What do people say about you when you leave the room? Whether you’ve worked on it or not, the answer is your personal brand.
As a university student, you might think that building a personal brand is something only influencers or seasoned professionals do. But the truth is, there’s no better time to start than right now, while you’re working on your university degree.
Learning how to build a personal brand while you’re still in university can help you stand out when applying for internships, launching a project, or even growing your presence as a content creator.
So let’s break down how you can begin shaping your personal brand today, one step at a time.
What Is a Personal Brand and Why Should Students Care?
A personal brand is not a logo, a perfectly curated feed, or a catchy tagline. A personal brand is the image people associate with you. That is, your personality, your values, your skills, and the way you communicate them.
In other words, what makes you “you”.
And you know what?
People begin to notice when you start sharing your ideas, interests, and goals. Professors remember you. Classmates reach out for projects. And recruiters see more than just your GPA. They all can see your potential.
So your personal brand can open doors to job offers, networking opportunities, freelance gigs, or simply meaningful connections with like-minded people.
But don’t get it wrong: building your personal brand as a student isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not. It’s about being intentional with how you show up. And the earlier you start shaping it, the better.
Steps to Build Your Personal Brand at University
You don’t need to have it all figured out to start building your brand. You just need to be clear about who you are, what you care about, and how you want to grow. Here are some simple steps to get you moving:
1 – Define what you want to be known for
Before you post anything or build a profile, take a moment to ask yourself: What do I want people to remember me for? Your message is what sets the tone for your entire personal brand.
It could be your passion for entrepreneurship, your interest in sustainability, or your ambition to work in international relations. Whatever it is, make sure it reflects who you are and where you want to go, and start shaping your brand around those themes.
2 – Curate your online presence
Your social media is often the first place people get to know you. That includes future employers, classmates, and collaborators. So take control of what they see.
Choose a professional photo for LinkedIn, write a short bio that shows your interests, and share content that aligns with your goals. You don’t have to be on every platform, but the ones you use should support the story you’re trying to tell.
3 – Start sharing your ideas
You don’t need to have 1,000 followers to start sharing your voice. Post an article that inspired you, comment on a topic related to your field, or share a project you’re working on.
You can do this on LinkedIn, Instagram, or even in class discussions. The goal is to start building a reputation for being thoughtful, curious, and engaged in something meaningful to you.
4 – Connect with people who share your interests
Building a personal brand is also about building relationships. Join university clubs, attend talks or workshops, introduce yourself after class, or connect with people on LinkedIn after meeting them at an event.
These small steps will create a network of people who know you, believe in you, and may open doors you hadn’t even considered. The key is being respectful and open to learning from others.
5 – Be consistent, but flexible
You don’t need to have all the answers right away. Your interests will change. Your goals might shift. And your brand will evolve. That’s part of the journey.
What matters is staying true to your values while being open to new ideas and experiences. Think of it as a work in progress. You’re not creating a version of yourself, you’re discovering it.
And remember: building a personal brand doesn’t happen overnight; every small step counts.
Tools and Platforms to Grow Your Personal Brand
Once you’ve defined your message and started taking action, it’s time to use the right tools to take your personal brand where it deserves to be. So, what are those tools? Here are some that are especially useful for university students:
This one’s essential if you want to grow professionally. Whether you’re looking for internships, networking opportunities, or simply a way to showcase your achievements, LinkedIn is where you want to be. Use it to write short posts, comment on industry topics, connect with professionals, and keep your profile updated with your experiences.
- Canva
Want to create a clean, professional look for your presentations, CV, or social posts? Canva is a user-friendly design tool that helps you build a consistent visual identity without needing design skills.
- Notion or Google Docs
These tools are great for organizing your ideas, planning content, or keeping track of your goals and experiences. Use them as a digital notebook to document your progress and keep your personal brand consistent.
- Instagram or TikTok (if it makes sense for your niche)
If your interests are visual, creative, or culture-related, platforms like Instagram or TikTok can help you build a more personal and approachable brand. Just make sure your content reflects the same values and direction you’re sharing elsewhere.
- Your university’s platforms
CIS University, for example, has its podcast “Conversaciones para un Mundo Mejor” where we share inspiring stories about entrepreneurship and personal branding. Participating in these spaces can increase your visibility and expand your audience.
Choose the tools that feel natural to you, and focus on being honest, intentional, and consistent with what you share. After all, the message is what matters most.
In short: start small, be real, and stay curious.
University is not just about classes and exams; it’s about discovering who you are and who you want to become. And your personal brand can be the bridge that connects those two things.
Looking for a university where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your potential is taken seriously?
