3 answers
Elaion
Student
Largo, Maryland
2
Questions
Updated
803 views
How can I build a portfolio in high school to get into Information Technology?
What skills do I need to practice? What platforms are the best to create one? How successful would I become If I master it? Is there any jobs I can get right after high school and if so, which ones?
( I would be graduating with an associate degree because of dual Enrollment.)
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3 answers
Ann C
Learning & Development, Software, Administrative, Tech, Systems
52
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Ann’s Answer
Below is a step-by-step guide, including project ideas, tools, and tips tailored for beginners or career-switchers.
What an IT Portfolio Should Highlight:
Regardless of the specialty, your portfolio should show:
✔️ Technical skills
✔️ Your problem-solving process
✔️ Your ability to document work clearly
✔️ Projects that reflect real-world tasks
✔️ Consistency and growth over time
You do not need dozens of projects — 5–8 focused, well-explained projects are more impressive than 30 unfinished ones.
Step-by-Step: How to Build an IT Portfolio
1. Pick Your Area of IT
IT is broad. Choose one or two tracks to focus your portfolio:
Common beginner-friendly IT tracks:
• IT Support / Help Desk
• Cybersecurity
• Networking
• Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Systems Administration
• Database / SQL
• Automation / Scripting
2. Create a Place to Host Your Portfolio
Your projects must be visible online.
Best places:
• GitHub (most common for IT + tech)
• GitLab or Bitbucket
• A simple online site (GitHub Pages, Notion, Wix, or a PDF portfolio)
Tip: GitHub gives you version-control experience, which employers like.
3. Build Projects That Mimic Real IT Tasks
Below are portfolio project ideas for each IT field.
IT Support / Help Desk Portfolio Projects
These show troubleshooting, documentation, and system admin basics.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Windows/Linux installation & configuration
• Setting up a ticketing system (e.g., OSticket) and documenting sample tickets
• Active Directory lab (users, groups, GPOs)
• Imaging / deployment project (using WDS or MDT)
• Troubleshooting logs with screenshots and explanations
• PowerShell automation tasks
Tools: VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, Windows Server Evaluation, Linux VMs.
Networking Portfolio Projects
Shows understanding of routing, switching, and connectivity.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Build a small network using Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3
• VLAN and inter-VLAN routing configuration
• OSPF or EIGRP demonstration lab
• Firewall rules demonstration using pfSense
• Network documentation (diagrams using Draw.io or Lucidchart)
Cybersecurity Portfolio Projects
Shows threat detection, analysis, and security fundamentals.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Build a SIEM home lab (e.g., Splunk, Wazuh, LimaCharlie)
• Perform a vulnerability scan using Nessus Essentials
• Malware analysis sandbox demo (safe environment only)
• Network packet analysis using Wireshark
• Capture-the-flag write-ups from TryHackMe or HackTheBox
• Hardening a Windows or Linux server and documenting steps
Tip: Cyber portfolios value documentation + reasoning as much as the technical work.
Cloud Portfolio Projects
Demonstrates cloud infrastructure and automation skills.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Deploy a website or app to AWS/Azure/GCP
• Set up a VPC, subnets, security groups
• Create a serverless function (e.g., AWS Lambda)
• Deploy an S3 static website
• Build an automated infrastructure setup using Terraform
• Create cost-monitoring dashboards
Tip: Many cloud services have free tiers.
SysAdmin / DevOps Portfolio Projects
Shows ongoing maintenance, automation, and deployment skills.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Set up a Linux server (Apache/Nginx, SSH hardening)
• Write bash/Python scripts to automate tasks
• Build CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions or Jenkins
• Create monitoring setup (Prometheus + Grafana)
• Containerize an app using Docker
Database / SQL Portfolio Projects
Shows data organization, querying, and modeling skills.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Build a SQL database using MySQL or PostgreSQL
• Write SQL queries for real business scenarios
• Create an ERD diagram
• Clean and analyze a dataset using Python or SQL
• Automate database backups
4. Document Every Project Clearly
Good documentation is part of the job in IT.
Each project should include:
✔️ What problem you were solving
✔️ Why the project matters
✔️ Tools/technologies used
✔️ Step-by-step explanation
✔️ Screenshots, diagrams, or logs
✔️ What you learned
✔️ What you plan to improve next
Write your README files like mini case studies — this stands out to employers.
5. Add Certifications + Skills to Your Portfolio
Pairs nicely with projects.
Examples:
• CompTIA A+ / Network+ / Security+
• AWS or Azure Fundamentals
• Google IT Support Certificate (Coursera)
Certifications help validate your skills while your portfolio proves them.
6. Show Your Work on LinkedIn
Post:
• Your labs
• What you learned today
• Completed certifications
• Diagrams or short walkthrough videos
This creates online visibility.
7. Build a One-Page Resume That Links to Your Portfolio
Highlight:
• Top projects
• Certifications
• Technical skills
• Any relevant experience (even if non-IT — translate your transferable skills)
I really hope this helps answer your question.
What an IT Portfolio Should Highlight:
Regardless of the specialty, your portfolio should show:
✔️ Technical skills
✔️ Your problem-solving process
✔️ Your ability to document work clearly
✔️ Projects that reflect real-world tasks
✔️ Consistency and growth over time
You do not need dozens of projects — 5–8 focused, well-explained projects are more impressive than 30 unfinished ones.
