VCU LibrariesResearch Guides

According to a recent Association of American Colleges & Universities survey, most employers say they would find digital portfolios useful. You can use your digital portfolio to build a professional online identity and demonstrate your relevant experience. These strategies will help you get started in almost any field.

• Research and pick the best platform for you

  Find what works best for your skill set and audience. There are platforms that allow you to create free professional portfolios without extensive web design knowledge. You can start with a blogging platform like WordPress or Tumblr or try something like Behance. Ram Pages is available for VCU students (WordPress). For help working with these platforms or web design, try an online tutorial from Lynda.com.

• Be selective and think about organization

  Only include your best and most relevant work. Develop an organizational strategy for examples that makes sense for your story and your audience. Avoid chronological schemes. Instead group your work thematically, and always put your best examples first.

• Check your work

  Proofread your work carefully and get feedback from others (like your career adviser, faculty, and internship supervisors). You'll need to continually revise it and keep it up to date to ensure your experience is relevant to the job market.

• Connect your online presence

  Use the contact section to refer to your LinkedIn profile and other social media or Web sites (and vice versa) connected to your professional identity. Think about building a professional relationship with potential employers, consider how to best leverage resources like LinkedIn, and don't make these mistakes.

• Don't wait to get started

  You don't have to wait until your senior year to start building your digital portfolio. Telling your best story will take time, and besides, there are always internships and work opportunities along the way.