Tech hiring managers don’t care what you say you can do—they want to see it.
If you’re looking to break into tech (or level up your career), a portfolio packed with real-world projects is your golden ticket. The good news? You don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience to build one—just the right projects, some motivation, and maybe a good playlist to keep you going.
In this guide, we’ll cover portfolio-worthy projects for four key tech fields: data analytics, software engineering, UX design, and IT. These projects aren’t just resume fluff—they showcase skills that hiring managers actually want to see. And if you need help learning the ropes, our tech training courses are designed to set you up for success—and help you build a killer portfolio.
Data analytics portfolio projects
1. Data-driven business insights dashboard
Every company has data, but not every company knows what to do with it. That’s where you come in. Build a dashboard that turns raw numbers into actionable insights. Use real-world datasets (think: sales data, social media analytics, or healthcare trends), clean and analyze the data, then visualize your findings using tools like Tableau or Power BI. Bonus points if you can tell a compelling story with the data—executives love that.
2. Predictive analytics model
Want to impress a hiring manager? Show them you can predict the future. Choose a dataset—stock prices, customer churn rates, or even weather patterns—and build a predictive model using Python, Pandas, and machine learning libraries like Scikit-learn. The goal? Make accurate predictions and explain why they matter.
Kickstart your data analytics portfolio in our Data Analytics Bootcamp
Software engineering portfolio projects
1. Full-stack web application
If you’re gunning for a software engineering role, a full-stack project is a must. Think of an app idea—task manager, budget tracker, or even a social platform for dog lovers (yes, that exists). Build the front-end with React, the back-end with Node.js, and use MongoDB or PostgreSQL for your database. Deploy it on GitHub or Netlify and link it on your resume.
2. Open-source contribution
Want instant credibility? Contribute to an open-source project. Find a project on GitHub, fix a bug, improve documentation, or add a new feature. Employers love candidates who show initiative—and open-source contributions prove you can work in a team, write clean code, and navigate real-world codebases.
Turn your coding skills into a career with our Software Engineering Bootcamp
UX design portfolio projects
1. Mobile app redesign
Take an existing app with a meh user experience (we’re looking at you, government websites) and make it better. Conduct user research, create wireframes, build prototypes in Figma, and document your design process. Show before-and-after screens to highlight your improvements.
2. E-commerce checkout flow
The fewer clicks, the better. Redesign an e-commerce checkout process to improve user experience and conversion rates. Identify pain points, conduct usability tests, and refine your design based on feedback. Make sure your final prototype isn’t just pretty—it should be seamless, intuitive, and frustration-free.
Get hands-on UX design portfolio skills in our UX Design Bootcamp
IT portfolio projects
1. Secure network setup
Every company needs IT pros who can keep their networks safe. Set up a secure local network using virtual machines, configure firewalls, and document security protocols. Show your work by creating a step-by-step guide (because clear documentation is just as important as the technical skills themselves).
2. Incident response plan
Cyberattacks happen—it’s how companies respond that makes the difference. Create a real-world incident response plan for a business, outlining how to detect, contain, and recover from a security breach. Show that you understand risk assessment, best practices, and IT security fundamentals.
Launch your information technology career with our IT Bootcamp
How to break into tech this year (even if you’re a complete beginner)
Tech moves fast, but that doesn’t mean you need to have a computer science degree to keep up. If you’re just starting out, here’s how to set yourself up for success:
Pick a field that excites you.
Tech is massive—find your lane. Are you a problem-solver who loves numbers? Data analytics might be your thing. Obsessed with how things work? IT is calling your name.
Learn the skills that matter.
Skip the fluff and focus on industry-relevant skills. Our immersive tech bootcamps teach you the in-demand skills hiring managers actually want to see.
Build projects, not just resumes.
A polished portfolio with real projects speaks louder than a list of random skills.
Network like a pro.
Go to meetups, engage in online communities, and connect with industry professionals. A solid LinkedIn game can take you far.
Apply with confidence.
Even if you don’t check every box, apply anyway. Skills can be learned—your ability to learn and adapt is what makes you valuable.
2025 is the year to make your move.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or pivoting careers, now is the perfect time to build your tech portfolio and land a job you love.
Need someone to talk it through with someone before you make a move? Our Admissions team can’t wait to hear from you. They’ll learn about your goals and current circumstances to help you determine the best path forward. Make this the year you tackle your career goals head-on—we’re here to help.