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Well we made it. And yes, I mean we. Some of these long posts were not for the faint of heart to read.

On a technical level I spent most of my time making sure links worked properly, the spacing was even, and no images were distorted. I wanted to ensure the website is user-friendly, responsive, and mobile-friendly. My target audience is the people I hope to hire me someday; so, it’s kind of important for them to be able to find what they need when they need it.

The reason I am using this as a job aid is because the tools we need to be successful were given to us on a silver platter. It would be absolutely silly to let them sit useless in front of us. For me personally, I had no solid career path ahead of me. All I knew is that communications is a very broad degree, and everyone has something to say, so I was sure it would come to me… eventually. These assignments forced me to sit down and face it head on. Once I did find me niche, I got to work. I found my purpose.

However, purpose can mean many things. I mean the word purpose can be used as both a noun and a verb. For me, the purpose of this portfolio was to find myself and my career. For others, the purpose of my portfolio is to show them that I am capable, creative, and authentic. Technically not much work was done on the portfolio, however, mass amounts of time were spent of soaking in every last detail and all that I learned from completing the course.

In my time of reflection, all I was able to focus on was where do we go from here. The course is over but the work isn’t done. There is still so much more than can be placed into the workings of these htmp. scripts. My final goal of this all is to stay relevant and keep this up to date. You never know who is looking into you, but they always are.

And with that I want to say thank you for sticking around through all of this. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to follow me in this journey. And lastly thank you. You stuck around for the good, the ADHD and the crazy. With the right portfolio in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to take on new opportunities. Stay true to yourself and the rest will follow through.

The portfolio is starting to look like an actual, well, portfolio. The three featured pieces are now set up with hyperlinks connected with images to bring you to their domains. They also have a synopsis that elaborates on the work that when into the piece, and what the piece was intended to do. After arranging those I created links for the other work samples I choose to include in the portfolio. I was a little perplexed on how to set them up on the page. I ended up choosing to address the readers of the portfolio. Most of my written works are successful due to my overly personal connection to the topic, or success of the piece. Therefore, it only seemed right to stay true to myself and include the since of personality I put into everything.

This got my thinking about how much this overall website doesn’t match my personal brand. Thus came my next task. The colors were dull and it did not feel like an accurate representation of myself. I went in and found a color that was still professional yet didn’t make the page seem like something out of a boring old textbook. Following the color scheme change, I went in and placed pictures that I think gave a good idea of who I am- professional, a graduate, and successful.

As the portfolio comes closer to the end, I think it is important to take it all in. All the long nights, internal debates about placement, and countless times of pressing “save” and “run program” lead us to creating something that I didn’t think I was capable of doing. But, we are here now. This is it. It’s time to make the final touches in the week to come, then we can sit back, relax and appreciate a job well done.

This week I was able to pick out the information that I wanted to feature in my portfolio. I tried to get a very diverse group of samples that cover each aspect of content writing. I remembered from last week that was the most repeated piece of advice I was given, so I intended to do just that. The works include examples of copy editing, content reviews and a creative visual component.

Now that I have gathered the pieces I want to include in my portfolio, I had to determine how I wanted to organize them on the platform. There are several ways to organzie the portfolio. I could:

A) Display everything with a image and individual synapsis of each work

B) Only highlight a few in this manner

C) Create links for everything and allow people to make their own inferences

After much thought and consideration, I have decided to go with option B. Now, in choosing which ones to display I thought it would be the most logically to display the ones that already have a visual component to them. The piece that fit into these criteria were the two that I worked on for a class journal I had this semester and well this blog. So, if you moseyed your way on over here from my portfolio- WELCOME and thank you for stopping by! Another commonality of these works is that they are already available to the public.

After choosing to display those three, I worked on formatting the page to be appealing to the eye and easy to navigate. This formatting is what took up the majority of my workload for the portfolio this week. My goal for next week is to find a useful and efficient way to connect the other works to the portfolio. Until then!

AI is a something that is changing the way people think, create, and operate. With these mass changes that are occurring we have to learn to adapt to be able to stay afloat, or we risk the chance of Bing left behind. Knowing this information, I took the time to ask different AI tools about what they had to say about portfolios for content writers. I used the three platforms ChatGPT, APT, and Deepai.org.

