You've built a strong foundation with content, stories, and design. Now comes the game-changer: tailoring your portfolio for specific opportunities.

One-size-fits-all portfolios rarely land interviews. Smart candidates customize their portfolios to match what each employer actually wants to see.

Engagement Message

What's one role or industry you're particularly interested in targeting?

Here's what many candidates miss: different industries value different types of evidence. Tech companies want to see problem-solving processes, while consulting firms prioritize analytical thinking and client communication.

Research each target company's language, values, and current challenges before customizing your portfolio.

Engagement Message

What's one challenge you know your target industry is currently facing?

Start with the job posting itself. Circle key requirements and desired qualifications. Then map your academic experiences to those specific needs.

If they want "data-driven decision making," highlight your research methodology. If they need "stakeholder management," showcase your committee work or collaborative projects.

Engagement Message

Pick one requirement from a recent job posting—how could your academic work address it?

Industry language matters enormously. A marketing role might call research "consumer insights," while a policy position calls it "evidence-based analysis."

Use the same terminology they use. If the job posting mentions "strategic thinking," use that exact phrase when describing your thesis planning process.

Engagement Message

What's one industry-specific term you've noticed in job postings that interests you?

Prioritize relevant projects for each application. Your environmental research goes first for sustainability roles, your statistical analysis leads for data positions.

Don't show everything—show what matters most to this specific employer. Quality over quantity wins every time.