Guest Blogger Rebecca Porter ’16
Let’s review. Marketing yourself to a future employer is an important step when moving from academics and further into the professional world. As discussed in (link here) there are ways to create a resume that successfully shows off your skills ets and sets you a part from the pack. Yet, in a multimedia world there are different ways to market yourself than just a resume. In fact, after surveying PWR alumni, many stated that portfolios or personal blogs are just as valuable. How do you make an effective blog or website you ask?
Mia Brady ’13 states in order to “make it most effective you’d want to have a lot of clickable links to connect to websites or materials applicable to the student’s work.” Make sure that if you are making an interactive way to market your skills, the platform that you are doing is also interactive. The more information that you give an employer, the more likely you will stick out against other applicants. Check out alumni Caitlin Rantala‘s superwoman-themed portfolio. Cool, right? She further proves the point that you can have a fun portfolio, but you can also show off your skills at the same time. Pick a theme that means something to you. If you’re not attached to it, why should anyone else be?
Also, choose colors and fonts that are further going to showcase who you are and the story you are trying to tell. Keep in mind who your audience is and your ultimate goal for making a website. Understand how to tailor what your interests are to the interests of your audience and work to seam those two ideas together in an innovative way. Look at this, this, this and this, for more inspiration to get you started on your portfolio.
Need more reasons why portfolios are vital? Read this. Some of the jobs you may apply require writing samples and because of this, Hillary Dooley ’14 says, “It’s easier (and helps establish ethos) to provide a link to your portfolio with not only your writing samples, but why these examples are effective forms of communication. Even if potential employers don’t review your portfolio, it lets them know that you have enough experience and have taken the time to create a portfolio.” Provide a diverse group of writing samples in your portfolio, but have a layout that is clearly organized and understandable for employers to navigate.
In a multimedia world, having different platforms to show off why your qualified is helpful when entering the professional world and creating a portfolio is a great place to start. By creating other materials besides a resume you are applying your skills in innovative ways that are appealing to employers.
And our alumni have other helpful advice they’ve shared with me. Read the next post to find out.
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