Step-by-Step: How to Build an IT Portfolio
1. Pick Your Area of IT
IT is broad. Choose one or two tracks to focus your portfolio:
Common beginner-friendly IT tracks:
• IT Support / Help Desk
• Cybersecurity
• Networking
• Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Systems Administration
• Database / SQL
• Automation / Scripting
2. Create a Place to Host Your Portfolio
Your projects must be visible online.
Best places:
• GitHub (most common for IT + tech)
• GitLab or Bitbucket
• A simple online site (GitHub Pages, Notion, Wix, or a PDF portfolio)
Tip: GitHub gives you version-control experience, which employers like.
3. Build Projects That Mimic Real IT Tasks
Below are portfolio project ideas for each IT field.
IT Support / Help Desk Portfolio Projects
These show troubleshooting, documentation, and system admin basics.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Windows/Linux installation & configuration
• Setting up a ticketing system (e.g., OSticket) and documenting sample tickets
• Active Directory lab (users, groups, GPOs)
• Imaging / deployment project (using WDS or MDT)
• Troubleshooting logs with screenshots and explanations
• PowerShell automation tasks
Tools: VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, Windows Server Evaluation, Linux VMs.
Networking Portfolio Projects
Shows understanding of routing, switching, and connectivity.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Build a small network using Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3
• VLAN and inter-VLAN routing configuration
• OSPF or EIGRP demonstration lab
• Firewall rules demonstration using pfSense
• Network documentation (diagrams using Draw.io or Lucidchart)
Cybersecurity Portfolio Projects
Shows threat detection, analysis, and security fundamentals.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Build a SIEM home lab (e.g., Splunk, Wazuh, LimaCharlie)
• Perform a vulnerability scan using Nessus Essentials
• Malware analysis sandbox demo (safe environment only)
• Network packet analysis using Wireshark
• Capture-the-flag write-ups from TryHackMe or HackTheBox
• Hardening a Windows or Linux server and documenting steps
Tip: Cyber portfolios value documentation + reasoning as much as the technical work.
Cloud Portfolio Projects
Demonstrates cloud infrastructure and automation skills.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Deploy a website or app to AWS/Azure/GCP
• Set up a VPC, subnets, security groups
• Create a serverless function (e.g., AWS Lambda)
• Deploy an S3 static website
• Build an automated infrastructure setup using Terraform
• Create cost-monitoring dashboards
Tip: Many cloud services have free tiers.
SysAdmin / DevOps Portfolio Projects
Shows ongoing maintenance, automation, and deployment skills.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Set up a Linux server (Apache/Nginx, SSH hardening)
• Write bash/Python scripts to automate tasks
• Build CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions or Jenkins
• Create monitoring setup (Prometheus + Grafana)
• Containerize an app using Docker
Database / SQL Portfolio Projects
Shows data organization, querying, and modeling skills.
✔️ Projects to include:
• Build a SQL database using MySQL or PostgreSQL
• Write SQL queries for real business scenarios
• Create an ERD diagram
• Clean and analyze a dataset using Python or SQL
• Automate database backups
4. Document Every Project Clearly
Good documentation is part of the job in IT.
Each project should include:
✔️ What problem you were solving
✔️ Why the project matters
✔️ Tools/technologies used
✔️ Step-by-step explanation
✔️ Screenshots, diagrams, or logs
✔️ What you learned
✔️ What you plan to improve next
Write your README files like mini case studies — this stands out to employers.
5. Add Certifications + Skills to Your Portfolio
Pairs nicely with projects.
Examples:
• CompTIA A+ / Network+ / Security+
• AWS or Azure Fundamentals
• Google IT Support Certificate (Coursera)
Certifications help validate your skills while your portfolio proves them.
6. Show Your Work on LinkedIn
Post:
• Your labs
• What you learned today
• Completed certifications
• Diagrams or short walkthrough videos
This creates online visibility.
7. Build a One-Page Resume That Links to Your Portfolio
Highlight:
• Top projects
• Certifications
• Technical skills
• Any relevant experience (even if non-IT — translate your transferable skills)
I really hope this helps answer your question.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
To create a great portfolio, start by figuring out what you like, what you're good at, and what you want to achieve in your career. The IT field is vast, including areas like networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software development, and project management. In high school, focus on learning key skills like programming with C++ and Python, web development, and working with databases like SQL. Improve your problem-solving skills using platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, TryHackMe for cybersecurity, and Forage for real-world projects. Get practical experience by working on real projects, contributing to open-source, or building your own projects, and share your work on GitHub. Boost your learning and visibility by creating a personal website, joining student clubs, volunteering, or getting internships. By mastering these skills, you can start in entry-level roles like IT support, junior web developer, or network technician. Over time, a strong portfolio and online presence can help you move into higher-paying, specialized IT roles.
LaTrese Davis
1
Answer
Chesapeake, Virginia
Updated
LaTrese’s Answer
Great question! You've got plenty of answers to guide you. To build a standout IT portfolio in high school, focus on hands-on projects, earn industry certifications, and showcase your work online, like on a personal website or GitHub. Your portfolio should highlight your practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and passion for IT, not just your grades.
Steps to Build Your IT Portfolio
1. Work on Practical Projects
2. Share the Process, Not Just the End Result
3. Get Certifications and Take Courses
4. Gain Real-World Experience
5. Create an Online Portfolio
Following these steps will help you create a strong portfolio that shows your skills and drive to college admissions and future employers.
Steps to Build Your IT Portfolio
1. Work on Practical Projects
2. Share the Process, Not Just the End Result
3. Get Certifications and Take Courses
4. Gain Real-World Experience
5. Create an Online Portfolio
Following these steps will help you create a strong portfolio that shows your skills and drive to college admissions and future employers.