Over the course of your collegiate career, you’ve likely amassed quite the collection of work: research papers, projects, sliders, presentation handouts, summaries and critiques, graphics, practice video edits, and countless other items that you completed for your classes, internships, or your own practice and gratification.
The lingering question, then, is, what do I DO with all of this stuff?
The answer, my friends, is simple-- put it online! By storing your work (written, graphic, recorded, whatever!) online in a portfolio you are able to give the outside world access to your skills, knowledge, expertise, and personal brand. Here are some basics to get you started, and as your work you’ll learn more about how to improve your layout, design, user experience, and content.
First, choose a platform. Wix and WordPress are great sites for beginners to develop their own page. Both offer an excellent free service, with options for paid enhancements. Look at both and decide which feels more like your personal aesthetic.
Second, make some choices about your personal branding. What are the colors you’re going to use (and stick with)? What’s your signature font? What keywords are you going to consistently incorporate? What photos will appear and how do they tie together? What’s your “About Me” narrative going to say, and how does that promote you?
Third, scan and upload your work; create a Google folder to house it once you’ve uploaded it. Save items as PDFs to maintain integrity, and use a scanner rather than trying to “Save As” or cut-and-paste for static items.
Fourth, create your individual portfolio pages on your website. Some good ones to have are “About Me,” “My Work,” (with subpages) “Contact Information,” “Resume and Personal Statement” (the Career Center can help with these!), and “Inspiration,” which showcases people, organizations, and places that help influence you.
Once you’ve got all that ready, you’re all set to begin building your online portfolio!
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