Let’s be honest—when you're applying for internships, jobs, or GIGs in fields like marketing, design, content creation, or social media, just having a resume isn’t always enough. Employers want to see what you can do, not just read about it.

That’s where a portfolio comes in. Whether you're a business major, a social media wiz, or just someone who’s been crushing it in group projects, building a digital portfolio can seriously level up your professional game—and we’re going to walk you through how to make one that actually shows off your skills.

🖥 Why You Need a Portfolio (Yes, Even as a Student)

Here’s the deal: a portfolio gives employers proof. It’s your personal highlight reel—the best of what you’ve created, written, designed, strategized, or marketed—all in one place.

Even if you’re still in school or haven’t had “real” experience yet, your coursework, passion projects, club involvements, and even personal content count. A clean, well-organized portfolio communicates to employers that you’re proactive, creative, and serious about your future career.

✨ What to Include in Your Portfolio

Not sure what to add? No worries. Here’s a quick checklist to help you get started:

1️⃣ A Short About Me Section

Tell people who you are, what you're studying, and what you're passionate about. Keep it short and personal—like a professional version of your social media bio. Bonus points if you add a professional headshot or candid photo that feels like you.

2️⃣ Your Best Work (with Context)

Show off your top 3–6 projects. For each one, include:

A quick summary of the goal
Your role (what you actually did)
Tools you used (Meta, Canva, Adobe, etc.)
Final results (if you have any stats, include them!)

Whether it's a TikTok campaign for a H\FC GIG, a case study from your marketing class, or a content calendar you created for your club—if you’re proud of it, it belongs here.

3️⃣ Resumé + Contact Info

Make it easy for people to learn more about you. Include a downloadable PDF version of your resumé and your contact info (email, LinkedIn, maybe even your socials—if you’ve posted branded content and professional-ish). The easiest way to craft your perfect resume is with our Resume Studio. It will help you create a polished and professional resume without any hassle.

🛠 How to Build Your Portfolio

You do not need to be a web design genius to make an aesthetic portfolio. Here are a few tools that are super student-friendly:

✨ Canva – Ridiculously Easy

Use their portfolio templates (just search "portfolio" in the template bar), drag-and-drop your work, and export as a PDF or publish as a website.

Bonus: Free with a .edu email = Canva Pro perks.

💻 Wix – Simple Drag-and-Drop Website

A good choice if you want a sleek professional looking site. Tons of customizable templates and you don’t need to know code. There is also a free version available (pro tip: get your own domain if you can—makes it look extra profesh).

🌐 Squarespace – Sleek and Professional

If you're going for a polished, minimalist look, Squarespace is a solid pick. It’s super visual, has beautiful templates, and is perfect for showcasing creative work. It’s not free, but it’s super intuitive and makes you look like you’ve got your life together. Great for building a personal brand or portfolio that feels legit.

🎨 Adobe Portfolio – Free with Adobe CC

If you already use Adobe tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.), this one’s a no-brainer! Clean templates, a professional look, and it syncs seamlessly with your Adobe projects.

🙌 Final Thoughts: Your Work Deserves to Be Seen

We know, you're doing cool stuff that is kickstarting your career! Whether it’s for class, clubs, internships, or just for fun—you’ve got work worth showing off. A portfolio isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ anymore—it’s the ultimate personal branding tool for anyone in a creative or communication-driven field that wants to stand out to employers.

Don’t wait until you “feel ready” or get that “perfect internship”. Start building now. Even a few well-presented projects can make a huge difference when you're trying to stand out in today's job market.

The future you (and your future boss) will thank you!

⚡ Pro tip: Link your portfolio on your H\FC B Card, LinkedIn, email signature, and resume. Make it EASY for people to find it.

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Illinois State University

Class of 2024

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