(Sorry for my long absense—I’ve had an exciting few weeks)
Barbara Nixon recently asked a number of professionals for some advice for her students.
Should a Public Relations student’s portfolio be digital or in a binder?
I can certainly answer this question with my personal point of view, both as a professional who has looked at portfolios during the hiring process and as someone who landed a number of opportunities based on my own online portfolio.
A few years ago, having an online portfolio as an advertising or PR student was much less common (so much so that I was able to land a scholarship to the Cannes International Advertising Festival’s Roger Hatchuel Academy simply for being the only student to apply with an online portfolio).
These days, the practice is becoming more common, and for students looking to stand out in a competitive job market, I would argue that an online portfolio is quickly becoming a requirement. This is particularly true for those looking for a digital position (and I might add, most PR positions have become at least somewhat digital).
Your Portfolio Might Simply Be Your “Personal Hub”
During the hiring process, you want to make it as easy as possible for hiring managers to get a fast impression of what you’re all about. This might be as simple as creating a “hub” that will lead them to your work, writing and participation in various online networks. It might even be a blog.
Creating an online portfolio can be a lot of fun—this is your opportunity to get creative and show off your personality.
Resources:
- WordPress (If you’re in Michigan, check out Loudpixel’s upcoming workshop on building a web portfolio using WordPress)
- Check with your university to see if it offers free web hosting to students (many do)
- Squarespace
- DreamWeaver (available in some college labs—this is what I used to get started early on)
- More Resources: Create a Professional Web Presence on a Budget
Tags: portfolio
Christy Hammond
I agree wholeheartedly. I created my own online portfolio (christyhammond.com) just over a year ago. I’ve learned that a lot of people are searching my name on Google and my website is one of the first things they’ll come across. I’ve gotten quite a few e-mails from people in the field because of what they saw.
Not every online portfolio has to be the same, but it’s certainly a way to make yourself stand out from your competition.
Holly
Great advice. My Web site has played a major role in the “first impressions” I’ve given to potential employers, and so far that has been a very good thing.
Rachel Esterline .:. A Step Ahead
Allie,
I completely agree. Online portfolios are so useful for PR students. My portfolio and blog has opened many doors for me.
One thing many students don’t think about is their Google results. What happens when their name is searched? Is is only their MySpace and Facebook accounts that come up? An online portfolio can really help their Google results, which is something a potential employer may check.
Kristen
Great post–blogged about it at http://www.ramenrentresumes.com!
Kimling
Very interesting post. As someone who has held a lot of interviews, anything in addition to a resume, cover letter and linkedin page can help you stand out in a crowd.
A well organized, clean, easy-to-read online portfolio that also gives a feel for your personality is an awesome way to showcase your talent.
Blair
[after asking about the process] When I was being considered for UNT from a pool of very experienced veterans who had simply lost the ability to run a solo business, or others who already had their foot in the door, they had put a very high emphasis on not just knowing recording, but everything web/internet and digital media. One faculty told me later he voted on my side on a large part because I was simply a younger geek who, after viewing my crazy overblown time-waisting website I had kept up while at MSU!, knew I could handle pushing the College into the Internet with digital…goodness. My site defiantly stood out to quite a few people in the hiring process, and I know without that visual interactive reference I may not have gotten this job.
Glad to hear you’re still doing well out there too Allie!
Gabriele Bladdick
Thanks for this post, Allie! I just completed my online portfolio last week after compiling pieces from my previous internships. My question is, how do I let professionals know that I have an online portfolio. Do I put it on my resume, cover letter, business card, etc.? What are your opinions?