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Course

Design Portfolio: Development and Presentation

DSGN-40006

Design Portfolio: Development and Presentation
10 Weeks | Prerequisite
: The completion of 4 courses in the Digital Design and Creative Strategy program or an equivalent body of design work and/or industry experience. 

In today’s competitive job market, having a strong, polished portfolio is essential for standing out to potential employers and clients. Our Design Portfolio course offers a comprehensive approach to portfolio development, guiding you through the process of selecting and curating your best work, while honing your ability to present it in a way that highlights your unique skills and creativity. By the end of the course, you’ll have a professional portfolio ready to impress—whether you're pursuing a full-time position or working as a freelancer.

Course Details

Throughout this course, you’ll master the art of presenting your design projects strategically. You’ll learn how to select and curate the right pieces for your portfolio, craft compelling project descriptions, and design a cohesive and visually appealing layout. The course also covers personal branding and how to enhance your online presence, ensuring that your portfolio is easily accessible via platforms like LinkedIn, Carbonmade, Wix, and Adobe Portfolio. With hands-on exercises, you’ll develop the skills necessary to present your work confidently to potential employers and clients, mastering everything from pitching to storytelling.

Our curriculum delves into essential career-building techniques beyond the portfolio itself. You’ll craft a targeted resume, refine your elevator pitch, and engage in mock interviews that simulate real-world scenarios. These exercises, paired with constructive feedback from peers and instructors, will help you gain the professionalism and confidence needed to navigate the job market effectively. Additionally, you’ll explore strategies for connecting with recruiters, networking with companies, and positioning yourself for success in your design career.

By the end of this course, you’ll not only walk away with a design portfolio but also a toolkit of skills and strategies that will set you apart from the competition. Whether you’re looking to secure your first design job, attract freelance clients, or transition into a new role, this course equips you with everything you need to succeed in today’s dynamic creative industry.

What You'll Learn

  • Create a polished, professional design portfolio that showcases your best work.
  • Curate and select projects strategically for maximum impact.
  • Develop strong project descriptions using strategic, concise writing.
  • Design an effective portfolio layout that aligns with your personal brand.
  • Enhance your online presence with a professional portfolio using Carbonmade, Wix, or Adobe Portfolio.
  • Develop presentation skills, including pitching and storytelling, to confidently present your work.
  • Learn how to create a compelling personal brand that resonates with employers and clients.
  • Develop a powerful resume tailored to the design industry.
  • Create your elevator pitch to quickly capture attention and make a strong impression.
  • Build networking strategies for connecting with companies, recruiters, and potential clients.

Course Information

3.00 units
TBD
Notes: Quarters Offered: Spring
Equipment/Software: Instructor will provide information regarding software. 
Flexible Enrollment: This course is a requirement for the Digital Design and Creative Strategy Professional Certificate but is open to all students, who meet the prerequisite requirements, even if you're not enrolled in the Certificate Program. 
Academic Calendar: The Academic Calendar shows the open enrollment dates and term start dates for each quarter. Courses do not necessarily start on the first day of the term. 

Course sessions

Please contact the Arts, Humanities, Languages & Digital Arts department at 858-534-5508 or unex-digital@ucsd.edu for information about this course and upcoming sections.