Portfolio Website
Your portfolio showcases your work and your work experience.
Your portfolio makes a statement about you and your creative process.
You planned well for this project and saved time and effort as a result.
You felt empowered as you curated and formatted your content.
Completing and sharing your portfolio is a distinct achievement.
This is a six-week online course with free multi-media learning resources.
Learn at your own pace. Try not to rush as stress can block learning and retention*.
Aim for 10 hours of homework each week
Two hours every other weeknight and two hours on Sat. and Sun. is ideal.
- MWFSS –
Source: NPJ - Science of Learning
The rise of the portfolio website indicates this is an effective tool for attracting employers.
Validation
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. The portfolio website can build your reputation and define you as an experienced professional.
The added benefits learners gain from completing this course is experiencing how websites are built. Learners will decide how to position themselves within their chosen career sector, gather assets including, among other things, work samples 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 not uncommon to build new skills as you define your career goals and gather assets through the portfolio planning process.
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.
Learning objectives
Developing a professional portfolio requires time for self-reflection, patience for goal-setting 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. The paint never dries on websites, as the saying goes, so you can return anytime and update your portfolio as your career takes shape. - 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 areas where skills can be further developed, encouraging individuals to seek out opportunities to learn and grow. - Career advancement
Portfolios can be invaluable tools for job interviews, education applications, promotions or advancements, and other career and academic related opportunities, as the website is a showcase of an individual's qualifications, experiences and values.
Free and open resources
Learners are asked to choose from the following web platforms that offer free portfolio templates. Each site provides directions and supports on how to get started, however, learners are advised to follow their own plan and branding strategy so their site aligns with their goals.
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
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