Let’s be honest – having a decent CV is fine, but if you really want to stand out, you need to show what you can actually do. That’s where a portfolio comes in.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, still in uni, or figuring out your next step – building a portfolio is one of the best things you can do to move your career forward.
And no, it’s not just for designers or tech people. A good portfolio can work for anyone.
So, What’s a Portfolio?
A portfolio is basically a collection of stuff that shows your skills, your thinking, and the kind of work you’ve done. It can include:
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Projects (uni work, side projects, freelance bits)
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Case studies (quick write-ups explaining how you approached something)
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Photos, videos, or links to work you’ve done
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Results – what changed because of what you did?
Think of it like your personal “look what I can do” page.
Start With What You’ve Got
You don’t need loads of experience to make a start. Use what you already have:
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Uni or college work – Got a group project you’re proud of? Break it down and show what your role was.
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Personal projects – Built something? Started a blog? Organised a local event? It all counts.
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Volunteering – Helping out with a fundraiser or running social media for a community group? Perfect.
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Hobbies – If you’ve made something in your own time, it shows initiative. Use it.
The trick is to explain what you did, why you did it, and what happened as a result. It doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to be real.
Make It Easy to See
You don’t need a fancy website (unless you want one). There are loads of free, simple ways to put your work together:
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Notion – Great if you want something flexible and easy to update
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Google Drive – Neat folders with Docs or Slides can work well
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Carrd / Wix / WordPress – Good options if you want something that looks more like a proper site
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LinkedIn – You can upload work or add links to each job/role you’ve had
Just keep it clear and easy to navigate. No one wants to click through a maze to find your best stuff.
Show Your Thinking
Saying “I worked on a campaign” is fine. But what’s better is showing how you approached it.
Try answering a few quick questions for each piece of work:
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What was the aim?
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What challenges came up?
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What did you actually do?
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What was the outcome?
Even if the project didn’t go perfectly, explaining how you tackled it shows you know how to reflect and improve. That’s a skill in itself.
Keep It Up to Date
Your portfolio isn’t a one-off task. It’s something to keep adding to and improving over time.
Set a reminder every month or so to update it – add new work, tweak the layout, or remove anything that doesn’t represent you anymore.
It’s your story, and it should grow with you.
Use It
Once you’ve got a portfolio, don’t let it gather dust. Share it:
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Add it to job or internship applications
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Stick the link in your email signature
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Mention it on your LinkedIn or other socials
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Ask mates or mentors to take a look and give feedback
Even if it’s a work-in-progress, showing it off helps you build confidence – and opens doors.
Final Bit: Don’t Wait
You don’t need to be an expert to have a portfolio. You just need to start.
Document what you’re doing, explain how you’re learning, and show people what you’re about. You’ll be miles ahead of the crowd – because most people never get round to doing it.
Just start. Build as you go. You’ve got this.