The top three reasons you should have a portfolio

May 22, 2015      |      Posted on Posted in Total Well-Being
The top three reasons you should have a portfolio

More and more often, job applications are being updated to include a little dialogue box known as the “portfolio link.” Here, employers look for prospective employees to enter a personal website that showcases their relevant or even non-relevant work–anything that would help recruiters get a better idea of who they may be hiring.

And while portfolios were once reserved for photographers and creative positions, today they’ve been established as valuable assets for any student looking to get an extra edge.

If you’re still on the fence about setting up an online portfolio, here are three reasons to stop the debate and jump on board.

It sets you apart

Portfolios can be as unique as you want them to be. Just as they’re no longer reserved for artists, they no longer have to be elaborate, fancy spaces that try to overhype your accomplishments. If you’re more of a head-down worker, for example, create a portfolio that focuses solely on a few of the accomplishments you’re most proud of.

If you’re someone who takes pride in their volunteer or personal work, showcase the pursuits you have that aren’t necessarily on your field of study but showcase your outgoing nature. Furthermore, make sure you pick a theme that is right for you; different page layouts can help showcase your tone as a possible fit into a team setting.

It complements your resume

Are you the kind of student that treats your schoolwork like a job? If you are someone who makes a point to “learn by doing” in college, don’t let the value of your research and your projects go to waste. While one-page resumes leave little room for anything other than skills and professional experience, your portfolio is your chance to show, not tell, what you’ve done.

When making your portfolio, be sure to include pictures and work from projects you did with groups or research you did with professors.

It speaks for itself

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a portfolio is worth many more. Your ability to combine photographs, videos and words on free sites like Portfolium not only is a chance to say more about yourself, it can be seen as a skill in itself. Having a portfolio shows you truly care about showing yourself in the best light, and that you have the ability to see a personal project through from start to finish.

If anything, this is the number one reason to create your portfolio–it’s free, it’s unique, and you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Start creating your portfolio with one of ACI’s Student Assistance experts. We can point you to the right website for your portfolio, and even help you decide what goes in it. Drop us a line on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, or YouTube or contact ACI Specialty Benefits at (800) 932-0034 or info@acispecialtybenefits.com.