Why is personal branding important for an intern?

Hi, I'm Natasha, currently doing my marketing summer internship at Wantedly. I landed this internship by attending the ‘DREAMS’ career and internship fair organised by my school, on the 23rd of February at Singapore Institute Of Management (SIM). The duration of the event lasted around 5 hours, and there were many big participating companies such as SATS Ltd, UOB and Baker Tilly.

I know it sounds daunting, but putting yourself out there and meeting potential employers is worth it. I also joined a few networking events and career connect group chats. These events were a great way to learn about different companies and meet people who could help me get my foot in the door.

Before you even apply for an internship, it's important to have a quality resume. My school mentor vetted my resume and gave me some great feedback. He also helped me connect with people who could help me find an internship.

My experience with getting a job has taught me the importance of personal branding. When I started, I didn't know what I had to offer. I didn't have any hard skills, and I didn't know how to market myself. But I learned personal branding is about highlighting your unique strengths and skills. It's also about managing your online presence and creating a positive professional reputation.

Personal branding is essential for interns because it helps them stand out. It also shows employers that you're serious about your career and that you're willing to put in the work to succeed.

I encourage you to start personal branding today if you are exploring internships or are already interning. It's not too late to start building your brand and making yourself a more attractive candidate for future jobs.

I hope you'll stick around to read this article because I'm about to share some tips and tricks that will help you throughout your school journey!

A resume is just that, personal branding on the other hand …

Everyone has a resume, which hardly makes you stand out. Having a resume, with merely a piece of paper to reflect who you are and define your capabilities as a worker, isn’t enough to guarantee you a job, as your standard resume will be caught up in the saturated and competitive job market.

A resume isn’t an accurate measure or reflection of who you are as an individual; it is not a good tool to showcase what sets you apart from others. As hiring managers and recruiters can skim through thousands of candidates with just a click, to have a personal brand is to stand out and get hired.

Personal branding is more intentional; it’s the way you want people to see you by enhancing the visibility and values that you outwardly represent. Emotions are evoked when people connect and interact with how you present yourself, highlighting your unique personality to others.

My first experience with personal branding started on a small scale.

Picture this: I started by dishing out fiery critical reviews on movies and mouth watering food, right on my Instagram Story for my ever-loyal followers. These followers? None other than my closest social media buddies. What started as a mere hobby quickly snowballed into an obsession. I couldn't help but share my thoughts on the crème de la crème of Netflix movies. You see, I discovered that people were wasting their precious time on overhyped, lackluster films. I took it upon myself to be their saviour, shining a bright light on the hidden gems they were missing out on. From underrated shows to tantalising delicacies, I made it my mission to give them the recognition they deserved.

As if that wasn't enough, I decided to take a leap of faith and dive headfirst into the realm of co-curricular activities at my university. I wasn't just testing the waters; I was ready to explore the depths of my unique strengths and weaknesses. Two fascinating groups caught my eye: the Modern Dance crew and the Malay Cultural and Muslim Society. Little did I know these experiences would become a kaleidoscope of self-discovery. They unveiled hidden facets of my personality, solidifying my beliefs and shaping the way I wanted others to perceive me.

Now, here's the real kicker—I may be 21, but trust me when I say there's an entire universe of opportunities awaiting us. The excitement of waking up with an open mind is electrifying. Life, my friend, is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, with surprises and thrills lurking around every corner.

So, here's my heartfelt challenge to you: muster up the courage, dear reader, and take that leap of faith to understand who you really are!

Personal branding is crucial as an intern

Personal branding is your ultimate headstart. It paves the way for invaluable connections with mentors and professionals in your field. By presenting yourself with professionalism and charisma, you'll effortlessly attract those who can guide and support you on your career journey.

But wait, there's more! Personal branding builds credibility and authority for the future. As you become renowned as a knowledgeable and trustworthy expert, you'll establish yourself as the go-to resource in your industry. This opens doors to networking, speaking engagements, and collaborations, expanding your professional network and fostering valuable relationships.

Think about it—employers and people will have a crystal-clear image of who you are. Your authentic voice will resonate, and you'll become unforgettable. Your unique selling proposition will shine, showcasing your specific interests and passions beyond the classroom. In short, personal branding forges an identity that's uniquely yours.

Now, here's the catch—this transformative process doesn't happen overnight. It demands courage and a willingness to put yourself out there. So, are you ready to take the plunge?