Top 10 Tips for Building a Stand-Out Tech Portfolio in Wichita

If you're a student or recent grad looking to build a killer tech portfolio in Wichita, you gotta check out what Wichita State University has going on.

They've got some seriously cool projects that you can get involved in. For starters, they're working on the Wichita Biomedical Campus, a massive 8-story joint health sciences project with the University of Kansas, featuring labs, classrooms, and all sorts of cutting-edge facilities.

You could gain hands-on experience with the latest tech in healthcare and biomedical research.

WSU's Applied Engineering program has a ton of innovative student projects lined up for 2024, like the ColdPulse Athletic Foot Cooler, a smart system for distraction prevention in classrooms, and a switchable plate magnet for industrial applications.

Getting involved with projects like these would give your portfolio a serious boost, plus you'd get to work alongside industry sponsors and mentors.

Explore the entrepreneurial projects from students like Lisa Smith, who's starting her own boutique and working on RFID systems for aircraft inspections.

If you're someone who likes to think outside the box, these are the kind of projects that could really make your portfolio stand out. Just remember to check out resources like Nucamp's guide to getting a job in tech in Wichita for even more tips on building an impressive portfolio.

Wichita's tech scene is seriously on the rise, and collabs with local startups are where it's at to build a killer portfolio.

Remember that startup Lawn Buddy I mentioned? Well, they're not the only game in town crushing it. Check out these innovative companies leading the charge in everything from fintech to sustainable solutions.

The opportunities to dive in and get your hands dirty on legit projects are endless.

The key is to put yourself out there and make those connections. Hit up tech meetups and events – that's where you'll link up with founders, devs, and mentors who can hook you up with sick gigs.

And don't sleep on open-source contributions either – startups love that stuff. It's like a golden ticket to showcasing your mad skills and passion for the craft.

I get it – breaking into the scene can be daunting.

But trust me, once you start collaborating with these up-and-coming startups, you'll be gaining invaluable experience, building a network of industry pros, and creating a portfolio that screams "hire me" louder than a bullhorn.

Just take it from the folks at Lawn Buddy – teaming up with local talent has been a game-changer for their success. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making moves!

Makerspaces are pretty sweet places to level up your skills and create some awesome projects to show off in your tech portfolio. One spot in Wichita is MakeICT - it's like a giant workshop with all the tools you need to bring your ideas to life.

Here are some perks of hanging out at MakeICT's makerspace:

• Access to advanced equipment: You get access to 3D printers, laser cutters, and other rad machines to make almost anything you can imagine.
• Collaborate with innovators: It's a space to collab with other makers, swap ideas, and learn from each other.
• Expand your skill set: They've got workshops to teach you new skills like coding with Arduino, woodworking, CAD design, and more.

Throughout the year, MakeICT runs tons of cool programs and events.

In 2024, they've got stuff like Maker Kids (STEM workshops for the little ones), Women in Making (empowering ladies in tech and trades), and ICT Inventors (turn your product idea into a real prototype).

An alum from ICT Inventors, Mary Martin, said MakeICT was vital for developing her product from concept to MVP - the mentorship and facilities were game-changers.

To showcase your MakeICT experience, document everything with pics, technical write-ups, and testimonials from instructors or fellow makers.

Having those tangible projects and outcomes from their programs will make your portfolio look super legit. It shows you've got the skills and can actually build rad stuff.

Alright, so you're trying to build an impressive tech portfolio in Wichita, huh? Well, let me tell you about this awesome opportunity at Martin Pringle Law Firm.

These guys are seriously killing it with their tech department, and they offer internships where you can get some legit experience under your belt.

• AI Tool Enhancement: One of the projects you could work on is this AI tool that can analyze contracts at lightning speed. Use natural language processing and machine learning to scan through dense legal docs and break them down in seconds. Train the AI and design the user interface, which is pretty cool if you ask me.
• Blockchain System Development: They're also working on a blockchain-based system for managing property titles. This thing is going to make the whole process way more transparent and secure. As an intern, you could help with data migration, testing the blockchain infrastructure, and even design the user experience for the platform.
• Virtual Assistant Improvement: They have this virtual legal research assistant that can quickly find relevant information in massive databases using natural language queries. This saved them over 200 billable hours on a single case! You could get involved in projects like this and really show off your skills.

