Join the Quantitative Methods in the Social Science (QMSS) Program for a workshop focused on building your own (data) projects portfolio website as a way to stand out as a stronger candidate to potential employers and align your abilities with the roles you are interested in.
In the first part of the workshop, students will learn what a project portfolio website is, how it can be used, and things to keep in mind when starting from scratch. Then, content will transition to specific features we suggest including on your own website and a walk-through of some real portfolio websites from QMSS students as examples. You will learn about recommended platforms for building your website - mostly for free - without needing to know how to code (it's easier than you think!). You will also get in-depth coverage of the type of content you could include with examples of what this might look like for students in different majors or with different career interests. Of course, we will also include specific ways that QMSS-specific skills can be marketed on your website, but students will also learn how to incorporate work and skills from other experiences outside of QMSS courses that you can consider including to be beneficial for everyone.
Following the workshop, participants will have an opportunity to share their websites with QMSS and receive written feedback from the presenter and/or QMSS Peer Mentors as well as make one-on-one appointments with the presenter or QMSS Peer Mentors to discuss further.
Preparing for the workshop:
Students should start brainstorming a list of the various data-related projects and assignments they've completed for consideration on the website. These may include:
- Any data analysis or visualizations you may have created as a way to develop or practice skills on your own or just because you found the topic interesting (e.g., if you keep track of any sports data or stats for certain players, if you have played around with mapping or geospatial analysis for fun, etc.)
- Data analysis projects or reports you've completed as part of a class, including QMSS courses (more details about whether/how this may be used for a website will be discussed)
- Any data projects you have been involved in for consulting clubs/organizations on campus or elsewhere (more details about whether/how this may be used for a website will be discussed)
- Projects that, even if not data-specific, are highly relevant for your major or your field of interest (e.g., business reports, marketing plans, etc.)
The workshop will still be extremely valuable for those that attend without the above prepared in advance! This will just help you hit the ground running for building a website of your own at the end of the workshop.
Students are encouraged to bring the following to our workshop:
- A laptop or tablet to take notes and navigate through example websites and website building platforms
- A copy of your current resume to help you think through ways you can expand on what's included through a portfolio website
Open to all students!