My first thought was to ask the AI generators to define what a portfolio for content writing is.

ChatGPT: “A portfolio for content writing is a collection of your best-written pieces that showcases your skills, expertise, and style as a writer. It’s essentially your professional showcase, demonstrating to potential clients or employers what you’re capable of producing.

Here’s what a content writing portfolio typically includes:

1. Samples of Your Work: Include a variety of samples that highlight different types of content you’ve written, such as blog posts, articles, website copy, social media content, email newsletters, product descriptions, etc. Make sure to select pieces that are well-written, engaging, and relevant to the types of projects you’re interested in pursuing.
2. Diverse Topics: Ideally, your portfolio should cover a range of topics to demonstrate your versatility as a writer. Whether it’s technology, health, finance, travel, or any other niche, having diverse examples shows that you can adapt your writing style to different subject matters.
3. Writing Style: Showcase your ability to tailor your writing style to different audiences and purposes. For instance, if you can write in a conversational tone for a blog post but switch to a more formal tone for an academic article, include examples of both to demonstrate your flexibility.
4. Visual Appeal: If possible, incorporate visuals or multimedia elements to enhance your portfolio. This could include images, infographics, or links to websites where your content has been published. A visually appealing portfolio can make a strong impression on potential clients or employers.
5. Client Testimonials or Metrics: If you’ve received positive feedback from clients or have any metrics to highlight (such as increased website traffic or engagement resulting from your content), include them in your portfolio. Testimonials and quantifiable results help validate your skills and accomplishments as a content writer.
6. Organization and Presentation: Arrange your portfolio in a clean, easy-to-navigate format. Whether you choose to create a website, PDF document, or online portfolio platform, make sure it’s user-friendly and showcases your work effectively.

Overall, a well-curated content writing portfolio serves as a powerful tool for marketing yourself and attracting potential clients or employers who are seeking quality writing services. It’s a reflection of your expertise, professionalism, and ability to deliver compelling content.”

My next question was given to the career centered AI- ATP. I ask how to make the most of the space I have to use in the content writing portfolio?

ATP: “Great question, Jessica! Making the most of the space in your content writing portfolio is all about strategic selection and presentation. Here are some tips to help you optimize the space and make a strong impact:

1. Curate Carefully: Choose pieces that not only showcase your best work but also demonstrate a range of writing skills and formats. Include pieces that align with the type of writing jobs you’re targeting. For example, if you’re aiming for roles in digital marketing, include SEO-friendly articles, engaging blog posts, and compelling social media content.
2. Highlight Key Achievements: For each piece, briefly highlight what makes it stand out. Did it drive a significant amount of traffic? Did it increase engagement or sales? Including a few bullet points with measurable achievements can make a big impact.
3. Use Thumbnails and Links: If you’re limited in space, especially in digital formats, use thumbnails linked to the full pieces. This way, you can include more samples without overcrowding the page. Make sure the links are active and lead directly to the works.
4. Include a Synopsis: For each writing sample, provide a short synopsis that gives context to the piece. Mention the purpose of the content and the target audience. This helps viewers understand the intent behind your writing and the strategies you employed.
5. Optimize Your Layout: Use a clean, professional layout that makes it easy for viewers to navigate through your portfolio. Avoid cluttered designs that can distract from your content. Using dividers, spacing, and distinct sections can help organize the content clearly.
6. Leverage Multimedia: If applicable, include multimedia elements like images, videos, or infographics that complement your writing. This not only enriches your portfolio but also shows your ability to work with diverse content formats.
7. Personal Introduction: Start with a brief introduction that includes your professional bio, your writing specialties, and what drives your passion for writing. This personal touch can make your portfolio more engaging.
8. Feedback and Testimonials: If you have received positive feedback or testimonials from clients or employers, include a few quotes”

Because I liked this response so much a decided to ask for tips on platforms where you can build your portfolio, or how to leverage your portfolio to attract more opportunities. The response was:

