A portfolio still seems to be a foreign concept for many people. IMHO everyone should have a portfolio but today let's focus on UXers. Including user research.

A portfolio is different from a resume and CV. It includes student and or professional project work.

Whatever you call it, it’s important to have one and it’s maintained over time because resumes and LinkedIn profiles don’t tell hiring managers or recruiters a lot about you as a user experience candidate. A portfolio, or series of case studies, provide a richer, more intimate, opportunity to demonstrate how you may fit their needs.

Your portfolio should:

• Be available online 24/7. Yes, you may password protect it

• Capture your professional essence and breadth of expertise

• Convey your thought process, skills, and experience

• Demonstrate how you communicate and collaborate. UX and UXR are team sports!

• Document your key accomplishments and industry activities

• Evolve over time. You and your work are not static

• Be authentic to YOU

• Show what is interesting to or about you professionally and personally (stand out!)

I covered UX and UXR portfolios w/ examples, and how to kill 3 birds w/ 1 stone, in my November newsletter.