Why Portfolio Websites Rock

2/5/2020

When most young professionals think about having a portfolio, they typically think of photographers or artists. However, having a portfolio website is a great way to show off your skills, and what makes you stand out from other job candidates. This is especially true if you are looking for a career in marketing, as several companies ask for examples of work to provide, depending on the position you apply for. They also can make you stand out when at a career fair or networking event, so that your name is remembered by potential employers!

What even is a portfolio website?

"A portfolio website is something that acts almost as a living resume. It shows your most relevant skills, and what you can do, or at least what you have learned to do on your own; it shows that you have more marketable skills that can help a company soar, rather than just what the requirements are for a position."
Emma Potter, Acting Web-Master W 2019 - W 2020

Essentially, it is a way to show any company what you've got, and what they're working with. It can show what you've learned to do, as well as what the ground floor is for what you could do for an organization. In the beginning of this article, there are four great reasons for why you should start your own website. If you don't want to click on the link and read them, they are:

A website isn't static; it's dynamic. It moves with you and throughout your professional life.
You are more findable. People can find you and reach out to you if they think you'd be a good fit for an opening. (Take this one with a grain of salt, though.) And you can establish a personal brand, and show that yours works with the company's brand.
Not many people have one; you already put yourself outside of the crowd.
You gain skills while doing so!

I'm a business student, so why do I need a website?

Depending on what discipline you are studying, a portfolio website can be the best way to show off what you've done in the past. For example, you could upload a copywriting example, or some marketing campaigns you've done for internships. On the Finance/Accounting side, you could upload some A+ assignments you've turned in, to show you really know what you're doing. Anything visual is great.

Okay, but, how do I start mine?

There are plenty of resources! We recommend using Weebly, as that is what our chapter uses to build our website! There is a free option, which provides plenty of building options for working on your site, and also has several templates to work with, so that it is as easy as possible to build something spectacular!

Other options include Squarespace, WordPress, and Wix. Links to all of these options will be linked below!