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Portfolio

A portfolio is a curated collection of your work that shows employers what you can actually do. Where a resume tells your story, a portfolio demonstrates it. While not required in every field, a strong portfolio can set you apart – especially in areas like technology, design, communications, and consulting, where concrete work products speak louder than job titles.

Is a Portfolio Right for You?

A portfolio works best when you have real work to show. Before building one, ask yourself:

  • Do I have projects, reports, designs, or other work I can share?
  • Have I done coursework, volunteer work, or internships that produced visible results?
  • Am I applying to fields or roles where portfolios are common or valued?

If you're early in your studies, focus on building experience first. A portfolio becomes more powerful as your body of work grows. 

What to include

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  • Academic or personal projects that are relevant to your field
  • Work or volunteer experience that produced a concrete result
  • Writing samples, case studies, presentations, or design work
  • A brief description for each piece: what it was, your role, and what it demonstrates 

How to Build One

  • Tools like LinkedIn's Featured section, a notes-and-pages app like Notion, or a simple personal website are good starting points
  • Keep it focused: 3 to 5 strong pieces are more effective than a long list
  • Make sure everything you include is something you can speak to confidently in an interview 

Want to learn more?

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Horizons Program

Horizons Program Take your self-marketing tools to the next level by exploring Horizons, a career development program designed to support you on your career path and help shape your professional future.

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Drop-in Sessions

Meet with our team for a conversation about whether a portfolio is right for you - no appointment neede