📘 Module 1: Personal Branding for Employment

Objective: To help college students develop a strong personal brand that increases their chances of securing internships and employment opportunities.

Lesson 1: Understanding Personal Branding

Learning Outcomes:

• Define personal branding.

• Understand the importance of personal branding in job hunting.

• Identify the benefits of a strong personal brand for students.

Content:

• What is personal branding?

• How your online and offline presence shapes employer perception.

• The role of reputation and digital footprint.

• Examples of personal branding by successful young professionals.

• Comparison between personal and institutional branding.

Activity:

• Complete a self-assessment: “What makes me stand out as a job candidate?”

Lesson 2: Identifying Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Learning Outcomes:

• Define and craft a UVP suitable for job applications.

• Identify and articulate personal strengths, skills, and interests.

• Understand how to align UVP with desired career paths.

Content:

• What is a UVP in the context of employment?

• Key components: strengths, passions, values, target industries.

• How to find and define your niche or specialization.

• Examples of UVPs for students in various fields (engineering, education, business, etc.).

Activity:

• Write your own UVP.

• Participate in peer or mentor feedback sessions.

Lesson 3: Crafting a Consistent Brand Voice and Image

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop a professional tone and visual identity.

• Apply consistency across job application materials and online presence.

Content:

• What is a personal brand voice? (e.g., confident, helpful, innovative)

• Visual branding basics: colors, fonts, professional photos.

• Ensuring consistency across CVs, social media, email signatures, and cover letters.

• How consistency builds trust with employers.

Activity:

• Create a personal brand style guide.

• Draft a professional email template for job inquiries or networking.

Lesson 4: Building a Standout Portfolio and Online Presence

Learning Outcomes:

• Build a simple personal website or portfolio.

• Showcase academic, volunteer, and internship experiences.

Content:

• Components of an effective student portfolio: bio, resume, projects, recommendations.

• Best platforms for students (LinkedIn, personal website, GitHub for tech students).

• Tips for writing strong descriptions of past work or school projects.

• Introduction to online tools and templates.

Activity:

• Create and publish a basic online portfolio.

• Add 1–2 case studies (school projects, internships, or volunteer work).

Lesson 5: Leveraging Social Media and Professional Networks

Learning Outcomes:

• Build a professional LinkedIn and social media profile.

• Use digital networking to find opportunities.

Content:

• Social media platforms useful for students (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).

• How to create engaging, career-oriented content.

• Joining and interacting in professional groups and networks.

• Using job boards and employer hashtags.

• Intro to job platforms relevant to your region (e.g., LinkedIn Jobs, JobCentre Malawi, etc.).

Activity:

• Optimize your LinkedIn profile.

• Create a one-month content plan to share academic or professional growth.