Workshop: Personal Branding and Professional Visibility for researchers
Schedule:
9:15 Reception
9:30 Start
11:00 Coffee Break
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
3:30 Coffee Break
5:00 End
Workshop summary
PhD students and research associates wear many professional hats: they are researchers, lecturers, project managers, communicators, collaborators, and future thought leaders in academia and industry. When it comes to social media, many recognise questions such as: How do I talk about my work so people actually understand it? What should I put on my profile or CV to show what I really do? Do I need LinkedIn or other platforms, and if so, what should I post? How can I become more visible and avoid feeling like I’m constantly self‑promoting?
This interactive in‑person workshop supports PhD students – particularly from engineering and STEM fields – in developing a clear, authentic personal brand. Participants explore how to position their research and skills strategically, communicate their expertise effectively, and build professional visibility grounded in trust rather than self‑marketing pressure.
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- articulate a clear personal brand and positioning
- identify communication channels that are relevant for their goals
- draft initial content ideas and a simple content plan
- gain clarity on how to increase visibility in a way that feels aligned and sustainable
Facilitator: Jennifer Walter
Jennifer Walter holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Zurich and an MA in Sociology from University College Cork. She began her career with a graphic design apprenticeship and later worked for engineering, pharma, and biotech brands, building expertise in positioning and communication. She works with the FHNW (School of Engineering, School of Life Sciences, and School of Applied Psychology) in marketing and science communication, supporting researchers in translating complex knowledge into clear, compelling messages.
Her work focuses on personal branding at the intersection of strategy and sociology, with a particular interest in identity, trust, and belonging.
