This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Shaikh Taslim Ahmed
I still remember the first time I applied for an internship during my university days. I had a nicely formatted CV, some good grades, and a couple of part-time projects. But when the interviewer casually asked, “Do you have a portfolio I can check out?”—I froze. I didn’t. And honestly, it felt like I had shown up to a race barefoot.
That moment taught me something important: in today’s world, your degree isn’t always the thing that gets you noticed. It’s your proof of work—your digital portfolio.
Why a Digital Portfolio Matters (More Than You Think)
Employers are no longer impressed by just GPAs and a list of extracurriculars. They want to see what you can actually do.
Think about it. Who would you hire?
- Student A: CV says “Designed a mobile app for a class project.”
- Student B: Sends you a portfolio link where you can literally click and explore the app, read about their role, and see screenshots.
I’d hire Student B in a heartbeat.
Your portfolio isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s your online reputation. It’s your 24/7 resume that speaks for you when you’re not in the room.
Personal Story: How My Friend Landed a Job Without Even Applying
A close friend of mine, Sara, was into graphic design during college. She wasn’t top of the class, and she wasn’t the loud “networking” type either. But she did one thing smart—she started uploading her class projects, freelance gigs, and personal experiments onto her portfolio website.
Fast forward a year, a recruiter stumbled upon her work on LinkedIn (she had her portfolio linked in her bio). Long story short? Sara got offered an internship without even applying. That internship turned into a full-time job.
Meanwhile, many of our batchmates were still refreshing job portals, wondering why no one was calling them back.
But Isn’t It Too Early to Start in College?
This is the question I hear the most: “I’m still in school. What do I even put in a portfolio?”
Honestly? You’ve got more to show than you think.
- That group project you coded until 3 a.m.? Perfect.
- Your photography hobby on Instagram? Yep, that counts.
- Volunteer work, research papers, presentations? Throw them in.
Your portfolio doesn’t have to be polished or “final.” It’s meant to grow with you. The earlier you start, the stronger it becomes by graduation.
My Mistake (And What I’d Do Differently)
Confession time: I built my portfolio late. I rushed to create one during my final semester when companies were already shortlisting candidates. It looked rushed, felt half-baked, and I know it cost me opportunities.
If I could go back, I’d start in my second year—adding small things as I went. That way, by the time graduation came around, I’d have a full story to tell instead of a last-minute patchwork.
So, Where Do You Start?
You don’t need to overcomplicate things.
- Pick a simple platform. (This is where tools like VisitFolio.com come in handy—it’s made for students and freelancers who want something clean and easy without coding headaches.)
- Upload your projects—even the “imperfect” ones.
- Keep updating it as you learn more.
Think of it like planting a tree. The best time was yesterday. The second-best time? Today.
If you’re still in school and wondering whether a portfolio is “worth it”—trust me, it is. It’s one of the smartest moves you can make for your career. It opens doors you didn’t even know existed.
One day, when someone asks you, “Can I see your work?”—you’ll smile, drop a link, and let your portfolio do the talking.
And hey, don’t overthink it. Start small. Start messy. Just start.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Shaikh Taslim Ahmed