Making Student Projects Stand Out in a Professional Portfolio

By: Maddie Wasaff

Photo courtesy of Storyblocks

For creatives like me, one of the most crucial selling points in a job application is the portfolio. But how does one build a portfolio with no real work or internship experience? I found myself asking the same question a year ago when I started thinking about how to present myself professionally. I quickly realized that some of my most valuable experiences came from projects I had completed in the classroom and through student organizations. These projects allowed me to experiment, develop new skills and work through real creative challenges. The key was learning how to present that work in a way that highlighted its value beyond the classroom. Here are some of my biggest takeaways so far.

Showcase your Work!

Do not underestimate the value of a class assignment or student organization project. Whether it is a branding project or campaign proposal for class, social media post for your club, or even group assignment, these projects all help demonstrate your ability to apply what you have learned and showcase your ability to work in a team. Keeping thorough documentation of work samples is crucial and also shows growth!

Your Process is Just as Important

Employers want to see how you think and work through problems to get to the solution. Showcasing how you got there, through sketches, iterations, process images, etc. is a great way for people to understand your thinking. Make sure to include context to each project, including: audience, goals, and research used to help you get to your final product. There is so much more put into creative deliverables than the eye sees- show that!

Highlight your Individual Contributions 

Group projects are a great way to demonstrate your ability to work in a team, but make sure your portfolio communicates what you specifically brought to the table and explain your role, responsibilities and contributions. At Bluestone, working with different teams and collaborating on client campaigns allows you to demonstrate how you contribute to a larger project while developing your own professional skills. 

Your Portfolio Should Show Range

Your portfolio should reflect your interests while demonstrating a range of skills. Include different types of work, such as graphic design, writing, research, social media and branding. If you enjoy painting or have taken studio art courses, include those projects, too! Even if a project is not directly related to the job you are applying for, it can still demonstrate your creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to work across different mediums.

Your portfolio does not have to be perfect or look like everyone else’s. It should show your skills, highlight what you have learned, and give employers a better idea of the kind of work you enjoy doing.