Hi everyone! I'm 20 and just started applying for internships, but I've noticed my projects and materials are all over the place. My major is Math with a focus on Actuarial Science, but I've been taking CS courses and self-studying for a while now. I've learned several programming languages including Python, C++, R, Java, HTML, and CSS—though I know HTML and CSS might not count as full programming languages!
After chatting with my advisor, she recommended I create a portfolio site to showcase my projects and experience in a professional and interactive way. I have this idea of a 3D space with motion to make it eye-catching, but I'm finding it hard to know where to start, especially since I'm not a web development expert yet. I'd love to hear any advice or experiences on how to approach building this, given my current skill level.
5 Answers
I’ve been in the field since 2011, and not building my portfolio early was my biggest mistake. I just finished mine recently, and it really showcases what I can do. It's definitely worth building yours at the right time!
Don't be afraid to dive into building what you have in mind! Even if you don't achieve everything at once, the learning experience will be invaluable.
Thanks for the encouragement! I know I’ll learn a lot, but I’m just unsure where to kick things off. Should I sketch it out on paper first or jump straight into coding with HTML for a basic structure?
I’m not sure where the push for fancy portfolios is coming from. If you just want to grab attention, flashy can work, but I personally prefer a straightforward portfolio that clearly presents what I can do. Keep it simple is my advice!
Start simple and build up gradually. Tackle a 2D space first, and once that’s up and running, you can add 3D elements piece by piece. Each phase should be a quick project with a timeline of about a week, so you always have something to show off after each step.
This is a fantastic plan! I'll begin by planning my 2D concept tomorrow. Any good resources you'd recommend for when I reach the 3D stage?
That sounds like an exciting project! I suggest you create a straightforward version first, organizing your work in a basic HTML/CSS site. Once that's solid, gradually incorporate the 3D aspects with libraries like Three.js. Taking on too much at once could lead to burnout.
Your portfolio looks amazing! It’s clean and professional. I totally get that having one can save recruiters a lot of time, and it's also much easier for me to show what I’ve done.