In a recent LinkedIn post, Mariam Gogidze discusses the crucial strategies for students aiming to build their careers and establish personal brands, particularly leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. Gogidze, who was speaking at the Empower Conference 2026, a large student-led women’s leadership event, shared her personal journey and offered actionable advice to the hundreds of students from across Europe in attendance.
Gogidze reflected on her own university days, recounting the self-doubt she experienced when observing others on LinkedIn. She stated:
“I remember being at uni, scrolling LinkedIn, wondering if people like me could actually *make it*. Wondering if I needed a different background and a different network to build something real.”
This personal experience fuels her motivation to guide emerging professionals. According to Gogidze, the path to career success is often paved with trial and error, especially when lacking a clear roadmap.
Building Authority from Scratch
Mariam Gogidze emphasizes that building authority and a strong personal brand is achievable even for those who feel they are not yet established. She advocates for a proactive approach, urging students not to wait for external validation or a perceived state of ‘readiness’.
The ‘Category of One’ Personal Brand
Gogidze highlights the importance of developing a unique personal brand, describing it as a ‘category of one’. This involves identifying and showcasing what makes an individual distinct in their field. She points out that this process doesn’t require having a perfect background or an extensive network from the outset.
LinkedIn as a Career Lever
A significant portion of Gogidze’s advice centers on the power of LinkedIn as a career development tool. She argues that the platform offers unparalleled leverage for professionals at any stage of their careers.
“Why LinkedIn is the single best leverage tool for your career”
Gogidze’s framework, the BUILD → ACTIVATE → SCALE method, is designed to help individuals translate their efforts into tangible opportunities. She notes that this systematic approach has already assisted over 120 professionals.
Actionable Advice for Students
Addressing students directly, Gogidze encourages them to embrace visibility and consistency. She believes that taking action before feeling fully prepared is essential for growth.
“If you’re a student reading this: you don’t need permission. You don’t need to wait until you’re “ready.” You need a system, consistency, and the guts to be visible before it feels comfortable.”
Gogidze’s message is one of empowerment, stressing that external belief can be a catalyst for self-belief. She shared her personal philosophy:
“Because someone believing in you before you believe in yourself changes everything.”
Her insights, shared at the Empower Conference, aim to equip students with the mindset and practical tools needed to navigate their early career paths and build lasting professional authority.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Mariam Gogidze on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →