Introduction

The Faculty of Design at SGT University, in collaboration with the Office of International Relations, successfully organized an Expert Session on Design Portfolio Management on March 10, 2025. The session was conducted by Mr. Tejas Shah, Regional Representative – South Asia, Leeds Arts University, UK.

The session aimed to equip design students with the necessary knowledge and strategies to create compelling portfolios that meet international standards. With portfolio presentation playing a vital role in academic admissions and professional opportunities, this event provided students with valuable insights into structuring, organizing, and presenting their creative work effectively.

Objective of the Session

The session was designed to help students and professionals understand the significance of a well-structured portfolio in design education and industry. The key objectives included:

• Understanding Portfolio Structuring: Learning the key elements of an impactful design portfolio.
• Global Best Practices: Gaining insights into how international institutions assess portfolios.
• Industry Readiness: Preparing students for professional design opportunities by aligning portfolios with industry expectations.
• Personalized Guidance: Providing feedback and answering student queries on portfolio development.

Expert Talk by Mr. Tejas Shah

Mr. Tejas Shah delivered an insightful presentation on Design Portfolio Management, covering the following key areas:

• The Role of a Portfolio in Design Careers: Understanding how a portfolio serves as a professional identity.
• Portfolio Structuring: Organizing content in a visually appealing and coherent manner.
• Project Selection: Choosing and curating work that best represents skills and creativity.
• Presentation Techniques: The importance of storytelling in design portfolios.
• Global Portfolio Standards: Understanding what international universities, including Leeds Arts University, UK, look for in student applications.

Interactive Discussion & Q&A

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students sought advice on personal portfolios, best practices for improvement, and strategies for securing international academic opportunities. Mr. Shah provided personalized feedback, highlighting areas of strength and improvement.

Outcomes of the Session

The expert session resulted in several tangible outcomes for students and faculty, including:

• Enhanced Understanding of Portfolio Management: Participants gained a clear framework for structuring and presenting their portfolios effectively.
• Exposure to International Education Standards: Students learned about admission requirements and the evaluation criteria of renowned global design institutions.
• Industry-Oriented Insights: The session helped students align their portfolios with industry expectations, making them more competitive for jobs and internships.
• Personalized Feedback: Mr. Tejas Shah provided specific recommendations to students for improving their portfolios, ensuring they stand out in competitive applications.
• Strengthened University-Industry Collaboration: The event strengthened ties between SGT University and Leeds Arts University, paving the way for future academic partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Conclusion

The Expert Session on Design Portfolio Management was a resounding success, benefiting students by providing them with actionable insights into portfolio development. The event served as an important step in bridging academia with global industry standards, ensuring that students are well-equipped to pursue international education and career opportunities.