What is an Online Portfolio or Profile?
Online platforms are more popular than ever. From media arts, computer science, and marketing to education, online portfolios and profiles are a great way to showcase your skills. This provides much more information than a cover letter or resume. You can use online portfolios and profiles to highlight and illustrate the depth of your knowledge and experience, and as a tool to impress future employers. It will also prove invaluable as you prepare application materials during your job search. Your two biggest decisions in developing your portfolio are determining the content and choosing a platform.
Just like writing a resume or cover letter, there is no “right” way to build a portfolio or profile. There are many free online resources available, including social media and blogging platforms, job boards, and website platforms. Make sure to choose a medium that aligns with your career field. If you use social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube, make sure that your content is strictly professional in nature. Companies will research your online presence.
Creating Your Portfolio
Determine what types of skills employers in your field are looking for based on job descriptions and through your own research. Find examples of your work that best illustrate your capabilities. Employers want to see significant projects or elements reflecting work style and abilities. Choose an organizational method that best illustrates your accomplishments. Design and categorize your portfolio into sections that make sense to employers, are accessible, and easily navigated. Keep your profile up to date and looking fresh. Again, the key is to organize it to best show your abilities relevant to the career field and employer needs.
What to Include in Your Portfolio
These are just a few possibilities. Let your imagination and unique abilities (relevant to your career field) guide your selection. The possibilities are endless—be creative.
- Your resume and/or writing samples
- Pictures of an exhibit, digital projects, video animations, or presentations
- Sample lesson plans, teaching units prepared, teaching philosophy, and letters of recommendation
- Copies of Degrees or Licensures
- A statement of your business philosophy and certificates of achievement