Building My Personal Brand with the UVA MOOC

Completing the Introduction to Personal Branding MOOC by the University of Virginia has been a transformative experience. The course taught me to define my value proposition, craft a clear mission, and identify cornerstone words that reflect my identity: Innovative, Curious, and Dedicated. My mission is simple yet powerful: To create sustainable solutions through innovation, curiosity, and collaboration, driving meaningful change. These principles now guide my professional journey and online presence.

To support my personal brand, I’ve refined my Personal Learning Environment (PLE) with tools that align with my goals. LinkedIn remains my go-to platform for networking, showcasing achievements, and engaging with professional groups. I’ve added X to share quick insights and connect with thought leaders, and Instagram to visually share projects and creative ideas. These platforms allow me to connect with diverse audiences and amplify my expertise in sustainability and the circular economy.

By integrating these lessons into my PLE, I’ve built a stronger and more cohesive digital identity. Each platform serves a unique purpose: LinkedIn for professional credibility, X for thought leadership, and Instagram for creative engagement. With this strategy, I feel confident in presenting my work and connecting with others passionate about making a difference. Let’s collaborate and grow together—connect with me on LinkedIn!

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About BERNARDO GUERRERO RODRIGUEZ

I am Bernardo Guerrero Rodriguez, a nanotechnology engineer and current master’s student in the Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) program, now at UPM in Madrid, specializing in Circular Economy. My background includes a Bachelor’s in Nanotechnology Engineering from Yachay Tech University in Ecuador, where I worked on projects in green chemistry, biopolymers, and nanoparticle synthesis. My focus areas include sustainable development, urban mining, and recycling of construction waste, with the goal of driving innovative, environmentally conscious solutions for industrial sustainability.

Building My Academic and Professional Digital Identity

Creating a strong digital identity is essential for building my academic and professional career. My plan focuses on showcasing my expertise in circular economy, urban mining, and sustainable materials while connecting with universities, companies, and researchers to drive innovation in waste management and resource recovery.

The plan includes key activities like building a personal website, updating LinkedIn, sharing research, and engaging with professional groups. I’ll use tools such as WordPress, ResearchGate, and Google Analytics to manage and improve my online presence. My main communication channels will include LinkedIn, my website, and professional events like webinars and conferences.

The infographic below summarizes my Digital Identity Plan, highlighting my goals, target audiences, resources, and content focus areas.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V6WyDNrwJp2V8mR6CsvoJv11djm2FWhW/view?usp=drive_link

This plan will help me share my work, build valuable connections, and contribute to advancing sustainability.

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About BERNARDO GUERRERO RODRIGUEZ

I am Bernardo Guerrero Rodriguez, a nanotechnology engineer and current master’s student in the Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) program, now at UPM in Madrid, specializing in Circular Economy. My background includes a Bachelor’s in Nanotechnology Engineering from Yachay Tech University in Ecuador, where I worked on projects in green chemistry, biopolymers, and nanoparticle synthesis. My focus areas include sustainable development, urban mining, and recycling of construction waste, with the goal of driving innovative, environmentally conscious solutions for industrial sustainability.

My Personal Learning Environment: From Where I Am to Where I Want to Be

Creating a Personal Learning Environment (PLE) has been a great way to reflect on how I manage my learning and growth. My initial PLE shows the tools I currently use for different aspects of my learning, such as searching for information, organizing tasks, communicating, creating content, and finding inspiration. It includes platforms like Google, YouTube, and Canva, which have been useful for my studies and creative projects. However, during our group discussion, I realized that my PLE could be more focused on my long-term academic and professional goals.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zbz6GYYIXE5AsdCaVL9p_X-2NCyWRSVy/view?usp=drive_link

With this in mind, I worked on my target PLE to include tools that align better with where I want to go. For example, I added resources like Eurostat and OpenLCA for data and sustainability analysis, Mendeley for managing research, and Python and Premiere Pro to develop technical and creative skills. My target PLE also includes Coursera and LinkedIn for professional learning, which will help me gain new knowledge and stay updated. This process has helped me see how I can improve the way I learn by combining useful tools and organizing them more effectively. It’s exciting to think about how my PLE will keep evolving as I grow and take on new challenges!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jji1tqlczhev0n2MD3_vDjfa91izI2T6/view?usp=drive_link

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About BERNARDO GUERRERO RODRIGUEZ

I am Bernardo Guerrero Rodriguez, a nanotechnology engineer and current master’s student in the Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) program, now at UPM in Madrid, specializing in Circular Economy. My background includes a Bachelor’s in Nanotechnology Engineering from Yachay Tech University in Ecuador, where I worked on projects in green chemistry, biopolymers, and nanoparticle synthesis. My focus areas include sustainable development, urban mining, and recycling of construction waste, with the goal of driving innovative, environmentally conscious solutions for industrial sustainability.

