The Art of Personal Branding: Leveraging Your Marketing Degree

For those who are interested in a career filled with creativity, strategy and innovation, a business degree can be a popular and powerful tool. Diving deeper into the business world, marketing is one career path where you can help propel brands forward, establish new connections with audiences and ultimately enhance a business’s reputation. The adaptability of marketing degrees makes them essential across a variety of industries, ranging from traditional advertising to more modern digital marketing. One skill that most marketing professionals possess is the ability to effectively promote something – whether it's a product, a brand or even themselves. 

For aspiring marketing professionals, the journey begins well before securing a job. Picture yourself as the product or service being sold. It may feel weird at first but remember that you are making the case to hiring managers for why they should invest in you. Embrace the opportunity to position yourself as a standout candidate. 

As you embark on your journey armed with a marketing degree, it's crucial to understand how to differentiate yourself, build a compelling personal brand, and strategically position yourself for success. Here are some key first steps to consider:

Craft a Powerful Resume

Your resume is often your first impression to potential employers, and in marketing, it's essential to go beyond the basics. While listing your education and internships is important, consider adding a section that showcases specific marketing skills and accomplishments. Highlight any projects where you demonstrated creativity, strategic thinking or data-driven decision-making. This not only provides concrete examples of your abilities but also sets you apart from other candidates who may have similar academic backgrounds.

Additionally, emphasize any certifications or specialized training on your resume and make sure the professional references you provide can speak to your skills in these areas. In a field that evolves rapidly, showcasing your commitment to staying updated on the latest trends and technologies can be a valuable asset.

Create a Personal Brand

In a world saturated with a multitude of marketers, how do you ensure that your personal brand stands out? Start by identifying what makes you unique:

• What sets you apart from other marketing graduates?
• What are your core values?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What unique experiences and perspectives do you bring?
• What industries or niches are you most passionate about?
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

Whether it's your inventive problem-solving, storytelling finesse or proficiency in social media, ensure these factors shine in every aspect of your personal brand, blending your technical expertise with the always valuable soft skills.

Gain Relevant Experience

 While internships are undoubtedly valuable, consider expanding your horizons to gain a wider range of experiences. Seek out volunteer opportunities, freelance projects or even a personal blog. These experiences not only add depth to your resume but also demonstrate your drive for continuous improvement and ability to adapt to different challenges.

Amplify Your Experience

When showcasing your experiences, go beyond listing tasks, it’s up to you to tell a story that is uniquely yours. Amid a sea of candidates, it's not just about having experience; it's about presenting it in a way that stands out. Integrate your personal brand into the narrative, emphasizing what sets you apart.

Quantify your achievements, using metrics to underscore your impact. Shift the focus from tasks to the value you've added, making your accomplishments more impactful to hiring managers. Remember, it's not just about having experience; it's about how you communicate and utilize it to catch the eye of potential employers.

Build Professional Bridges

Networking is another powerful tool for gaining experience. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with others on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Consider elevating your LinkedIn profile by incorporating elements that showcase your expertise and thought leadership in the field by sharing insights, case studies or personal anecdotes you’re able to demonstrate your passion for marketing and position yourself as a reliable authority within your field. LinkedIn provides a platform to build professional bridges, enabling you to network with other industry professionals, attend virtual events, locate growth opportunities and join relevant professional groups. Building a strong network can open doors to mentorship, job opportunities and valuable insights into the ever-evolving field.

Remind yourself that there is only one of you, which is something no one else can recreate! Market yourself in a way that not only secures you the interview but positions you for a lifetime of success. Embrace your distinctive qualities and use them as the driving force behind your personal marketing strategy.

Herzing University is proud to offer marketing degrees for those who are ready to embark on a dynamic journey into a business or marketing career. Get started today!