Diversity Limitations: Thoughts on My Personal Branding Story

Note: Yesterday’s and today’s posts stemmed from discussions about James Madison University’s (JMU) diversity, or lack thereof, and the effects it may have on students entering an increasingly globalized workplace.

“It were not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races.” -Mark Twain

I couldn’t agree with Mr. Twain more. Variety in culture is what gets me out of bed in the morning. Different foods, clothing and social customs makes this world a place to constantly explore and question. In my personal life, I have sought experiences to travel to places where I do not know the language or social customs. I love New York City because it houses a multitude of cultures living within 20 square miles.

Unfortunately, I attend a university that is not the most diverse geographically and demographically. Approximately 70 percent of the student body is from Virginia and 60 percent are female. Despite these statistics, my university does spend time and money on enhancing diversity through conferences, scholarships and support offices. While I wish my school was more diverse, I have surprisingly learned a great deal about personal branding by the limitations in diversity.

My freshman year in college I applied to several organizations and was rejected. In high school, I was the over-achieving 3.8 GPA- senior service award recipient- musical actress- cheerleader. I was so confused. Why did I not get into these organizations? I wanted to be involved.

Oh. Probably because I was exactly like 30 other over-achieving- 3.8 GPA- senior service award recipients- musical actresses- cheerleaders applying. My freshman year was the first time I realized the importance of personal branding.

Although at the time I never had a class on marketing or branding, I immediately learned the different areas in which I could challenge myself to be different. By joining a sorority and leadership development program, I learned the basics about networking. I stepped outside of my comfort zone by studying abroad for the summer. I spoke up in class. I went to informational sessions and events that I normally would not attend. Most recently, I learned about the importance of LinkedIn, Facebook and my university’s own social media network JMU Nation.

Since my freshman year rut, I pushed myself to try different experiences outside my comfort zone. Even with the diversity limitations at my school, I have learned more about myself and my goals through competition with similar students. Although I love working in environments where there are differences in culture and gender, it was meeting women just like me vying for the same positions that I realized the importance of personal branding to my collegiate and professional career.

-Carla