An academician's Personal Branding journey by Dr Everil Jacklin Fernandes, Asst Professor, MAHE Manipal

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal was established in the year 1953. MAHE, Manipal attained the status of Deemed to be University in June 1993 by the Government of India. MAHE Manipal is recognised by UGC. MAHE courses include MBBS, MBA, B.Tech, B.Sc., MD, MA, and others. Manipal Academy of Higher Education admissions are offered based on entrance exams like MET /CAT / NEET /XAT /CMAT /IPMAT /JIPMAT /and MAT.

In the bustling corridors of academia, where teaching and research often take centre stage, I, an academician with five years of teaching experience, embarked on a unique journey to carve my niche and build a distinctive personal brand. As I delved into the world of research and event coordination, I discovered that self-awareness was the compass guiding me through this academic odyssey.

Defining a personal brand is a deeply individual and introspective process that requires a keen sense of self-awareness. At its core, a personal brand is the distinctive identity that you intentionally craft and project to the world, encompassing your values, expertise, and unique characteristics. It's the story you tell about yourself, the reputation you build, and the perception others have of you. While the specifics of personal branding can differ from person to person, the foundation of a compelling personal brand indeed rests upon self-awareness.

Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses: A Humble Beginning; My story begins with a humble acknowledgment of my strengths and weaknesses. Teaching had always been my forte, with students lauding my engaging lectures and empathetic approach. Beyond the classroom, I understood that my brand was not just about the subjects I taught but also the why behind my choices. Clearly defining my values and beliefs became the foundation for the narratives I shared with my students and peers. Authenticity, I believed, was the key to connecting with my audience on a deeper level.

Identifying a Unique Proposition: The Art of Differentiation: In the crowded academic landscape, I pondered what set me apart. Was it a teaching method, a novel research approach, or perhaps a distinctive personality trait? Embracing my uniqueness, I realised that my passion for event coordination could be my signature, setting me on a path to becoming not just a teacher and researcher but also a masterful event coordinator. With newfound clarity, I extended my self-awareness to articulate a vision. Where did I want to go, and what impact did I aspire to make? This vision became the guiding force behind my personal brand, shaping my goals and the narrative I constructed around my professional journey.

Recognising Impact: From Classroom to the Grand Stage As I engaged in high-profile event coordination for the university, I took a moment to reflect on the impact of my work. How had my ideas and actions influenced others? Recognising the positive aspects of my personal brand, I realised the importance of communicating my value and contributions to a wider audience.

Feedback and Reflection: The Academic Symbiosis In my pursuit of excellence, I actively sought feedback from peers, mentors, and collaborators. This external perspective provided invaluable insights that, coupled with regular reflection, allowed for continuous refinement of my personal brand. The academic symbiosis of learning from others and introspection propelled me forward. Understanding that actions spoke louder than words, I ensured that my event coordination endeavours aligned seamlessly with the image I cultivated. Consistency became the cornerstone of trust, reinforcing the authenticity of my personal brand.

Adaptability and Growth: A Continual Academic Symphony; As an academician, I embraced the reality that growth is a continual process. Open to learning, adapting, and evolving, my personal brand reflected a commitment to growth and development, resonating with a dynamic and changing audience. My journey in building a personal brand serves as an inspiring tale of an academician navigating the intricate tapestry of teaching, research, and event coordination. With self-awareness as my guiding light, I emerged not only as an educator and researcher but also as a curator of impactful events, creating a personal brand that resonates authentically with my audience—a true representation of who I am and what I stand for in the ever-evolving world of academia.

In conclusion, self-awareness involves recognising that growth is a continual process. Be open to learning, adapting, and evolving. A personal brand that reflects a commitment to growth and development is more likely to resonate with a dynamic and changing audience.

In essence, defining your personal brand is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires introspection, reflection, and a willingness to embrace your authentic self. By being attuned to your values, strengths, and aspirations, you can create a personal brand that not only resonates with your audience but also serves as a true representation of who you are and what you stand for.

By sharing this journey, I hope to inspire others to create their own niche, start somewhere, and forge a personal brand that authentically reflects who they are and what they aspire to achieve in the academic world. Every beginning is a chance to learn, adapt, and make a meaningful impact, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me and those who are inspired to carve their own paths.

Disclaimer: The content is sourced from the official press release shared by Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal and published as a part of the Careers360 marketing initiative.