Developing a portfolio begins with participating in every hands-on, experiential learning opportunity that your schedule allows. These activities help with your education as you’ll be far more likely to retain the knowledge you’ve learned in your classes because you’ll be applying it in the real world.
Employers do place tremendous value on practical experience. Seeking out internship opportunities actively and early in your academic career is crucial. If you can’t find time during the school year, make your summers productive. New graduates who can show a commitment to using their summer to continue to learn are always viewed more seriously by a prospective employer.
Demonstrate through your internships a series of evolving leadership experiences, and use the internships to build your portfolio of actual projects/products. This will allow you something unique to show a prospective employer when you graduate, instead of a list of the courses you took in college.