One big step toward gaining the engineering job that you are looking for is creating a successful work portfolio. Think of it as a tool to showcase your professional experience, credentials, and samples of your work.
While the market may be booming for engineering grads, so is the competition for top jobs. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, organizations expect to hire nearly 6 percent more new college grads this year than in 2016. That’s especially true for the fastest-growing jobs within the field of engineering.
A work portfolio can give you an edge over other applicants in a competitive market. Think about it: The applicant pile for any engineering position is usually made up of people who went to similar schools, have similar resumes, and so on. That’s why a strong portfolio can set you apart. It’s a way to show concrete examples of things you’ve built and projects that you’ve worked on, along with the equipment and technology you used to make it happen.
So what exactly should you include in your portfolio and what are the basics of getting started? Include samples of your finest work and an “About Me” page that lists your work history, internships, education, affiliations and accolades. Some portfolios show thought processes behind a project, the final version and the iterations in between. The format you choose is up to you, but there are many great examples out there.
How do you make a portfolio? The simplest way is to create it in PowerPoint and convert it into a pdf. Or, use an online portfolio site, so that when a hiring manager searches for you on Google, it comes up in the results. Some free platforms to include Carbonmade or Behance. And LinkedIn, the business networking site offers an online portfolio tool as well. If you know the basics of building a simple website, create your portfolio using a site-building tool (many are free!). Go a step further and personalize your domain name; registering one can cost as little as $10 per year.
At an interview, bring your portfolio along on an iPad or small laptop, or print it on high-quality paper.
What happens to your portfolio after you land your dream job? Even if you’re not actively looking for work, keeping your portfolio up to date is a way that you can keep track of your professional accomplishments. But remember to tell your boss about the portfolio site and that it’s for your long-term career goals — not for an active job search.