Aspire Future Leaders: Building a Personal Brand for the Future

Students on the Aspire Future Leaders programme recently took part in an interactive workshop exploring how personal branding, professional behaviours and digital reputation can help shape their future opportunities. 

The session encouraged students to consider how they present themselves, both online and offline, and the importance of making a positive first impression. Through video examples, practical scenarios and discussion, students explored communication, body language, teamwork, emotional intelligence and the qualities valued by universities and employers. 

A key focus was the growing importance of digital reputation, including how LinkedIn can help students establish a professional online presence, showcase their skills, achievements and experiences, and begin building valuable connections for the future. 

The workshop brought together marketing and careers expertise to provide practical insights into building a positive personal brand, developing confidence and recognising how everyday behaviours can influence future opportunities. Students were encouraged to identify their individual strengths, embrace new experiences and consider the reputation they would like to build. 

Positive student feedback 

Feedback from the workshop was extremely encouraging, with 100% of respondents reporting that the session helped them feel better prepared for their future careers and improved their understanding of how online and offline behaviours can influence opportunities. 

All respondents also indicated that they were likely to apply what they had learned, while students highlighted the practical advice on interviews, body language and professional communication as particularly valuable. Their reflections included: 

“The importance of being flexible and turning situations into positive experiences.” 

“How body language can influence the impression others have of you.” 

“How to present myself professionally and confidently in an interview.” 

Students also identified positive next steps, including developing LinkedIn profiles, improving their interview techniques and becoming more confident communicators. 

The workshop formed part of the Aspire Future Leaders programme, led by Ellie Witcher, and was delivered by Catherine Mattingly, Careers Lead and Rhian Mason, Director of Engagement, Marketing & Communications, and , drawing on their combined expertise in marketing, communications, professional development and careers guidance. 

The session demonstrates how collaboration across College teams is helping students develop the confidence, skills and professional awareness to make the most of future opportunities in higher education, employment and beyond.