How to build your personal brand while studying AAT

Building your personal brand while you’re studying AAT isn’t just about boosting your CV – it’s about developing confidence, making connections and opening doors to opportunities you might not even know exist yet.

You don’t need to wait until you’re qualified to start making your mark in the finance world.

Think of your personal brand as your professional reputation in action. It’s how potential employers, fellow students and industry professionals think about you. You’re already building one, whether you realise it or not, but are you building it intentionally?

Why start now?

You might be thinking, “I barely have time to study, let alone worry about personal branding”. But building your brand doesn’t mean adding hours to your already packed schedule. It’s about making the most of what you’re already doing and being strategic about how you present yourself.

Starting while you’re studying gives you a massive advantage. You’ll stand out in a competitive job market where employers are seeking candidates who demonstrate initiative. You’ll build credibility slowly but surely, rather than scrambling to establish yourself when you’re job hunting. Plus, you’ll connect with and learn from experienced professionals who can guide your development, and you might even find opportunities landing in your lap that were never advertised.

Building momentum on LinkedIn

Think of LinkedIn as your professional network online, and it’s much more than a digital CV. It’s where you can show off your growing expertise, engage with industry content, and get in touch with people who can influence your career trajectory. Here are three things you can do to grow your personal brand on LinkedIn:

1. Your profile page forms the foundation
Your profile photo matters – use a clear, professional-looking headshot where you appear approachable. Your headline shouldn’t just say “AAT Student”. Instead, try something like “AAT Level 3 Student | Aspiring Management Accountant | Passionate about financial analysis”. This tells people who you are and where you’re headed.

In your ‘About’ section, share your story briefly. Why did you choose accounting? What interests you about the profession? What level are you studying? Keep it real and conversational, showing a bit of your personality – this isn’t a formal cover letter.

2. Share what you’re learning
Post about topics that genuinely interest you. The key is consistency, not perfection. Aim to share something once a week, even if it’s just commenting thoughtfully on someone else’s post. If you’ve completed a tricky assignment, share some tips; if you’ve read an interesting article, give your opinion. Posts don’t need to be lengthy – even a few lines showing you’re engaged with the industry will help build your presence. If you can, add a real-life picture to your post to make it more engaging.

3. Connect strategically
Don’t connect with people randomly; choose carefully, and when you send connection requests, personalise them with a message. Mention where you met them, came across their profile, or reference a post they shared that resonated with you. Connect with AAT tutors, fellow students from your course, the online Learning Portal or local branch, and accounting professionals in industries that interest you. If you attend AAT events or webinars, follow up by connecting with people you meet.

Make networking work for you

Networking often feels daunting, especially when you’re still studying, but it’s not about working a room with business cards or selling yourself; it’s about having genuine conversations with people who share your professional interests.

Start with AAT’s community
Your AAT membership gives you access to forums, local branches, and events specifically designed for students and members. These are safe spaces to practice networking without pressure. Ask questions in forums, attend virtual study groups, or join local branch meetings. Everyone there understands what it’s like to study while building a career.

Don’t be a lurker
At events or in online spaces, contribute to conversations. Share an insight from your studies, ask thoughtful questions, or offer help if you can. People remember those who add value, not those who just collect contacts.

Follow up meaningfully
Met someone interesting at an AAT event? Send them a LinkedIn message within a day or two, mentioning something specific from your conversation. This will turn a short encounter into a genuine connection.

Let your confidence grow

You don’t need to pretend to know everything or position yourself as an expert when you’re still learning. Show up and demonstrate that you’re curious, committed, proactive and thoughtful.

Don’t wait until you feel ready or qualified enough (there will always be more steps to take, and you’ll never start). Everyone feels nervous at first, but the only way to grow your confidence is to get going. You have a unique position and a valuable perspective – as a student, you’re learning the latest approaches, you’re hungry for knowledge, and you’re thinking critically about the industry you’re entering.

Practical steps you can take this week

Ready to start building your personal brand? Here are things you can do right now:

• Update your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and a headline that reflects your aspirations, not just your current study status.
• Share one post about something you’ve learned recently in your AAT studies – even if it’s three sentences about a concept that clicked for you.
• Connect with five people: a fellow AAT student, someone from your local branch (if you attend), a professional whose content you admire, and two others in roles you find interesting.
• Set aside 15 minutes twice a week to engage on LinkedIn (put this in your calendar). Use it to comment on posts, share articles that interest you, or contribute to discussions in AAT groups. Don’t overthink it more than showing up, being helpful and being yourself.

Your personal brand won’t be built overnight, but starting now means you won’t be starting from scratch by the time you qualify. You’ll already have connections, credibility, and confidence, and that’s a huge advantage in any job market.

Further reading

How to feel part of the community when studying remotely

What is AAT’s student advisory group and how can it help you?

The power of peer mentoring: top tips for learning from the students around you

Sophie Cross is the Editor of Freelancer Magazine and a freelance writer and marketer at Thoughtfully.