ATP: “Building and leveraging your content writing portfolio effectively can significantly enhance your visibility and attract more career opportunities. Here are some tips on platforms to build your portfolio and strategies to leverage it:

Platforms to Build Your Portfolio

1. WordPress: Highly customizable and widely used, WordPress is great if you want control over the look and functionality of your portfolio.
2. Squarespace: Known for its sleek templates and ease of use, Squarespace is a good choice if you want a visually appealing portfolio without needing extensive web design skills.
3. Wix: Wix offers drag-and-drop features and a variety of templates which makes it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking portfolio.
4. Contently: Specifically designed for freelance writers, Contently allows you to create a free portfolio and potentially connect with businesses seeking content creators.
5. LinkedIn: While primarily a professional networking site, LinkedIn allows you to publish articles directly on the platform and showcase them on your profile.
6. Medium: If you’re looking to reach a built-in audience, Medium can be a great platform to publish your work and later include these pieces in your portfolio.

Leveraging Your Portfolio

1. SEO Optimization: If your portfolio is online, ensure it’s optimized for search engines. Use relevant keywords in your descriptions and tags that potential employers might use to find writers like you.
2. Social Media Sharing: Share your portfolio regularly on social media platforms. Tailor your posts to different platforms; for example, more professional posts on LinkedIn, and more casual or artistic samples on Instagram or Twitter.
3. Networking: Use your portfolio as a networking tool. Include a link to your portfolio in your email signature, and share it in relevant groups or forums you participate in.
4. Direct Outreach: When reaching out to potential clients or employers, include a link to your portfolio. Tailor your message to show how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
5. Feedback and Testimonials: Include testimonials from clients or colleagues and any metrics that demonstrate the success of your work (like increased web traffic or sales conversions).
6. Regular Updates: Keep your portfolio fresh and up-to-date with new pieces and prune older or less relevant works. This shows that you are active and evolving in your profession.
7. Professional Blog: Consider maintaining a blog on your portfolio site where you discuss topics related to content writing, share insights, or explore industry trends. This can establish your authority in the field.”

Lastly I decide to ask Deep AI what the top three mistakes entry level content writers make when putting together their portfolio. And I made sure to say “BE SPECIFIC”

1. “Lack of variety in samples: One of the most common mistakes entry-level content writers make when creating a portfolio is including only one type of writing sample. For example, they may have multiple blog posts or articles but lack diversity in terms of content formats or topics. This can give the impression that the writer is not versatile or experienced enough to handle different types of writing projects. To avoid this mistake, entry-level content writers should aim to include a mix of samples that showcase their range and ability to adapt to different writing styles and formats.
2. Failing to tailor the portfolio to the target audience: Another common mistake is creating a generic portfolio that does not speak to the specific needs or interests of the target audience. Entry-level content writers may include samples that are not relevant to the industry or clients they are looking to work with, which can make it difficult for potential clients to see the writer’s fit for their projects. To address this issue, content writers should research their target audience and tailor their portfolio to showcase samples that resonate with their interests, challenges, and preferences.
3. Poor presentation or organization: Entry-level content writers may make the mistake of presenting their portfolio in a cluttered or disorganized manner, making it difficult for potential clients to navigate and find relevant information. This can include using a confusing layout, inconsistent formatting, or unclear descriptions for each sample. To avoid this mistake, content writers should prioritize clear and professional presentation, using a clean layout, easy navigation, and concise descriptions for each sample. They should also ensure that their portfolio is visually appealing and easy to read to make a positive impression on potential clients.

By addressing these common mistakes, entry-level content writers can create a more effective and compelling portfolio that highlights their skills, experience, and expertise to attract potential clients and secure writing opportunities.”

After receiving all of this information it is important to cipher through it and see what is actually in front of you. I believe out of all the AI tool ATP was the most helpful. This could be because the only purpose of this platform is to help you learn about jobs. Nonetheless all the information was helpful. I learned that portfolios aren’t something that takes one day to put together and you’re done; they are something that you should update regularly and use to showcase your success. Portfolios are like a handshake but digitally. It is the first thing they see about the work you create- it is your introduction to the work force.

