Five Portfolio Building Tips

🗓️ April 10, 2026

✍🏾 Zoe Bowden

If you’re a communications student at Howard University, chances are you’ve already written a press release, designed a campaign you’re proud of, or have written a few press pitches for class. But when internship season rolls around, suddenly you’re stuck asking: Wait… what am I actually supposed to put in my portfolio?

Your portfolio is one of the most important tools you have in a job application. It’s how you show what you can do. And the good news? You probably already have great material. You just need to put it together in a way that makes you stand out.

Below are five tips to help you get your portfolio together.

1. You dont need everything, be picky!

It’s tempting to upload every assignment you’ve ever done, but trust, no recruiter wants to scroll through pages and pages of work. Pick your strongest pieces, around 5–8, that really show your skills. Make sure there is a variety: a press release, a social media post, maybe a campaign or pitch. Each piece should feel intentional. 

2. Make Sure it Matches the Job

If you’re trying to get into PR, your portfolio should represent skills related to PR. That means press materials, pitches, maybe some event or campaign work. If you’re more into marketing or digital content, lean into that. Your portfolio should make it easy understand what type of job you’re applying for.

3. Don't simply add files, explain them

 A lot of people forget this, but context is everything. Add a quick description for each piece: What was the goal? Who was the audience? Was it for a class or a real client? This shows that you’re not just creative, you’re strategic too.

4. Show Range, but keep it true to you

You want to show that you can do different things, formal writing, social captions, maybe even long-form, but it should still feel like you. Your voice, your style, your perspective. That’s what makes your work stand out.

5. Make it easy to look at and make sure everything works.

 No broken links. No clutter. No random formatting. Your portfolio should be clean, simple, and easy to click through. Whether it’s a website or a Linktree, make sure everything works and looks polished. First impressions matter.

Before You Hit Submit: Portfolio Checklist

• Do you have 5–8 strong, relevant pieces?

• Does your portfolio match the type of job or internship you want?

• Did you include a short description for each sample?

• Is there a clear mix of work (PR, social, writing, campaigns, etc.)?

• Are all links working and easy to access?

• Is everything free of typos and consistent in formatting?

• Is your strongest work easy to find (at the top or clearly labeled)?

Final Thoughts
Building a portfolio can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You’re already doing the work in your classes, internships, and orgs. This is just about putting it all together in a way that makes sense. And if you’re struggling with the design portion you can use Canva, Google sites, or even Linktree to make an easy portfolio.