Portfolio Website
You created a plan to guide your process, design and content.
Your portfolio showcases your work and your work experience.
You make a statement about you and your creative process.
You feel empowered by curating your site content.
You saved time and effort because you planned well at the start.
This is a six-week, self-paced, online course with free multi-media learning resources.
All courses include four assignments.
Aim for 10 hours of homework each week.
Try not to rush as stress can block learning and retention*.
*Source: NPJ - Science of Learning
O O O O O
Day one: Welcome meeting with your instructor.
Review course plan, assignments and reading list.
Review learning resources and Open textbooks.
Ask questions. Discuss the learning process.
Assessment letter and certificate provided upon course completion.
Tip No. 9 - Live examples
"Linking to existing pieces of work that your previous clients are currently using
further demonstrates your prowess as a professional."
- Creative Manitoba, Tips for Building a Killer Portfolio Website
The rise of the portfolio website proves this is an effective tool employers want to see.
According to Kira Yee, Content and Channel Marketing Lead with the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (cira.ca), the top reason for building a portfolio website is to establish an online presence and build trust with your clients or employer. "...a good portfolio website can be huge for establishing customer trust and credibility," says Yee in her listicle offering four reasons why you should build an online portfolio.
Bottom line: The portfolio website can boost your reputation, define you as an experienced professional and establish trust with future employers and contractors.
The added benefits learners gain from completing this course is experiencing how websites are built and strengthening your bio as well as your pitch. Learners will decide how to position themselves within their chosen career sector, gather assets including, among other things, work samples and goals met that employers find relevant to their workplace.
The look and feel of your portfolio should also fit nicely with how you present yourself to an employer. You will be encouraged and supported to find strength and harmony in both.
What you will learn
It's likely you will develop new skills as you build your portfolio website plan.
This course is tailored to highlight career milestones and achievements and may also bring out the learner's design, composition and technical skills. This course encourages learners to use one of the many free templates offered by each selected platform site (see resources below).
You will learn:
- how technology is applied through UX (user experience), SEO (search engine optimization) and web basics including HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
- how to plan out and rationalize each step of your portfolio project and manage your time to complete your project by deadline.
- how to gather key information that will support your development of a personal brand strategy.
- new trends as well as principles of classic design and visual representation, copywriting, formatting, font and colour choices, photography, video, illustrations and other visual elements that help your portfolio stand out.
Your learning experience
Our courses are designed to promote cognitive engagement which involves mental effort, persistence and strategic thinking. Learners engage and grow by applying critical thinking skills, self-regulation and connecting new information to prior knowledge. Strategies to promote a deep desire to learn include having choices, using collaborative, open-ended projects and creating tasks that require critical thinking rather than simple recall.
Learning objectives
Developing a professional portfolio requires patience for goal-setting, time for self-reflection and fortitude to explain your skill strengths and accomplishments. This course provides a framework for self-assessment and evaluation as well as a tested process to walk you through each step to plan, gather assets, organize and gradually come to terms with just how much knowledge, ability and personal growth you've achieved up to this point.
Here are five more take-aways to consider:
- Goal-setting for the next few years
Learners define their career aspirations and set achievable SMART goals that lead to professional growth. While some may feel like they must plan for the rest of their lives, it's just for the next three years or so. You can update your portfolio as your career takes shape and grows. - Tracking achievements and managing time
Maintaining a journal provides a structured way to collect, reflect and present evidence of accomplishments, skills, and knowledge gained throughout your education and career so far. - Communication and presentation
A well-developed portfolio can serve as a powerful communication tool, allowing individuals to effectively showcase their qualifications and experience to employers or peers. Learners will be encouraged to present their portfolio and share a few key moments in their journey. - Improved skill development
The portfolio process can highlight skills you may want to further develop and encourage you to explore new learning opportunities to expand your skillset. - Career advancement
Portfolios can be invaluable tools for job interviews, education applications, promotions or advancements, and other career and academic related opportunities. Your website is your showcase that can emphasize your qualifications, expand on your experiences and even point to your personal values.
Free resources
Learners are asked to choose from the following web platforms that offer free portfolio templates and details on how to create a portfolio website. Each site provides directions and supports on how to get started with a design. We advise you follow your design plan and branding strategy so your site aligns with your goals and the look and feel that is right for you.
Great design is how you stand out in the age of AI - with free workbook to help build your brand. - by Julie Osborn, August 2025.
Create a portfolio website that stands out - Wix.com
How to create a website from scratch in 11 steps (for beginners) - by Allison Ko.
How to create an online website portfolio using WordPress - editorial staff at WPBeginners. March 2025.
Prerequisites
Before enrolling, take a moment to assess your readiness as we truly do want you to succeed. In addition to having successfully completed grade 12, you will need these skills to be effective -
Technical skills
- Keyboarding - accuracy, speed, correct posture.
- Computer familiarity.
- Ability to search online.
- Literacy skills: read, write, speak, listen and think critically.
Tools and equipment
- Familiar with the spell-check tool.
- Know how to use a calculator.
- Ability to use a dictionary and thesaurus.