By highlighting your work on these cutting-edge legal tech projects at Martin Pringle, you'll prove that you can tackle real-world challenges and think outside the box.

In an industry that's being transformed by technology, having experience like this will make your portfolio stand out from the crowd.

When it comes to building a fire tech portfolio in Wichita, attending events hosted by DevICT is a total game-changer. These guys organize some seriously awesome gatherings that are perfect for leveling up your skills and making connections that matter.

Imagine meeting industry pros who can hook you up with sick opportunities or mentors who can guide you on your coding journey. It's like a cheat code to success!

But let's not forget about the other cool stuff happening in town.

The College of Engineering at Wichita State is hosting an epic Student Portfolio Forum in 2024, where you can showcase your mad skills and potentially land a sweet gig.

And if you're feeling adventurous, check out Wichita's designation as a Tech Hub by the Economic Development Administration – it's a huge deal that could open up access to funding and resources for local innovators like yourself.

The key to making the most out of these events is to come prepared.

Craft a solid elevator pitch that highlights your strengths and ambitions, and don't be afraid to engage in discussions and share your insights. Networking isn't just about collecting business cards; it's about forming genuine connections that could lead to mind-blowing collaborations or mentorship opportunities down the line.

And let's be real, who doesn't want to be part of a community where people are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology?

Immerse yourself in Wichita's vibrant tech scene, attend those epic DevICT events, and get ready to take your portfolio to new heights.

This is your chance to shine and make your mark in the industry. Just remember, success isn't handed to you – you've gotta hustle for it. But with the right mindset and a killer portfolio, the world is your oyster!

Volunteering in tech is a way to level up your skills and make a real impact. In Wichita, the Wichita Community Foundation (WCF) is innovative with projects that are changing the game locally and globally.

By volunteering with WCF, you get access to insane hands-on experiences that'll take your portfolio to the next level.

According to VolunteerMatch, a whopping 92% of employers see volunteering as a major asset, so it's a no-brainer for boosting your professional journey.

Plus, volunteers tend to feel more purposeful, confident, and connected to their community – all qualities that'll make you shine brighter than a supernova in your career.

At WCF, the volunteer opportunities are off the charts.

You could be beefing up cybersecurity defenses alongside industry legends, coding mind-blowing websites and apps to flex your web dev muscles, or crunching data to uncover insights that shape WCF's game plan.

It's like having an all-access pass to the coolest tech playground.

One project that'll definitely make your portfolio pop is WCF's mission to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas.

By volunteering on this, you'll be a key player in designing and building solutions that give everyone equal access to tech, spreading inclusion and empowering marginalized communities.

As WCF's Valerie Gilmore put it, "Harnessing tech to uplift communities isn't just a responsibility, but a moral imperative." You'll be part of something truly meaningful while gaining invaluable experience.

Let's be real, in this age of constant cyber threats, having some serious cybersecurity skills is a must if you want to make it big in the tech world. The average cost of a data breach is over $4 million, so companies are desperate for pros who can protect their digital assets.

That's where the at ICT S.O.S come in clutch.

These are on a mission to fight human trafficking in Wichita while also training the next gen of cybersecurity warriors.

Their initiatives, like the cybersecurity skills bootcamp, will have you mastering everything from risk analysis to network security control.

Plus, they hook you up with internships at major companies like Koch and Spirit AeroSystems, so you can get that real-world experience and beef up your portfolio.

Speaking of portfolios, here's how you can flex those cybersecurity muscles and stand out from the crowd:

1. Ethical Hacking Projects: Show off your skills by documenting ethical hacking projects where you identified vulnerabilities and implemented security measures.
2. Cybersecurity Certifications: Earn cred with industry-recognized certs like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
3. Secure Coding Samples: Demonstrate your mastery of secure coding practices like input validation, encryption, and secure authentication.
4. Incident Response Simulations: Prove you can handle cyber threats by documenting your participation in ICT S.O.S's incident response sims.

