How to stand out in any industry with a career portfolio 

Once reserved for creatives and freelancers, career portfolios are now a secret weapon for professionals in every field, helping you to prove your value, stand out from the crowd and land your next big opportunity. 

Whether you’re fresh out of uni or making a career change, landing the role you want in a competitive market takes more than a polished resume. In today’s job market, it’s not enough to say you can do the job – you need to show it. 

That’s where career portfolios come in. Once considered the domain of freelancers, designers and creatives, portfolios are now helping professionals across industries – from marketing and business to tech, science and education – get noticed, get interviews and get hired. 

How is a career portfolio different from a resume? 

Think of a career portfolio as a curated collection of your best work, like projects you’ve led, awards you’ve won, results you’ve delivered and qualifications you’ve earned. 

Unlike a resume, which lists responsibilities and timelines, a portfolio gives you a chance to create more impactful stories about the outcomes you’ve achieved.  

What goes into a career portfolio?

Your career portfolio should be tailored to match the role you’re applying for, highlighting the skills and experiences that align with the job description. 

It’s proof of impact that showcases the value you bring without overloading your resume, making it easier for employers to see your skills in action and imagine you delivering results for them. 

For a graduate, that could mean highlighting: 

University projects with measurable results or industry relevance

Internship achievements where you solved a real-world problem or improved a process

Volunteer work that delivered tangible benefits to a community or organisation

Group assignments where you took the lead or played a pivotal role in team success

Tools, platforms, and methodologies you’ve mastered

Extracurricular or side projects that showcase initiative, creativity or technical skills

For alum with a few years of experience under their belt, a career portfolio could look like: 

Standout projects you’ve delivered, with measurable results

Client or stakeholder successes you’ve contributed to

Certifications, upskilling, and professional development

Case studies that relate to the job role that show how you solved complex challenges

Leadership examples, from mentoring to managing teams

Visuals when relevant such as charts, screenshots, testimonials or links to work samples

How should you get started?

You don’t need a library of work to get started. Just keep it simple: 

Pick three key projects you’re proud of that closely align with the job description. 
Write short, impactful summaries outlining your role, the challenge and the results. 
Choose your format. This could be a PDF that you can include along with your resume, as an appendix on your cover letter, or links to a personal website.

Did you know? RMIT students have access to a portfolio tool called Portfolium during their studies. As an alum, you can also make an alumni profile using your Google account. Check out how Jocelyn Permana, an RMIT finance student, has created her portfolio of finance projects as an example!

Who should have a career portfolio?

If you have skills and achievements worth showing, you can have a portfolio. These days, portfolios are used by: 

Professionals across industries like marketing, business, technology, science, education and more, who are looking for a unique edge in the interview process or spotlight growth in their careers

Freelancers, side-hustlers and contract workers pitching for work

Building a portfolio isn’t just about impressing employers; it’s a chance to recognise your own value. The process can clarify your strengths, help you talk confidently about your achievements and remind you how much you’ve already accomplished. That’s exactly the energy you want to bring to a job interview!  

Need extra support?

Start building your career portfolio today with support from RMIT. With Career Connect and the New Alumni Pass, graduates can access free resources, coaching, and advice - no matter your career stage. 

Story: Angela Brayton

Explore more

You may also be interested in...

Job rejection isn’t the end: 4 tips to help you bounce back stronger

Job rejections can be tough, especially when you are just starting out after graduating. But rejection doesn’t define your value or potential.

AI, games and fact-checks: Welcome to job interviews in 2025

If you’ve just started your career, you’ve probably heard the classic interview advice: dress sharp, make eye contact and don’t forget a firm handshake. But in 2025, interviews have evolved - they’re not always in-person, across a table or even with a human.

Five questions to ask your employer in your next job interview

Early on in your career, job interviews may seem more daunting than they are exciting. But, with the right preparation, you can leave a lasting impression.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information