Should I Have an Online Portfolio?

Do you ever get tired of trying to fit all of your experiences on a single page resume? Do you feel that simply explaining your projects doesn’t give them justice? Trying to figure out ways that you can set yourself apart from the competition? If you responded yes to any of these questions, then the answer might be creating an online portfolio. Online portfolios are a great addition to your resume and other application materials.

Here are some benefits to creating one:

Creative Freedom. 

Resumes need to be structured so that they make it through any Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) screening. For engineering students, resumes will be based almost exclusively in plain text and have very little design. An online portfolio allows you to break the mold! Using any site builder such as Wix or Weebly, you can design the feel and layout of your portfolio. The best online portfolios effortlessly highlight your skills, achievements, and intellect in a creative way. Remember, it should still be easy to navigate and organized so employers can quickly find relevant content.

Increased Visibility. 

The more places you put your information, the better. In a digital world, having your professional experiences online can help employers learn more about you quickly. Keep your audience in mind—is it a corporation, consultancy, or firm? Utilize your portfolio to visually demonstrate the skills and creativity you would offer a prospective employer.

Stand Out To More Employers.

Offering a portfolio to an employer can help your interaction be memorable and meaningful. A portfolio might not be something many other candidates have, so having one can help you stand out to potential employers. Highlight your various projects in greater detail, showing employers more of what you have been able to accomplish.

Reflect On Your Experiences. 

If you document each project in an online portfolio, you have a history of your meaningful achievements. In interviews you will need to rely on your past experiences when answering questions, and your online portfolio is a great reminder of your professional highlights.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” - Maya Angelou