Cybersecurity is no joke, and with the help of programs like ICT S.O.S, you'll be ready to protect our digital future and secure that bag.

Let me break it down for you - open source is the future, and getting involved is a total game-changer for your tech portfolio.

Giants like Google and Facebook are all about that open source life, and according to the experts, it's a crucial move for success in the industry. But you don't have to just take their word for it - Red Hat knows what's up when it comes to the value of open source too.

Right here in Wichita, Cowley College is leading the charge with some seriously cool open source projects.

You've got CCOpenEDU, a learning management system that's all about making education more accessible and affordable. Then there's the Agritech Toolkit, where you can contribute to sustainable agriculture tech.

And let's not forget CowleyHealth, an open source platform for streamlining healthcare data management.

Contributing to these projects isn't just a flex for your coding skills; it shows you're all about that collaborative, community-driven life.

As Linus Torvalds himself said, "Open source is the way to move technology forward in a reasonable way." When you're showcasing your open source contributions in your portfolio, make sure to highlight your specific roles, quantify your contributions (lines of code, issues resolved, features implemented), and showcase the real-world impact of your work.

Don't forget to include links to your public repos and any relevant documentation too.

By getting involved with Cowley College's open source initiatives, you'll gain hands-on experience, sharpen your collaborative skills, and prove you're dedicated to driving technological advancements - a total power move for your standout tech portfolio.

If you're looking to take your portfolio to the next level, you gotta check out Ennovar at Wichita State University.

This place is like a playground for tech innovation, and they're doing some seriously cool stuff.

One of their latest projects is an augmented reality (AR) platform for construction training that's like a real-life video game.

It lets you practice building stuff in a virtual world, which is a total game-changer for those wanting to get hands-on experience without the risk.

But that's not all! Ennovar is also teaming up with aerospace giants to push the limits of 3D printing for aircraft parts.

They're creating new paths in additive manufacturing that could reshape the entire aviation industry.

Can you imagine having that kind of cutting-edge experience on your resume?

If you land an R&D gig at Ennovar, make sure to showcase your contributions in a dedicated section of your portfolio.

Give a quick rundown of the project's goals and why it matters, your role in the team, any cool results you helped achieve, and any challenges you overcame like a boss.

Throw in some hard numbers or quotes from the higher-ups to really make your work pop. With Ennovar on your side, you'll be unstoppable in the job market!

Wichita's tech scene is straight-up fire these days, and if you're trying to build a killer portfolio, you gotta stay locked in with the latest news and happenings around town.

That's where The Wichita Eagle comes in clutch, keeping you up to speed on all the dope stuff going down in our city's tech world.

Just peep this recent article about how AI is the new hot thing, with companies like Balyasny Asset Management and D.E. Shaw dropping mad cash to scoop up AI talent. That's some serious game-changing tech right there! Reading up on that kinda intel could spark ideas for some baller AI projects to add to your portfolio.

But it's not just about the latest tech trends; The Eagle also gives you the inside scoop on local startup success stories, like how Code for Wichita is making moves with their civic innovation initiatives.

Seeing that kind of real-world impact could inspire you to collab with them or showcase your own socially conscious tech projects.

• Stay informed with The Eagle's updates to adapt your portfolio to the latest trends.
• Gain inspiration from success stories to motivate your next big idea.
• Network actively at events like hackathons to expand your connections.

And let's not forget about all the dope events and networking opportunities The Eagle keeps you posted on.

Whether it's a hackathon with DevICT or a coding bootcamp alumni meetup with Nucamp, staying plugged in to the local scene is key if you want your portfolio to really stand out.

So, keep scrolling through those Wichita Eagle tech stories, and you'll be well on your way to building a portfolio that'll make all the recruiters say, "Damn, that's fresh!"