This says it all!

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