Foundations of Self-Branding & Building Your Early Network

From Campus to Corporate: Mastering the Art of Networking and Self-Branding at Christ University Lavasa

The transition from a university student to a corporate professional doesn't happen overnight when you are handed your degree; it begins the moment you step onto campus. Recognizing this crucial reality, the BBA Department’s Global Professional Development (GPD) Committee at Christ University, Pune Lavasa Campus, recently hosted a transformative event on "Professional Networking and Self-Branding." Held on October 24, 2026, in the Management Block Auditorium, the day was dedicated to helping students unlock the power of their personal and professional identities.

We had the distinct honor of hosting Prof. Sharad Gupta, an esteemed Assistant Professor and Placement Coordinator at our campus, who brought a wealth of academic and industry insights directly to our students. Known for his deep expertise in business administration and digital strategy, Prof. Gupta perfectly bridged the gap between theory and practice. What made this event particularly unique and impactful was the structural innovation implemented by the GPD Committee. Rather than a generic seminar, the day was split into two highly tailored sessions, acknowledging that a first-year student’s professional needs vastly differ from those of a second-year student actively seeking internships.

The morning kicked off at 10:05 AM with the BBA first-year cohort. For many of these freshers, the concept of a "personal brand" was entirely new. Prof. Gupta expertly demystified the topic, explaining that a personal brand isn't just for influencers or CEOs; it is the collective perception of your reputation, your digital footprint, and the way you handle yourself in academic and social settings. The session focused heavily on the foundations: auditing one's current online presence, setting up a pristine LinkedIn profile, and understanding the sheer importance of building relationships with peers and faculty early on. He emphasized that every online interaction contributes to their future professional image. The realization that their personal brand was already being formed in the classrooms of Lavasa was a profound wake-up call for the freshmen.

As the clock struck 11:10 AM, the auditorium welcomed the BBA second-year students. With graduation and the pressure of securing prime internships looming closer for this group, the energy shifted toward strategic application. Prof. Gupta guided the sophomores through the intricacies of "Strategic Networking for Career Growth." The highlights of this hour included mastering the art of the 30-second elevator pitch and learning the correct etiquette for reaching out to industry professionals and university alumni via cold messages. Students were taught that networking is not about transactional favors; it is about cultivating authentic, value-driven relationships over time that can organically lead to mentorships and career breakthroughs.

The engagement throughout both sessions was electric. Prof. Gupta eschewed traditional, monotonous lectures in favor of a dynamic, workshop-style delivery. Live profile critiques, interactive Q&A segments, and real-time networking exercises kept the students on the edge of their seats. The sessions deeply aligned with ethical values, stressing that a personal brand must always be rooted in truth, authenticity, and unwavering professional integrity.

By the time the event concluded shortly after noon, the impact was palpable. Students walked out of the Management Block not just with theoretical knowledge, but with actionable blueprints for their careers. For Christ University Pune Lavasa, this event was a testament to our commitment to holistic education—ensuring that our graduates are not only academically proficient but also globally connected, confident, and unapologetically ready to make their mark on the corporate world.