Projects = Job Offers

Hello friend,

I have seen polarizing opinions about portfolios.

Mainly two camps of thought:

1. A-Team: You must have a portfolio and link it on your resume

2. B-Team: Portfolios are a waste of time because nobody looks at them

Well, it's no secret I am part of the A-Team. A portfolio of your technical work is a must in today's tough job market.

But, I can tell most people do not know how to utilize it effectively.

And I am not just saying this because the topic is popular. The following are several roles I have had in the past:

1. Senior Data Visualization Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton

2. Data Science Intern at Humu

3. Credit, Risk, & Fraud Analyst Co-op at Cox Communications

All 3 have one thing in common: my portfolio. So, I wanted to share stories of exactly how I actually utilized it.

For those unaware of consulting, you will most likely head to "the bench" once hired.

While on the bench, you have to apply and interview for projects just as you would in the regular job market (don't worry you still get paid).

On my resume, I had a link to my portfolio. The hiring manager in my last interview beamed with joy and excitement when discussing my personal projects.

She ultimately hired me on the spot because my portfolio displayed superior data visualization and storytelling skills way beyond the candidates she had interviewed.

Mind you, I was competing with current Booz Allen professionals.

I tell my students all the time that data visualization and storytelling are two critical skills you must take the time to master.

Many professionals are not that great at it and organizations crave those skills.

It's the easiest way to differentiate yourself in this competitive job market.

I was actually referred to this position. My portfolio was sent to my would be manager at the time (Mark Freeman) and I went through the normal hiring process.

I was only 7 months into my data career at the time. Still junior so I took my portfolio very seriously.

After ultimately getting the job, Mark let me know that my portfolio played a huge role in helping me land the position.

I can admit that I used to be a terrible interviewer after separating from the Navy. I just never had much experience with it.

People get referred all the time through their network, including myself as you can see.

Providing a compelling portfolio on top of a referral from your network is a superstar combination in this market that almost guarantees a job offer.

This was my first data job, and I didn't actually have a portfolio when I landed my role.

But, while I was there, I networked heavily with professionals to learn about the different types of roles.

This was the time of my career when I did about 2 coffee chats each week.

Whenever I cold messaged people, I would introduce myself and pass along my portfolio (not my resume).

I was also networking to secure another full-time position before my year-long co-op ended.

Using guidance from my mentor at the time, I started contacting hiring managers who sent emails about internal positions.

Throughout the multiple interviews, one of the hiring managers took the time to learn more about my goals and referred me to another manager at Cox Enterprises.

The Cox Enterprises manager actually didn't have any openings at the time. But after reviewing my portfolio, resume, and background, he created a job opportunity for me.

Ultimately, I turned this offer down for the Humu position (more ).

I wanted to share a bonus story. While doing 2 coffee chats a week in 2022, I booked a call with a data science consultant I met through LinkedIn.

She made a post and her contrary opinion caught my attention. So, I sent a connect request with a message to learn more about it.

I was not looking for a job opportunity then, but she mentioned that she was passively looking for talent.

She commented that she was unsure of the level of my skillset, so I then shared my screen and talked through some of my projects on my portfolio.

She paused and immediately asked for the link. Afterward, we had a discussion that led to an opportunity to work for her as an independent analytics contractor.

I share all of this not to brag, but to highlight exactly how I turned my portfolio into job offers, so you can do the same.

Mind you, I pivoted into this field after working 10-hour days in a warehouse and delivering pizzas.

A portfolio was essential so people wouldn't underestimate me and give me a true shot as a career switcher.

Anybody can BS a resume and lie about their skills. And they always get exposed.

But, a portfolio sets you apart and provides compelling evidence of your skillset.

So, if you don't have a portfolio or just have an unorganized GitHub repo that you share, let's fix that this week.

After you create one, share it on LinkedIn and tag me so I and the data community can review it.

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