I'm a first-year computer science student and recently created a script for analyzing demo files in the game CS2. This script identifies if any players disconnected during the match, and I built it entirely using AI tools. While I grasp how the code works, I'm concerned about my actual coding ability without relying on AI. Is it acceptable to showcase this project in my portfolio?
5 Answers
It's great that you're exploring coding, but keep in mind that a simple script might not add much value to your portfolio. Portfolios are best for showcasing larger projects that demonstrate your skills. If you do consider including any AI-created work, try to pair it with a detailed write-up explaining your thought process, the challenges you faced, and why you created it. This way, you can show your problem-solving skills and understanding of the project, even if the coding part was AI-assisted.
If the AI script is straightforward, I wouldn't recommend adding it to your CV unless there's something complex that showcases your problem-solving skills. But hey, if you're struggling with creating your own projects, I suggest combining what you learn with personal touches to make the code feel yours—even tweaks can show initiative.
Using AI is fine, but you need to understand how what you created works to defend it during interviews. If asked to explain the decisions you made or how to alter the script, you'll need to show that you grasp the underlying concepts. If you used AI simply to generate code without fully understanding it, it might be better not to include that in your portfolio along with a disclaimer about it being AI-assisted.
Make sure your portfolio reflects your skills, not just what AI helped you accomplish. If you feel unsure about explaining technical choices or modifications, it might be best to hold off on including that script. You want your work to represent your abilities, so try doing a couple of projects where you code without AI assistance to build your confidence!
That makes sense! I'm sometimes intimidated by doing things from scratch, but I guess that’s where the real learning happens.
It's totally okay to have AI-assisted projects in your Github, but be prepared to talk about it. Interviewers want to hear your insights and decisions during development, so highlight your journey and the parts of the project that were your contributions. Mentioning how you utilized AI responsibly could also show you're keeping up with tech trends!

I totally agree! Having that context really helps demonstrate your learning journey.