In specifics with content writing, I think the goal is too true to yourself and you’re writing. You are placing each item into the portfolio because it is something you are proud of. You see it as the best representation of who you are and what you can do. For this reason, you can’t hold back. You must have a variety of works to show your versatility and the portfolio has to be top notch in presentation. Ideally it would be both visually appealing and mentally stimulating to the readers. If you neglect to do these things, you can be passed up for great opportunities in your career. The portfolio matters, and it matters a lot. So take a breath, be intentional with what goes into it. If you do this, you will have nothing to worry about.

This week my goal was to learn more about my perspective career. The only problem here is that I want more than one. I want to work in Content Writing and then eventually teach English Literature. So for the sake of this week’s assignment, I think I will benefit more from learning about content writing since that’s where I want to go following graduation. To get the statistics about this job field I first looked on Handshake. I thought this would be the most relevant platform because it is used by universities to place their students into real world jobs. All the recruiters on the website are aware of your status as a student and are still reaching out about potential job opportunities. I also looked at the ones posted on LinkedIn. I used the terms communications, content writing, and the broad term of just writing. After spending a good amount of time browsing, I learned that are many jobs that fits under those brackets, most of which have the same standards set for what they are looking for. Here is what I found:

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field is often preferred.
• Strong writing skills, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with basic SEO principles and content management systems (CMS) may be beneficial.

Responsibilities:

• Creating engaging and informative content for various platforms, including websites, blogs, social media, and marketing materials.
• Conducting research on industry-related topics and trends.
• Collaborating with team members, such as editors, designers, and marketers, to develop content strategies and campaigns.
• Proofreading and editing content for accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
• Adhering to brand guidelines and maintaining a consistent tone and style across all content.

Software Expectations:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) and basic HTML/CSS.
• Knowledge of SEO tools and analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush) may be advantageous.
• Experience with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Canva) could be a plus for positions involving multimedia content creation.

Specific Abilities:

• Adaptability: Ability to tailor content for different audiences, formats, and platforms.
• Creativity: Capacity to generate original ideas and approaches to storytelling.
• Research Skills: Aptitude for conducting thorough research and synthesizing information from various sources.
• Analytical Thinking: Capability to analyze data and metrics to inform content strategy and optimization.
• Collaboration: Willingness to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.

Companies Hiring in the Field:

• Entry-level content writing positions can be found in a wide range of industries, including marketing agencies, publishing companies, media outlets, technology firms, e-commerce businesses, and more.
• Start your search by exploring job boards, company websites, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to identify opportunities in your area or desired industry.

Once I learned this valuable information, I noticed that I have already had the chance to demonstrate some of these skills. In Mutiple different classes I have had to write an analysis before, I have also had to create a blog (you’re looking at it), and create different soft wear designs for various student organizations I am in. However, I also learned that there are going to be some things that I will have to create the experience for myself. I will need to create sample pieces of works that haven’t been done, due to the fact they weren’t on a syllabus somewhere. I also should probably start to find some sort of freelance work to do before graduation.

I am very grateful for the workload of this course. I have learned so much about how far I have come and how far I still have to go. There is a lot of work that still needs to be done, but it’s not impossible. Yes, it is a tad overwhelming but that’s because I am supposed to walk across the stage on May 1st. Lucky I still have the summer to figure it all out. It isn’t much time, but it is something. Hopefully this course will push me to complete this tasks sooner rather than later. And I guess that means you’ll have to stick it out to see for yourself!

As I begin to curate my portfolio, I found myself at a lost for a place to start. So much goes into a portfolio so that so much can come from it later. Before I started to work on it, I reviewed what is important to have in a good portfolio for my career field. Frankly, there is a lot. This is why I have decided to divide and conquer to make the most optimal use of my time and efforts. This week my focus is work selections.

I began by creating a list of all your writing projects, including articles, blog posts, essays, and any other relevant pieces I have worked on during my college career. Most of these works are coming from other classes because with school I haven’t had much time to get other forms of experience. Knowing this I began rummaging through the mass number of files saved on my desktop that have accumulated over the past four years. I found a few literary analysis essays, an article I wrote for a class blog, and an article that I edited for a class journal.

