Should my portfolio be a website or a PDF?

Format matters less than content, but the right choice makes your portfolio easier to share and easier to keep current. Start by thinking about how people will actually see it: attached to an application, linked from a resume, or pulled up during an interview.

When a PDF works best

A single, well-organized PDF is the most practical option for most MPH students.

• It attaches to any application system and opens on any device
• You control exactly what the reader sees, in what order
• You can make tailored versions for different jobs quickly
• It's easy to keep private and share only with specific people

Keep it short, add a table of contents or clear section headings, and compress images so the file stays small.

When a website is worth it

A simple portfolio site on a free or low-cost builder makes sense if:

• You'll share work often, such as during networking or informational interviews
• Your work is visual or interactive, such as dashboards, maps, or videos
• You want a link that fits on a resume, email signature, or LinkedIn profile

The trade-off is maintenance. An outdated or broken site hurts more than no site. Also remember that anything public stays visible, so only post pieces cleared for public use.

Doing both

Many students keep a master folder of all their cleared work, a tailored PDF for applications, and optionally a short website with a few public pieces. Name files consistently and keep one current version of each piece. The tips on avoiding version control chaos apply here too.

Some programs require a specific portfolio platform for graduation. If yours does, build there first and export what you need for job applications. For deciding what to include, see what goes in a practicum portfolio.