Personal branding has always felt like a buzzword—something important, but also vague. When I enrolled in the Introduction to Personal Branding MOOC by the University of Virginia, I didn’t fully know what to expect. It turned out to be a revelation, offering clear, actionable steps to create a meaningful and authentic digital presence. It wasn’t just about putting yourself out there; it was about how to do it intentionally.
A Fresh Perspective on Social Media: The 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 rule stood out to me as one of the most practical takeaways. It’s such a simple concept but incredibly powerful: focus your energy where it truly matters. In the context of social media, this means that a small fraction of your content or engagement drives most of the results. It made me rethink how I approach my posts on LinkedIn or interactions on Twitter—quality and purpose over quantity.
A Personality Test That Went Deeper
One of the more unexpected parts of the course was a personality test. I know, personality tests can sometimes feel like fluff, but this one genuinely helped me. It wasn’t just about finding out whether I’m introverted or extroverted. It helped me understand how my unique traits influence the way I present myself online. Knowing this, I felt more confident leaning into my natural strengths and not trying to imitate what “successful” personal branding looks like for others.
Guarding Privacy in a Hyperconnected World
Another topic that hit close to home was digital privacy. Let’s face it, we’re all online a lot, and sometimes it’s easy to forget how much we’re giving away. The course didn’t just teach me to secure my accounts—it taught me how to create boundaries. It felt like a reminder that being “authentic” doesn’t mean sharing every detail of your life. Privacy can coexist with transparency.
Reflections: More Than Just a Course
What surprised me the most about this MOOC was how personal it felt. It wasn’t about pushing you to build a “perfect” brand but encouraging you to craft one that’s you. I’ve already started implementing what I learned—updating my profiles, rethinking how I engage online, and even crafting a personal mission statement.
About SHOUVIK BHADRA
Greetings! I am Shouvik Bhadra from Bangladesh. I hold a bachelor's degree in Leather Products Engineering, specializing in chemistry and applied chemistry. Currently, I am pursuing my Erasmus Mundus Master's in Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling. My academic and research interests focus on sustainable materials for energy applications, waste valorization, and recycling. Beyond academics, I am passionate about traveling, cooking, and discovering diverse culinary experiences around the world.
