I am a new grad about to join LinkedIn. How do I build my brand as an engineer and an expert in years to come?
I have younger siblings in college and when I hear them talk about “building your brand” I feel like puking 🤮 <— depiction of what I feel like
But it’s true. The reality is you don’t get promoted for good work, especially in tech and FAANG. You get promoted on measurable levels of impact. You have to stand out and that is building your brand.
Software Engineering is essentially the only career now where you can make insane money while remaining an invisible cog in the wheel. Doctors, Investment Bankers, Entrepreneurs, Lawyers - all need sales skills to make the big bucks. But tech will eventually revert to the mean, then tons of software engineers will really need more than technical skills to see major success.
Don't be a jerk.
Who are you building your brand for? Think about what your audience would like to learn about you and start from there
I really despise this kind of corporate talk
Whether you plan on moving into management or staying a coder forever, my advice: make yourself invaluable, and make connections with people. Become the local expert on something, or own a piece of a something. It’s not about being the smartest person in the room, but making yourself invaluable. Be the go-to person for something. You’ll be surprised how quickly the rest of your org picks up on your name. People matter a lot. Make friends. Have regular one-on-ones with both people above and below you. Bring people with you, don’t leave them behind. Build people up and celebrate their wins.
This will sound super basic. But it boils down to the following. Learn things that are worth learning and then subsequently share the learnings that are worth sharing in a digestible and enthusiastic manner. The what: valuable information you’ve acquired. The how: through communication with others (on LI/corporate network/networking sessions/presentations/etc) in a way they can learn. The why: building your brand.
You don't. Be humble and resist your crave for visibility!
Always be the first to help others.
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