5 Important Things to Include In Your Portfolio 

Getting a tech job isn’t just about telling a potential employer what you can do, you need to show them too. Having a portfolio gives you that opportunity. There are millions of designers, data analysts, digital marketers, product managers in the world but no one is exactly like you. A portfolio gives you an opportunity to show how creative you are, what matters to you, your personality, your skills and how you use them. ‘

Whether you want to attract new clients, apply for a job or improve your personal brand, you need to build a portfolio. 

Here are 5 things you need to include in your portfolio so you standout in your next job application:

1. An “About Me” section

This section should include a brief description of who you are, why you do what you do, the kind of impact you want to make in any organization you work in. Make it unique, let it demonstrate your personality and create a human connection. People care about you as a person, not just the work you’d be employed to do. If you want to include a picture of yourself, feel free to do that. 

2. Samples of your work

Whether you’re a designer, software developer, or data scientist, make sure you upload some samples of your work and attach a brief description of each one so whoever is going through your portfolio is able to understand what you had in mind when carrying out that project. Make sure you showcase your best work, something you really enjoyed creating and is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Be selective about what you share, you want to make sure you are sharing something that helps you standout.

3. A list of your achievements

Have a section in your portfolio dedicated to highlighting your achievements so far. If you created some designs for a project, developed an app, participated in a hackathon, got an I4G scholarship, got an award at work or school, got a good review from a client, include them there. Whatever it is you have been able to achieve is worth celebrating, make sure you include them in your portfolio so people can know you’re amazing!

4. Your education and cerification

Create a section to share the courses you have taken and certificates you have achieved so a potential employer, client knows the knowledge you have gained so far. It’s an opportunity to showcase what you have learnt especially if you have some knowledge/skills you haven’t had an opportunity to work with. 

5. Active contact details

Don’t miss this one! You need to include a phone number or email address people can reach you on. You can also include a link to your social media profiles so people can reach you easily. 

Its important to keep updating your portfolio as you grow in your career. Look for in demand skills that can help you stand out from the crowd, learn them and keep improving yourself. Reviewing your portfolio regularly helps you review yourself too, you’d get to see the progress you have made so far and areas you need to improve.

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