How to Build a Portfolio Before Graduation (So You Don’t Panic Later) 

Byfirstclassuni.com

“Your honour, my client is innocent!”

“Where’s the proof?”

“Right here, your honour. Here’s her portfolio. *Shows neatly organized folder of works*”

“Alright. You’ve escaped. I order the criminal *Ahem* candidate to be set free from the jail of unemployment.”

“You’re free to work, earn money, and live large.”

Imagine that little drama as a real life situation, because it is. 

When you’re fresh out of college and wallowing in behind the bars in unemployment jail, your portfolio is one of three things that can land you a job and set you free.

The other two are your resume, obviously, and your connections.

Which is why you need to start building a portfolio as soon as possible. 

It’s a tough world out there. And hiring managers aren’t out giving jobs based on zodiac signs and good intentions.

Whether you’re a writer, marketer, future corporate baddie, or creative soul, this is your guide to building a work portfolio that screams “qualified professional”.

First Things First: What Even Is a Portfolio?

A portfolio is a collection of your BEST works that are relevant to your intended career. 

Note the emphasis on ‘best’.

If you are going into a career in accounting, your portfolio should contain balance sheets, tax sheets, or whatever else accountants work on.

Obviously, as a student, you probably don’t have a lot of solid work experience, that’s okay. 

For fresh graduates, your portfolio can contain relevant projects you’ve worked on. 

That budget planner you created on Canva, throw it in. If you helped your department calculate expenses for a party, add it in.

Employers won’t expect any actual paid work projects from you—though they would be pleasantly surprised if you have that. Instead they are looking for proof that you have what it takes to do the job.

Your portfolio is basically your professional highlight reel — proof that you can do the thing you say you can do.

It’s not just for artists or designers. Writers, developers, marketers, photographers, event planners, even student leaders can (and should) have one. If you’ve done anything cool, there’s a way to show it off.

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Before building anything, ask yourself:

  • What field am I aiming for?
  • What skills do I want to showcase?
  • Who do I want to impress?

Whether it’s internships, grad school, freelance gigs, or a full-time job, knowing your direction helps you figure out what to include. 

Step 2: Compile Your Projects (aka Your Proof)

Your portfolio should feature two types of projects. Skill proof projects and character proof projects. 

Skill proof projects show you have what it takes to do the job, so you’re not a useless burden to the company. 

Character proof projects show that you’re a trustworthy, responsible human who can get along well with the team.

Here’s what counts as portfolio-worthy:

Skill Proofs

  • Class projects where you used skills that are relevant to your career.
  • Blog posts, essays, or writing samples where you wrote about topics relevant to your industry.
  • Case studies from career-relevant competitions you participated in (even if you didn’t win).
  • Internship work
  • Freelance jobs

Character Proofs

  • Volunteer work
  • Leadership positions in school associations or membership in recognized social organisations (Red Cross, Boys Scout, etc)
  • Personal projects (started a podcast? Etsy shop? You’re golden)

Pro tip: If you don’t have anything yet, start now. Make mock projects. Volunteer for a student club. Redesign your favorite brand’s Instagram just for fun. Give future-you a high five later.

Step 3: Build Your Portfolio 

There are multiple ways to build your portfolio depending on your skillset and aesthetic. In our digital age, your portfolio should ideally be online. 

You could keep it simple and upload your works to Google Drive folder and make it public. Add the link to the folder to your resume and call it a day. 

A better and more professional option is to create a site and upload your works there. 

Free Portfolio Sites

Bonus Tip:

Buy a custom domain if you can (like yourname.com). It costs around $13/year but makes you look more put together. Boss move.

Step 4: Design Your Sections (Don’t Just Throw in Your Resume and Run)

Your portfolio can’t just be an archive of your works without any organization.

Introduce yourself. Add your contact information. Make it make sense. 

Every portfolio should have:

  • An About Me section or Work Experience Summary: Just enough personality + professionalism
    “Hi, I’m Maya, a communications major who believes memes and media go hand-in-hand. Let’s talk about your next viral campaign.” 
  • Your Best Work: Show variety but don’t overload. 5–10 strong pieces > 30 meh ones. Give context. Don’t just drop a PDF. Add 2-3 lines on:
    • What it is
    • What you did
    • Results or impact (even small ones count!)

Check out portfolio site inspirations here

Step 5: Keep It Fresh, Not Dusty

Update your portfolio like it’s your Instagram — new wins, better projects, glow-up achievements. Set a calendar reminder every semester or so to do a little tidy-up.

And don’t be afraid to remove cringe content from freshman year. Growth is the goal.

Bonus Step: Show It Off

Put that link in your email signature, LinkedIn bio, resume header, and every “Why should we hire you?” box on the internet. If you don’t show it off, it’s basically hiding in the void.

How to Build A Portfolio Checklist:

✅ Choose a platform
✅ Add an intro + contact info
✅ Upload 5–10 strong projects
✅ Add context to each one
✅ Make it pretty (and readable)
✅ Update regularly
✅ Share like it’s your side hustle

Go Build Your Portfolio 

Building a portfolio before graduation isn’t just smart — it’s genius. It’s how you quietly pull ahead while everyone else is still updating their resume font.

So go gather your proof, throw in some personality, slap your best work together, and let your future employer say: “Wow. We need this student on our team.”

And if they don’t say that? Keep going. Someone else will. Job search is a zit on the face of adulthood. It’s annoying but almost unavoidable.

Now go forth and build your empire — portfolio first. 

Wishing you peace and funds,

Dee

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