Personal Reflection of my experience in The Week

Reflecting on my experience in The Week, I feel that my path in the circular economy is coming into focus. The sessions provided more than insights into climate change; they guided me to think deeply about my motivations and what I truly want from my career. In 10 years, I see myself working on projects focused on using waste as a resource—not from a place of feeling like a hero but because I genuinely find it fascinating. The challenges involved in transforming waste into value capture my interest, and I’m excited by the prospect of bringing a circular mindset to every project I take on, even if reducing waste isn’t the main goal.

This journey has been a chance to connect with my inner compass. I’ve realized that what drives me is more than just the idea of sustainability—it’s the chance to keep learning, to collaborate with people who inspire me, and to apply my skills in new and creative ways. While I don’t know where this path will take me geographically, I hope to continue meeting people who share my commitment, expanding my knowledge, and finding innovative ways to help the circular economy thrive. Wherever I end up, I’m looking forward to using my skills to make a meaningful impact and contributing to a more sustainable world.

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About BERNARDO GUERRERO RODRIGUEZ

I am Bernardo Guerrero Rodriguez, a nanotechnology engineer and current master’s student in the Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) program, now at UPM in Madrid, specializing in Circular Economy. My background includes a Bachelor’s in Nanotechnology Engineering from Yachay Tech University in Ecuador, where I worked on projects in green chemistry, biopolymers, and nanoparticle synthesis. My focus areas include sustainable development, urban mining, and recycling of construction waste, with the goal of driving innovative, environmentally conscious solutions for industrial sustainability.

Personal reflection on my professional future.

After watching the documentary #MiEmpleoMiFuturo, I feel both uncertain and motivated about my future career. As a master’s student specializing in Circular Economy and with a background in Nanotechnology Engineering, I realize that the rapid rise of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will change how industries operate. Although machines might take over many jobs, new opportunities will emerge for people who can think critically, solve complex problems, and innovate—skills that machines cannot replicate​

In my field, which focuses on sustainable practices like urban mining and recycling construction waste, I see the need for human-driven solutions to global challenges like climate change and pollution. Machines can process information, but they won’t care about the environment or social well-being. This makes me feel that my work has a purpose beyond just the technical aspects—it’s about making a real difference in the world​

The documentary also highlighted how the current education system doesn’t always prepare us for this future. We need to focus more on developing critical thinking and creativity, skills that will remain valuable in a tech-driven world. As I move forward in my career, I want to stay flexible, continuously learning, and using my skills to help create a more sustainable future.

Overall, the future is uncertain, but it also holds exciting possibilities for those of us willing to adapt and use technology to make a positive impact on the planet and society.

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About BERNARDO GUERRERO RODRIGUEZ

I am Bernardo Guerrero Rodriguez, a nanotechnology engineer and current master’s student in the Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) program, now at UPM in Madrid, specializing in Circular Economy. My background includes a Bachelor’s in Nanotechnology Engineering from Yachay Tech University in Ecuador, where I worked on projects in green chemistry, biopolymers, and nanoparticle synthesis. My focus areas include sustainable development, urban mining, and recycling of construction waste, with the goal of driving innovative, environmentally conscious solutions for industrial sustainability.

Bernardo Guerrero Rodríguez – Introducing myself

Hello everyone! My name is Bernardo, and I’m currently in Madrid, Spain, at the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), where I’m in the second year of the AMIR (Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling) master’s program, focusing on Circular Economy. In my first year, I studied at the University of NOVA of Lisboa in Portugal, diving into subjects like green chemistry, mineralogy, and sustainable innovations.

I’m from Ecuador, with a Bachelor’s in Nanotechnology Engineering from Yachay Tech University, where I worked on projects in biopolymers, nanoparticle synthesis, and sustainable materials. This experience sparked my interest in eco-friendly industrial practices, and through the AMIR program, I’m now exploring recycling, waste management, and urban mining. Being part of this program has been an inspiring journey, connecting me with people from around the world, and I look forward to sharing ideas and learning from others here as we work toward a sustainable future.

Avatar photo

About BERNARDO GUERRERO RODRIGUEZ

I am Bernardo Guerrero Rodriguez, a nanotechnology engineer and current master’s student in the Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) program, now at UPM in Madrid, specializing in Circular Economy. My background includes a Bachelor’s in Nanotechnology Engineering from Yachay Tech University in Ecuador, where I worked on projects in green chemistry, biopolymers, and nanoparticle synthesis. My focus areas include sustainable development, urban mining, and recycling of construction waste, with the goal of driving innovative, environmentally conscious solutions for industrial sustainability.