5 Tools To Create a Digital Portfolio
A resource list to help you create a high quality digital portfolio.
What is a digital portfolio? What is it used for? A digital portfolio is a collection of work samples that is hosted on the internet and can help bring your skills and qualifications to life by showcasing real projects you have successfully executed in the past. Typically each project or piece highlighted in the portfolio also includes a short reflection explaining why that piece was chosen. Generally digital portfolios are used by writers, graphic designers, marketers, and developers, but they are increasingly useful for landing jobs in all sorts of professions. Click here to learn more.
How should you create a digital portfolio? When you begin to compile a portfolio, you’ll first want to get clear about the type of role you are hoping to land and curate the types of work you include and feature accordingly. For example, if you want to become a data analyst, you’ll want to find work samples from past roles that illustrate your ability to wrangle and work with data. If you are applying for a digital marketing role, you’ll want to assemble examples of marketing campaigns you have worked on in the past. Even if you haven’t held formal positions as a“data analyst” or“digital marketer” before, you can curate projects you have done in prior positions that show you have the skills and experiences needed for this new type of role. You can also include projects you have completed in courses or done as freelance or side gigs. Pulling all of this work together in a well-curated and organized way can help prove to the hiring manager that you have experience relevant to the job, even if you‘ve never done exactly the specific role before. If an interview is all about telling a potential employer what you can do, a portfolio helps to show it.
Think about assembling a portfolio like creating a resume with examples. Once you have assembled your work, write a short reflection to accompany each sample including the objective for the project, the results, and an explanation for why it’s in your portfolio.
Pathstream’s Recommended Digital Portfolio Tools:
Looking to get started? Here are some free or low-cost tools we recommend checking out. Some are basic website building tools that you can easily customize to host your own digital portfolio.
Squarespace: Squarespace gives you a range of templates, fonts, and color palettes so you can create a portfolio that fits your personal style.
Wix: Wix allows you to design your own portfolio any way you want. Not only can you customize the site you put your portfolio on but you can also optimize the SEO of your portfolio.
Weebly: Weebly is a free website builder that is also great for building your digital portfolio. Weebly will give you access to many customizable webpage designs as well as tools you can use to build your site.
Pathbrite: Pathbrite is a web tool made to help students showcase their digital portfolio. However, even if you are not a student, it is still a great place to build your digital portfolio.
CakeResume: CakeResume gives one access to a range of templates and formats. With CakeResume you can easily create a simple and unique resume.
Need an Example?
Click on one of these links to see some portfolios assembled by Pathstream students and get inspired to create your own!
Looking for help compiling your own digital portfolio relevant to your job search?
All of Pathstream’s programs include career services which can help you do things like assemble your portfolio, build a compelling resume, and get ready for specific types of interviews.
Learn more and apply here: https://www.pathstream.com/programs
