Marketing Pro Shares Tips for Building Authentic Personal Brand

Olivia Scott, founder of Omerge Alliances, advises Loyola students to focus on consistency and values over curated online personas.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:39pm

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When Olivia Scott, a marketing professional and instructor at Loyola University New Orleans, spoke to students about personal branding, she emphasized the importance of authenticity over simply creating a polished online presence. Scott encouraged students to identify their strengths and career goals, and then communicate those qualities clearly through their digital platforms and professional interactions.

Why it matters

As internships and job applications become more competitive, understanding personal branding is crucial for students preparing to enter the workforce. Scott's message highlighted the growing connection between identity, professionalism, and digital presence in today's job market.

The details

Scott, the founder of marketing and branding company Omerge Alliances, told students that personal branding is about more than just a LinkedIn profile or curated social media feeds. Instead, she encouraged them to focus on consistency between their digital presence and their real-life values. 'Authenticity is what makes a brand sustainable,' Scott said. 'If you try to create a version of yourself that isn't real, it becomes difficult to maintain.'

  • Olivia Scott spoke to Loyola students during the university's annual Media Day event.

The players

Olivia Scott

The founder of Omerge Alliances, a marketing and branding company, and an instructor in the College of Business at Loyola University New Orleans.

Fabiola Marrero-Bravo

A sophomore public relations major at Loyola University New Orleans who sees personal branding as important for standing out in a competitive job market.

Lorenzo Barbegelata Miller

A sophomore communications public relations major at Loyola University New Orleans who believes personal branding helps students communicate what makes them unique.

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What they’re saying

“Your personal brand is how people perceive you before they even meet you. It's the way you communicate your values, your skills, and what you stand for.”

— Olivia Scott, Founder, Omerge Alliances

“Personal branding means a lot to me because it's how I show what is unique about me compared to other people. It shapes everything I do, including how I present myself on social media and professionally.”

— Fabiola Marrero-Bravo, Sophomore, Public Relations Major

“Your personal brand is how you show what makes you unique.”

— Lorenzo Barbegelata Miller, Sophomore, Communications Public Relations Major

The takeaway

Scott's message to Loyola students highlighted the growing importance of personal branding in today's job market, emphasizing that authenticity and consistency are key to building a sustainable professional identity online and offline.