After the list is compiled, I reviewed each project individually, considering factors such as creativity, clarity, engagement, and relevance. By doing this I can then narrow down your list to the top candidates, focusing on those that best showcase my skills, versatility, and unique voice as a writer.

Then my goal is to take some time to reflect on the selections, ensuring that each chosen piece aligns with various long-term goals and aspirations as a writer. Once I am 100% certain of my choices, it’s time to move on to curating and organizing the Portfolio. That’s the fun part, so stay tuned to see how this develops!

This week I decided to utilize artificial intelligence to help me learn more about my projected career field. I asked ChatGPT what skills are useful, how do I gain valuable experiences, how can I use linked in to help, and good questions to ask in the instances I get an interview in the communications field. This is what ChatGPT told me…

“As you approach graduation with a degree in speech communication and a minor in English, your academic background positions you well for entry-level positions in the business industry. The combination of communication skills and language proficiency opens doors to diverse career paths.

In terms of skills, you can showcase your ability to write with both clarity and creativity, highlighting not only formal documents but also more imaginative content like blog posts or social media campaigns. Emphasize instances where your verbal communication skills played a pivotal role, such as public speaking engagements or leading discussions. Moreover, specifying your proficiency with digital tools, such as content management systems or social media analytics, adds a practical dimension to your skill set. Provide examples of successful digital campaigns or instances where you engaged communities online.

Your interpersonal and networking skills are crucial. Narrate specific instances where your interpersonal skills contributed to successful team projects, and detail your networking efforts, including any industry events attended and connections made. Moreover, emphasizing your adaptability and problem-solving abilities through concrete examples from internships or projects can set you apart.

For artifacts, consider curating a portfolio that includes a diverse range of samples, from formal reports to creative content. Provide context for each sample, explaining the objectives and outcomes. In your presentation, incorporate visuals and interactive elements to simulate engaging communication. Share success stories related to your presentations, such as positive audience feedback or achieved goals. Additionally, when optimizing your LinkedIn profile, regularly update it with notable achievements and projects. Utilize the ‘Open to Work’ feature to signal your job-seeking status to recruiters.

When it comes to the job search, networking plays a crucial role. Mention any mentorship experiences or valuable advice received from professionals in the field. Detail strategies for maintaining and nurturing your professional network. Specify any certifications earned or in-progress that enhance your skill set, and include relevant coursework or self-directed learning initiatives.

In interviews, your questions can further highlight your understanding of the industry. Ask about recent communication challenges the company faced and how they were addressed. Inquire about the company’s approach to diversity and inclusion in communication strategies. Probe about collaboration tools used within the team and how they contribute to seamless communication. Inquire about instances where collaboration led to innovative communication solutions.

By incorporating these details into your approach, your profile becomes more robust and tailored, enhancing your competitiveness in the job market. Best of luck in your job search and future endeavors!”

After reviewing the responses and formatting the answers, I was very pleased to know that I was already aware of the majority of the advice given. From the moment we are introduced to the workforce, we are informed that networking is key, having references and experience help you stand out amongst other applications, and it is important to know what job you are signing up for. This is general advice that can used for any job field. When it comes to the specificity of communication, the artifacts can differ from those who are pursuing a job in chemistry. For my desired work force, showing them this exact post can be used as a vital example of the work I can create. This tells me I need to start posting more not only on here but on LinkedIn as well.

After reading everything the AI has generated and general research related to the study of communication, I have come to learn that communication as a major open so many doors and windows that I didn’t even know I have access to. There is more than just teaching and editing, which were my crossroads if you recall in my previous post. Is it slightly overwhelming? Absolutely! However, the abundance of opportunities and learning possibilities make the seemingly overwhelming field inviting. It has created a hunger in me to want to dive deeper and know more. From content creating, to public relationship specialist, to corporate communications, the opportunities are endless. While it is discouraging to find myself back at a fork in the road, I find comfort in the fact that 98% of all the jobs listed under the umbrella of communication utilize the same skills, and resume information to find the best fit applicates. So, for now, I will keep refining my resume, post on linked in, and fine tune my communication skills until I can decide on a career path best suited for me. Stay tuned to find out were my crossroads lead!

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