When preparing to enter the workforce, one of the first questions students ask is:
Do I need a resume, a professional portfolio, or both? The answer depends on your career path, your goals, and how you want to tell your professional story. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide — and where to get support along the way.
When preparing to enter the workforce, one of the first questions students ask is:
Do I need a resume, a professional portfolio, or both?
The answer depends on your career path, your goals, and how you want to tell your professional story. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide — and where to get support along the way.
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a concise summary of your education, experience, and skills. It’s often the first thing an employer sees and is commonly required during the application process.
Best for:
- Business, marketing, HR, finance, healthcare, and administrative roles
- Internships and entry-level positions
- Online application systems (ATS)
Time Investment:
- Initial setup: 2–5 hours
- Ongoing updates: Minimal once the structure is set
Pros:
- Quick to scan
- Universally accepted
- Easy to update and tailor
Cons:
- Limited space to show creativity ordemonstrateskills
- Can feel generic without customization
What Is a Professional Portfolio?
A professional portfolio showcases how you work, not just where you’ve worked. It often includes projects, visuals, writing samples, or case studies.
Best for:
- Graphic design, film, photography, UX/UI
- Writing, media, advertising, communications
- Architecture, illustration, and creative technology
Time Investment:
- Initial build: 10–30+ hours (depending on scope)
- Ongoing updates as projects evolve
Pros:
- Showcasesyour work, skills, and personality
- Differentiates you from other candidates
- Allows for storytelling and depth
Cons:
- Time-intensive
- Not alwaysrequiredfor non-creative roles
- Needs regular updates to stay relevant
So… Which One Should You Focus On?
For many students, the answer is both — but not equally.
- Creative students may rely more heavily on a portfolio, with a resume acting as support.
- Non-creative students should prioritize a strong resume, with optional work samples or LinkedIn profiles.
- Hybrid roles (marketing, communications, digitalmedia) oftenbenefitfrom both.
Where Students Can Get Help
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Mohawk College offers resources to support students at every stage, including:
- Resume and portfolio feedback
- Career advising and mock interviews
- Workshops and employer insights
- Support navigating job applications and expectations
Your resume and portfolio are more than documents — they’re tools that tell your story. Starting early gives you time to refine, reflect, and grow into your professional identity.
Stay tuned for upcoming topics on interview skills, professional presence, and navigating the job search as a student.
Intro to Series
Most of the professional advice we see online feels out of touch. It’s either written for people who have been in the workforce for twenty years or it’s full of corporate jargon that doesn't help when you’re actually trying to land your first role.
The transition from being a student to a professional is a huge shift. Between refining your interview skills, building a professional presence, and navigating the job search, there is a lot to learn that isn't always covered in a classroom.
The purpose of this new series to share practical, straightforward advice on these topics. The goal is to break down the skills you need—how to handle a tough interview or how to present yourself effectively—without the fluff. It’s about the real steps you can take to move from graduation into a career.