TLU Resources

"Third level institutions, like businesses all over the world, are in competition with each other to deliver the best programmes in the country to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. They are on the lookout for that unique element to make them stand out from their competitors. One of the most unique elements that all institutions have are their staff and students. Each and every person in that institution has a unique story and it is these stories that will set an institution apart. Today’s sharing culture allows us all to be in a prime position to share these stories through the use of social media. For staff, personal branding is a way to showcase their own research and that of their institution. The knowledge and experience staff bring to any discipline is a valuable asset that needs to be promoted. The use of social media tools like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are ways to connect with peers, researchers and students alike to share opinions, achievements, events etc. In addition, it will enable future potential students to gain a valuable insight into programmes, modules and research activity on offer by an institution across multiple disciplines. Students need to be aware of the impact that their social media presence can have on their reputation, both personally and professionally. They need to understand how personal branding with social media can be used to showcase their academic achievements and to enhance their employability. However, just using social media is not enough. Personal branding techniques gained from this workshop demonstrated how a strategically planned social media format between staff and students can truly showcase the importance of programmes delivered by that institution. The aims of this workshop were to: Explain what is meant by personal branding and how a strategically planned social media format between staff and students can truly showcase the importance of programmes delivered by that institution. Demonstrate the utilisation of branding and social media tools to create a personal brand. Demonstrate how to manage a personal brand."