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Let The World See You for You: How to Be Seen, Stand Out, and Build Your Brand in the Translational Research Workforce

Written by Tyren Lucas – August 20, 2025

Every day, we wake up and, before getting started, pass by the mirror. The person in the mirror is someone you know well—someone you’ve spent a lifetime becoming. That person is you, but when you walk out the door, the world may not know that person. In the translational research workforce—where visibility can be low and competition, high—it is not always easy to make yourself known to the hiring managers, collaborators, or leaders who can shape your career path. The opportunities you’re looking for may never materialize if others don’t see your value. That’s why it’s essential for research professionals to find ways to be seen, stand out, and build a personal brand that reflects their expertise and aspirations.

How To Be Seen

social mediaSocial media is a powerful tool for building visibility and connection in the translational research workforce. For many, though, creating a public online presence can feel like a leap—especially with concerns around privacy, misinformation, or not knowing where to begin. Still, being visible online is not about self-promotion or being the center of attention. It’s about creating authentic connections and allowing your work and voice to be seen by a broader audience. Platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok make it possible to shape the narrative of how others see you and open doors to professional opportunities that might not exist otherwise.

In-person engagement is equally important. Scientific conferences, institutional events, and community gatherings, like the CCTS’s 2025 Translational Science Symposium, provide space to tell your story, build relationships, and allow your presence to be felt naturally. Research professionals can also enhance their visibility by joining committees, professional societies, special interest groups, or collaborative projects—each offering new connections and experiences. Whether online or in person, visibility is about more than being noticed. It’s about building recognition and helping others get to know the real you.

How To Stand Out

Standing out takes more than just being visible—it requires clarity, authenticity, and consistency. Highlight your accomplishments. Speak up for your work. Ensure your contributions are documented and seek out groups that are aligned with your values. In translational research, innovation and resilience go a long way. Whether it’s identifying a process improvement, contributing a fresh perspective, or navigating a challenge with professionalism, demonstrating your unique value helps set you apart.

Building a reputation as both a high-performing research professional and a collaborative team member shows others the impact you bring—and the kind of future you can help create. Ultimately, standing out means leaning into your strengths and making your contributions visible in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

How To Build Your Brand

3 Minute Thesis Presenter3-Minute Thesis (3MT) and poster presentations are a great way to build your brand.Your brand is your professional signature. In translational research, that means presenting a clear vision of who you are, what you value, and how you make a difference.

Key strategies to build your brand include:

  • Define Your Identity | Clarify what you want to be known for: your strengths, values, and mission.
  • Build Your Narrative | Align your CV, professional bios, personal statements, and online presence to reflect your goals and expertise. Tell your story.
  • Use Digital Platforms Wisely | Share insights and accomplishments through platforms like LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and ORCID.
  • Be Visible with Intention | Present at events, join committees, and contribute to publications or media that align with your professional focus.
  • Build Meaningful Relationships | Network with intention, both virtually and in person, to form lasting and productive professional connections.
  • Evolve Your Brand | Keep your materials and message up to date so your brand remains relevant and forward-thinking.

In the competitive and collaborative field of translational research, your brand can open doors, shape partnerships, and help you create meaningful impact. No one can define your brand but you. Let it be intentional, authentic, and powerful. Being seen, standing out, and building your personal brand not only increases visibility, but also opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

To stay informed on future articles in the CCTS In Focus: Translational Workforce Development series, subscribe to the weekly CCTS Digest. You’ll also receive updates on upcoming events, including the 2025 CCTS Translational Science Symposium (TSS25), taking place October 30–31, 2025, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. We also invite you to connect with us on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and grow your professional network.

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