Projects to Prospects (or Advertising Yourself)

With midterms coming up, it is easy to throw in the towel and do the bare minimum when it comes to writing papers or completing projects. However, these assignments don’t have to just be a checkmark off your to-do list. Projects and papers are a great way for teachers to make sure you are on track, and they can also be used to show future employers the skills and experience you have gained in college.

One of the best ways to show off your work is through LinkedIn. LinkedIn provides a great place for your peers and employers to see that you are regularly working toward your career goals. When writing a post, be sure it is short and uses semi-formal language. After posting, be sure to keep an eye on engagement and respond to comments. 

How to Post Your First Project

  1. Log into Linkedin and connect with old colleagues and peers
  2. Click on your Profile
  3. Scroll down and click “Add to Profesional Section”
  4. Tap on the “Recommended” section and select “Add Project” 

Another way to show off your work to future recruiters is through a personal website or portfolio. Many majors including journalism, digital storytelling, fine arts, and architecture show their work potential through personalized websites of your work. There are many portfolio websites to choose from and you should choose based on your major and interests.  

  • Carrd– A free one-page online portfolio with multiple design options and setups
  • Vsble A free website builder made for visual artists. It’s incredibly easy to use, and probably one of the reasons for the prevalence of personal sites and online portfolios.
  • SquareSpace– A general website and portfolio that is good simple to get started
  • Cargo– A very open and adjustable online portfolio that is great for creative majors
  • WordPress– An easy interface to work with that is especially good for writing focused portfolios

After you create your portfolio, reach out to professors, alumni, or professionals in your field through Linkin to gather feedback. 

College is not just a time for learning, but also gaining experiences that can be shown to future recruiters. Keeping an up-to-date LinkedIn page or portfolio, shows employers that you are career ready and capable of growth. You got this Tiger!