Introduction
Creating a professional e-portfolio website was an essential part of my Professional Networking module. Here’s a detailed account of how I set up my site, the tools I used, and the steps I followed to ensure it meets the course requirements.
Choosing a CMS System
For the content management system (CMS), I chose WordPress. It is widely known for its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and powerful features that cater to both beginners and advanced users.
Hosting the Website
Initially, I tried setting up my WordPress site with Combell, a well-regarded hosting provider. However, I encountered delays in setting up the WordPress installation. To avoid further delays, I switched to a free WordPress.com site, which offered a quicker and more straightforward setup process.
Domain Name Management
Despite switching to WordPress.com for hosting, I still wanted to use my custom domain. I pointed my domain name to the WordPress.com site instead of the Combell hosted one. This ensures that my website has a professional and personalized URL.
Setting Up the Website
- Registration and Setup: I registered for a free account on WordPress.com and chose a template that suited my e-portfolio needs.
- Customization: I customized the template to reflect my personal branding.
- Content Creation: I created the essential pages:
- About Me: Detailed my background, professional interests, skills, experiences, goals, and personal interests.
- Blog Posts: Documented the various events and activities I participated in, including detailed reflections and descriptions.
- PR Activity: Added a blog post about the podcast episode I hosted, fulfilling the PR activity requirement.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main challenges was the initial delay with Combell. Switching to WordPress.com was a practical solution that allowed me to proceed without significant downtime. Additionally, setting up a custom domain required some technical steps, but WordPress.com provides comprehensive guides that made the process manageable.
Reflections
Creating this e-portfolio was a rewarding experience that taught me valuable skills in web development, content management, and digital presentation. It also provided a platform to showcase my professional journey and achievements effectively.
Conclusion
The combination of WordPress and WordPress.com hosting proved to be an efficient and effective way to create my e-portfolio. The site now serves as a comprehensive showcase of my skills, experiences, and professional development activities. I look forward to continuously updating it with new achievements and insights.
For anyone looking to create their own e-portfolio, I highly recommend considering WordPress for its flexibility and ease of use.
Matthis Vansteenhuyse - e-portfolio 