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AnnaWSE

Mid-level Marketing Associate wanting a change.

01/28/20 at 3:37PM UTC

Career

What is a portfolio and how do I create one?

I was let go from my job in November (blessing). My background is in marketing and project management within that industry. I have mostly worked in tech startups and I want to transition out of that into a production assistant role within either an entertainment/media/production company OR a B2C lifestyle company. My question is, when they ask for a portfolio, what should be included and what should it look like? I have worked on website development and management, written articles, worked events and photoshoots, etc. Help!

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User deleted comment on 01/28/20 at 11:02PM UTC

Lady Pele

3.96k

Retired Project Manager

01/28/20 at 8:48PM UTC

Good advice above. You should also check out: https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-secrets-to-building-a-portfolio-thatll-make-everyone-want-to-hire-you

AnnaWSE

Mid-level Marketing Associate wanting a change.

01/28/20 at 11:02PM UTC (Edited)

Thank you, this is extremely helpful. Now I can wrap my head around the difference between a resume and a portfolio.

Anonymous

01/28/20 at 6:07PM UTC

Hey Anna! Both of the above are all epicly great suggestions. I would say, tell a story with what you've done for the brand or brands you have worked with or marketed. I spent 6 years in the music industry doing digital marketing / advertising and whenever I am asked for portfolio stuff, I generally will show off case studies, successful placements, and other things that helped the bands and groups grow. The entertainment side just wants to see your ability to be awesome at telling that story and doing it in diverse ways. You got this.

AnnaWSE

Mid-level Marketing Associate wanting a change.

01/28/20 at 11:01PM UTC

Thanks! I can do that.

User deleted comment on 01/28/20 at 11PM UTC

Barb Hansen

6.67k

Startup Product, Growth & Strategy

01/28/20 at 5:58PM UTC

I agree with AnneM523 above -- Squarespace (or Wix) would be a great option to create a portfolio of your work. Build out the navigation to reflect your different talents, then share it in your resume, and your profile on Linkedin, FGB etc. If possible, I would also create a real-world version of your portfolio that you can bring into an interview with you. Then when asked a question you can flip to that page in your portfolio -- that's an interesting question, let me know you how I solved this problem at company XYZ or let me show you an example of how I handled issue ABC in the past.

AnnaWSE

Mid-level Marketing Associate wanting a change.

01/28/20 at 10:58PM UTC

That's a really interesting point. It can't hurt to bring something with me to interviews, but I'll start with an online portfolio and work from there.

Anonymous

01/29/20 at 1:46AM UTC

But remember to retrieve it - those portfolios get expensive!

Anonymous

01/28/20 at 5:38PM UTC

I think creating a site would be a great idea (Squarespace is very user friendly). A "portfolio" is an older term where potential employers would look through an actual book of your work, and you'd have to sit there, awkwardly, in hopes that he/she "gets" you. Thank golly times have changed. You've have solid qualities and experience that people are looking for. The way you lay out your site will give you the flexibility to arrange/display your current work and show what transferable skills (organized, project management experience, deadline-oriented, etc.) you can bring to any table. If designing your site is intimidating, I believe Squarespace (and others) can subcontract a designer to help you, but honestly, if I can do it - YOU CAN! good luck...