In this unit, we're diving into one of your most powerful career tools: your technical portfolio.

A technical portfolio is your showcase of programming projects, code samples, and problem-solving skills. It's how you prove to employers that you can actually build things.

Engagement Message

What project could you add first to kick-start your portfolio?

Here's the reality: your resume lists what you've learned, but your portfolio shows what you can create.

Employers want to see real code you've written, problems you've solved, and projects you've completed. They're looking for evidence of your technical abilities.

Engagement Message

What's more convincing to you - a list of skills or actual working examples?

Your portfolio should include two main types of projects: academic work and personal projects.

Academic projects show you can meet requirements and work within constraints. These include class assignments, lab work, and course projects that demonstrate core CS concepts.

Engagement Message

What's your most interesting class project so far?

Personal projects are where you really shine. These show initiative, passion, and your ability to learn independently.

Whether it's a mobile app, web tool, or automation script you built for fun - personal projects tell your unique story as a developer.

Engagement Message

What's one personal project you've built or would love to build?

Each project in your portfolio needs three essential elements: clean, readable code; clear documentation explaining what it does; and easy access for reviewers to examine your work.

Think of it as making your projects "recruiter-friendly" - they should understand your work quickly.

Engagement Message

Which of these three elements do you think is most often missing?