5 Tips In Creating The Best IT Portfolio

The IT industry has poised itself as one of the best industries to work in. You have endless opportunities for growth and you get to be a part of innovations that solve our modern-day problems. With so many people wanting to get their foot in the door of the IT industry, you’re up for some steep competition. A solution for that? An IT portfolio.  

Do You Really Need an IT Portfolio?

Let’s keep it simple: yes, you do need an IT portfolio. With the world of technology getting more competitive, it can get difficult to stand out in a sea of talented developers. Luckily, there are a few ways for you to make your mark. One way is to build your own IT portfolio. 

How To Create The Best IT Portfolio

Whether you’re new to the world of IT or a freelance developer who manages multiple clients, creating a portfolio is an absolute must if you want to get ahead in your career. For some, the thought of creating a portfolio can be overwhelming. But, this is something you need to get over if you want to go far in the field of IT. If you’re looking to create a killer IT portfolio that can separate you from the pack, read more to find out. 

Create Work Samples

It shouldn’t come off as a surprise that creating work samples can boost your portfolio. After all, many employers look for people who are capable of getting the job done. One way to do that is by providing samples; it’s concrete proof that you can get the job done.

A beginner might ask, “what if I do not have any experience?”. It’s simple – create. Whether it’s for a fictional client or a prestigious company, create something for them. And even if you don’t get the job, it shows that you have the passion  to survive in the world of IT. And if you went to programming school, you can consider showing previous projects that you worked on. Having only a project or two under your belt shouldn’t be a portfolio-killer – in fact, you can make your portfolio shine brighter by adding case studies to your projects. Discuss your thought processes and how you ended up with the product – that way, viewers can have a glimpse of how you think. 

Links To Your Public Profiles

Let’s face it – when you’re showing yourself to the world, most people would not recognize who you are. One way to establish trust with a client or a hiring manager is to add links to your public profiles. It shows that you are credible. And if other programmers are viewing your profile, they have a chance to connect with you. Whether that be on Twitter, Github, or Linkedin – adding links to your public profile is an excellent way to expand your network.

Include Testimonials 

Every time you work with someone on a project, it always helps to ask for a testimonial. Granted that experienced developers can easily get this, being new in the world of IT doesn’t mean you can’t ask for testimonials. Be creative. If you went to programming school, ask your instructors or your study group.  And if you’ve worked on projects with fellow programmers, it doesn’t hurt to ask for testimonials from them, too. Another tip – when you land your first job, don’t forget to collect testimonials from your colleagues, clients, and your boss. The more specific the testimonial, the better. 

Express Your Thoughts Through Blogging 

Words can explain what projects can’t – that’s why adding a blog to your portfolio will help you stand out from the crowd. If anyone wants to succeed in IT, you must have outstanding communication skills to express your ideas when collaborating with a developer team. This makes you more competitive for projects and jobs. Plus, it’s a great way to show your interests. For example, if you are fond of working with Python, you can write an article about “10 Things I Learned About Working With Python” or even “Why I Chose To Learn Python”. Blogging adds this “human touch” that can make your portfolio more attractive. 

Keep It Simple

Simplicity is key. You can start with the homepage. It’s arguably the most important part of your webpage because first impressions matter. Studies have shown that people already form an impression of your website after 50 milliseconds – talk about lightning speed! That’s why you have to remove the clutter and show who you are and what you do. 

Keep in mind that you don’t have to show all those new tricks you learned to impress with your portfolio. Prospective clients could have difficulty navigating through your website with all the excess customized features. Instead, let your work do the talking. 

Final Word

Anyone can create an IT portfolio. But if you want to leave a positive impression on your clients, you must know the dos and don’ts of creating a stellar portfolio. Yes, it can be overwhelming to start your own portfolio, so, just follow the tips above. And surely, you’ll get that big break in no time. 

About the Author

Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management and travelling are translated in his works.

LinkedIn – Facebook – Instagram

[boldgrid_component type=”wp_mc4wp_form_widget”]