Why Should You Have a Work Portfolio as a SOLIDWORKS User?

SOLIDWORKS currently has more than 3.2 million users at the moment, which is a large number. With such a large number of people, it is becoming less significant just to list SOLIDWORKS in our resumes. Instead, it is becoming more important to show what we can do with it and what we have done with it in addition to all the other skills we have. What is the best way to show all that? 

​One great way to show one’s skills is through a work portfolio. So, what is a work portfolio, why have one, and what can you include in it? Let us explore those.

What is a work portfolio?

A work portfolio is a selection of work cases that you put together to prove your expertise.  ​

Why have a portfolio?

The main reason to have one is it acts as solid proof of your capabilities. Without one, you will only be telling your audience about your skills without any proof. The power of a work portfolio is supplemented by a new push to emphasize skills in hiring procedures over only degrees. We made a video on The Case for Skills – Do University Degrees Matter. ​​

What can you include in your SOLIDWORKS Portfolio?

If SOLIDWORKS is a major skill you would like to prove, then there are elements that you can include in your portfolio:  ​​​

Different SOLIDWORKS models

Since SOLIDWORKS is a 3D modeling software, a major expectation is having actual 3D models you created. Those could be ones you made for a job, an internship, a university, or a side fun model.  Those can tell your audience that you know how to use the software. The more complex your models are, the higher  your competency level.  ​

Additional engineering and design skills

Keep in mind that SOLIDWORKS is a tool that supplements and can be supplemented by other different skills and attributes. You will need to identify those and include them in your portfolio. For example, if you are looking to work in areas of structural engineering, then the application of FEA analysis can be a good addition to your portfolio. If you are a product designer, then sketches and different design processes can be valuable. To identify those additions, you must first understand your audience and find what skills would be helpful to them.  If you are looking to have a comprehensive course to teach you all about building portfolios, you can check out our new Complete Work Portfolio Building Course.  

By Tayseer Almattar, TforDesign Founder

Tayseer is the founder of TforDesign.  He has a passion for learning design and making all learning digestible and exciting.  ​​
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayseer-almattar-design-innovation