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Portfolio Tips

Creating a standout portfolio is essential for highlighting your skills and experience. When applying for an internship that showcases your skills, your portfolio should reflect your best work and clearly tell YOUR story!

Why Your Portfolio Matters

A strong portfolio can:

  • Provide a visual representation of your skills and creativity.
  • Help hiring teams quickly understand your capabilities.
  • Set you apart in competitive applicant pools.

Portfolio Tips

  • Include at least 3–5 of your strongest projects that highlight your strengths and expertise.
  • Use clear, high-quality visuals and concise descriptions to explain each project.
  • Organize your portfolio in a clean, easy-to-navigate format.
    • TIP: Organize work logically by category, medium or theme
  • Tailor your portfolio to the role you're applying for and highlight relevant work.
  • Keep your portfolio updated with your latest and most relevant work.

Presentation Matters

How your portfolio looks and feels is just as important as what’s in it. A clean design enhances credibility and makes your work easier to digest.

  • Use a consistent layout and design throughout your portfolio.
  • Avoid clutter, let your work speak for itself.
  • Ensure all links and media are working correctly and easy to find.
    • If password-protected, be sure to include your password for easy access.

Storytelling Through Design

Your portfolio should guide the viewer through your journey. Consider including:

  • A short bio or introduction that outlines who you are and what you’re passionate about.
  • A skills section that highlights your technical and soft skills.
  • Optional testimonials or feedback from peers, mentors or clients.
  • A contact section with your email, LinkedIn or other professional links.

Suggested sections:

  • About Me
  • Work Samples
  • Resume
  • Contact Info

What to Include

To make the most impact, your portfolio should be curated and intentional. Here’s what to focus on:

  • Writing Samples (blogs, press releases, academic pieces)
  • Campaigns and Projects (class, volunteer, internships)
  • Visuals and Media (graphics, presentations, videos)
  • Leadership and Teamwork (clubs, events)
  • Passion Projects (side work, freelance) 

While every portfolio should reflect your unique strengths and creativity, different roles and disciplines often prioritize different skills and deliverables. The following guidelines offer a starting point for what to include based on your area of focus:

NOTE: These are general best practices. Each role may emphasize different qualifications, tools or project types. Always refer to the specific job posting for detailed requirements and tailor your portfolio accordingly.

 

Skillset:

 What to Include:
Graphic Design 

 

  • Photography
  • Video/Editing
  • Layout
  • Logo / Branding
  • Typography
  • UX/UI Design 

 

  • High-resolution visuals of projects, e.g., posters, ads, brand kits, etc.
  • Process sketches or mockups
  • Role in collaborative work
  • Tools used, e.g., Adobe Suite, Figma, organized by category or campaign 

 
Communications and Marketing 

 

  • Writing
  • Social Media 

 

  • Writing samples (blogs, press releases, social captions, media pitches, newsletters or email blasts)
  • Campaign overviews (goals, target audience, outcomes)
  • Analytics or engagement metrics
  • Screenshots of published work 

 
Engineering 

 

  • CAD
  • Software Engineering
  • Robotics/Hardware
  • Projects 

 

  • Group projects with clear role delineation
  • GitHub links or code snippets
  • Technical stack per project
  • Process notes (problem-solving, iteration)
  • Project impact or real-world use 

 
Technical 

 

  • Animation Rigging
  • Pipeline Tools
  • Simulations
  • Game Design
  • Technical Art 

 

  • Visual demos or videos of rig behavior
  • Tools used, e.g., Maya, Python scripts, etc.
  • Process documentation
  • Collaborators (e.g., animator, TDs)
  • Notes on challenges & solutions 

 
Fashion/Product Design 

 

  • Costume Design
  • Product Design
  • Soft/Hardlines 

 

  • Concept to final product photos,
  • Mood boards/point of view boards
  • Fabric samples (fabric and trim identification)
  • Sketches, construction details or techniques
  • Real-world context, e.g., runway, cosplay, stage, inspiration, and references used, etc.

 
Architecture 

 

  • Revit and/or AutoCAD
  • Digital Illustration tools (Maya, Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp) 

 

 

  • Hand sketches to final renderings
  • Clear role delineation for group projects 
Interior Design 

 

  • Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, color renderings
  • Imagery boards, color and material design and documentation
  • Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E)
  • Design and specifications 

 

 

  • Hand sketches to final renderings
  • Clear role delineation for group projects
  • Mood boards, design concepts/process and approach
  • Demonstration of space planning and technical drawing skills
  • 3D renderings 
General Creative

 

  • Desired skillsets may vary based on each individual role.
  • Please refer to the specific job posting for detailed requirements and tailor your portfolio accordingly.

 

Possible content could include:

  • Hand sketches to final renderings
  • Clear role delineation for group projects
  • Design concepts/process and approach 

 

Portfolio Platforms

There are many platforms available for hosting your portfolio. The following links lead to some commonly used websites:

NOTE: These are just a few of the many options available. Choose the platform that best fits your needs, style and technical comfort level.

Final Thoughts

Your portfolio is often your first impression, make it count! A polished, professional and easy-to-navigate portfolio shows that you care about the details and take pride in your work. Take the time to review, refine and present your best self.

Remember: your portfolio is a living document. Revisit it regularly, seek feedback, and continue to evolve it as your skills and experiences grow.