Image used for representation only
Doha, Qatar: The once-segregated realms of personal and professional spheres have converged, giving rise to an era where the omnipresent force of online platforms has revolutionized networking, personal branding, and job hunting.
The seismic shift brought about by social media has reshaped career development, creating a landscape where success is increasingly defined by clicks, connections, and captivating content; Senior Career Development Specialist at Qatar Career Development Center, Hamad Al Badr said.
“Building a personal brand on social media can be a powerful tool for career development,” Al Badr told The Peninsula.
“In the digital age, platforms like LinkedIn, X platform, and even Instagram have become instrumental in shaping career trajectories and opening doors to previously difficult opportunities," he said adding that professionals can now showcase their skills, experience, and achievements to a wider audience, fostering connections and attracting potential employers.
As it continues to weave its way into the intricate tapestry of modern life, social media has undergone a transformative evolution, molding how people interact, how industries adapt, and how professionals navigate their careers.
Al Badr said that social media creates an image for people to interact with and learn about without wasting time and meeting in person.
“Social media can also offer a wealth of information and resources, from industry insights to job postings, empowering individuals to stay informed on labor market trends and available opportunities,” he said.
Al Badr also outlines some important factors that should be considered in building a personal brand on social media.
“Define your brand,” he said, adding that professionals should determine what they want to be known for and identify their unique strengths, skills, and expertise.
“Consider your passions, values, and the audience you want to target. Before creating your brand, one must identify and be confident in their goals of how they want to be perceived. Let your brand grow with you, adjust to the market, and let it reflect your new skills to your audience,” he added.
According to Al Badr, selecting social media platforms that align with the professional’s goals and target audience is essential.
“There are universal platforms, such as LinkedIn, for your professional brand identity; however, focus on platforms where your industry peers, potential employers, or clients are active. For example, a graphic designer may prefer platforms such as Instagram or personal blogs to display their work, as it relies on imagery and captures aesthetics well,” he said.
Al Badr also said that professionals can develop a clear and compelling message that reflects their brand, Maintain a consistent visual identity across social media profiles, Create and share valuable content related to area of expertise, Actively engage with their audience, and participate in conversations related to your industry; Leverage personal brand to seek new opportunities such as speaking engagements, guest blogging, podcast appearances, or collaborations.
“Companies and institutions have also recognized the power of having a distinguishable brand on social media. However, the utility of social media branding has become so important that a new set of occupations has emerged to support individuals and companies in building and transforming their brand identities,” said Al Badr, adding jobs such as Content Creator, Influencer, Digital Marketing Specialist and Brand Strategist as examples.
“With the power of social media, career development has become a dynamic and interactive process, revolutionising how we navigate professional growth in today’s interconnected world. That is why it is vital to have any degree of professional online presence; let the world know who you are, make connections, inspire, and feel inspired,” he said.
