Portfolio Creation (GitHub + Tableau Public)
Creating a strong portfolio is essential for any aspiring data analyst. It allows students to showcase their real-world projects, demonstrate technical proficiency, and build credibility with recruiters. Two widely used platforms for this are GitHub (for code and notebooks) and Tableau Public (for dashboards and visualizations).
1. Why Build a Portfolio?
- Demonstrates practical application of data skills
- Validates your resume with real, shareable work
- Helps you stand out in job applications and interviews
- Acts as a long-term repository of your learning and progress
2. GitHub – For Code-Based Projects
Purpose:
GitHub is a cloud-based platform used for version control and sharing code. It’s where students can publish Python notebooks, SQL queries, ETL scripts, and documentation.
What to Include:
- Jupyter notebooks or Python scripts for EDA, data cleaning, and analysis
- README files describing the project, tools used, and key findings
- Folder structures for datasets, visuals, and scripts
- SQL scripts used for querying and transformations
Best Practices:
- Write clean, well-commented code
- Add a clear and informative
README.md
for each project - Use proper commit messages and keep the repository organized
- Include a license and GitHub profile bio
Example Project Titles on GitHub:
- E-commerce Purchase Behavior Analysis
- Movie Revenue Prediction using Regression
- Food Delivery Delay Factors – SQL + Tableau
3. Tableau Public – For Visual Dashboards
Purpose:
Tableau Public is a free platform where students can publish interactive dashboards that highlight their ability to tell data stories.
What to Include:
- At least 2–3 polished dashboards built from real or cleaned datasets
- Clear titles, filters, legends, and color schemes for readability
- Short written summaries explaining the insights
Best Practices:
- Choose topics with clear business relevance
- Ensure visual consistency (labels, colors, layout)
- Add interactivity with filters, parameters, or highlights
- Link to dashboards directly from your LinkedIn or resume
Example Dashboards on Tableau Public:
- COVID-19 Global Trends Dashboard
- Sales and Profit Dashboard for a Retail Store
- Netflix User Ratings by Genre and Year
4. Linking Both Platforms
Your GitHub and Tableau Public should be linked to each other and to your:
- Resume
- LinkedIn profile
- Personal website (if applicable)
How to Link:
- Add Tableau dashboard links in your GitHub project README
- Add GitHub links in your Tableau Public profile description
- Include both platforms in your job applications
Summary Table
Platform | Use Case | Key Elements to Include |
---|---|---|
GitHub | Code, ETL, Jupyter notebooks | README, code files, SQL queries, data files |
Tableau Public | Dashboards, storytelling | Visual charts, business KPIs, filters, context |