For young professionals, launching personal portfolio websites is one of the best things to do for their careers. While this might seem like a big endeavor, this is actually an easy task that will make a huge difference in your professional endeavors. No matter where you are in your career or your degree set aside the time to put your profile online. Whether you have a hundred work samples or just a few projects done for class, it’s time to get started. Once you launch your personal portfolio website, the opportunities are endless. Depending on your interests and career field, your portfolio will look slightly different from that of your peers.
While there are innumerable benefits to launching your online portfolio, a few stand out from the rest. These benefits might be exactly what you’re looking for if you’re in the middle of a job hunt, are coming up on graduation, or are considering a competitive career.
No matter your academic background showcasing your skills is essential. From a history major with killer writing and researching skills to an architecture major with impressive sketching abilities, everyone has content to fill personal portfolio websites. The first step to building a portfolio is identifying exactly what your most valuable skills are, in addition to your biggest interests and passions. Remember, your portfolio doesn’t necessarily have to reflect your degree or your coursework. However, it should reflect how you see yourself and showcase some of your best work to date. Ideally, it will also tell people slightly more about you than they might find on your LinkedIn profile.
Additionally, your online portfolio gives potential employers something tangible to consider when reviewing your application. While all great applicants have the marks and the experience to be a good fit, your portfolio will show them exactly what you can contribute, and help them get to know you better.
Personal portfolio websites are a perfect way to add a bit of personalization to a job application. While all applicants likely have a stellar CV and a solid recommendation, a portfolio sets you apart. Additionally, this portfolio is a great way to demonstrate your personality and extracurricular interests and to showcase your creative side. If you’re applying through a web form, or the application only allows for a CV and cover letter, you’ll get to include a little something extra. The link to your stellar personal portfolio website might be the thing that makes you stand out.
As you continue to grow as a professional and expand further into your career, personal branding becomes essential. With an online portfolio, blog or website, you are effectively building the basis of your personal brand online. This site will be the first thing someone sees when they Google your name and will dictate their virtual first impression of you. Do you want to brand yourself as a travel writer? Or maybe your degree is in mechanical engineering but you’re really passionate about sustainable energy. Your online brand is the best tool to help you break into a new field, and will be extremely effective in driving your career forward.
Photos: