Why You Should Start Building a Personal Portfolio Now

You might think portfolios are just for artists or designers, but having a personal portfolio can benefit students in almost any field. Whether you’re a writer, programmer, or researcher, showcasing your work in an organized way demonstrates initiative and professionalism. A portfolio is your chance to go beyond what’s on your CV—it’s where you can show your work, whether it’s projects, essays, code, or even presentations.

Creating a portfolio while you’re still a student can be incredibly useful. Not only does it keep track of your achievements, but it also gives you a tangible way to reflect on your progress and growth. For example, if you’re a chemistry student, you could document your lab projects, experiments, or research findings. If you’re in business or economics, you could share case studies or reports.

Platforms like GitHub (for programmers), Behance (for creatives), or even a simple personal website on WordPress or Wix can serve as excellent homes for your portfolio. Employers love seeing candidates who have taken the time to build something of their own—it shows passion and commitment to your field. Plus, when it’s time to apply for jobs, you’ll have a polished showcase of your skills ready to go.

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This is some really great insight! I’ve seen both employers and graduate school admissions asking for portfolios and proof of work now more than ever, so this is really important to keep in mind! For someone that hasn’t work professionally in their field yet, how would you recommend they begin building their portfolio?

This is such a good point! I’ve always thought portfolios were just for creative fields, but it makes so much sense that anyone could benefit from having one. I can totally see how having a portfolio would help organize your work and show growth over time. Do you think it’s better to start with a simple website or use a platform like GitHub or Behance, depending on your field? have you seen any specific examples of how students have used portfolios in non-creative fields, like science or business, that really stood out to potential employers!

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from personal experience, its never too early!!

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