During my internship with the City Tech OpenLab, I have developed several important technical and design skills that are directly related to my major in Communication Design. One of the main skills I gained is learning how to use WordPress to build and manage a professional ePortfolio website. Before this internship, I had only limited experience with WordPress, but through hands-on practice, I have become more comfortable navigating the platform and using its tools to create and organize content.
A major part of this learning process involved working with different WordPress themes. Each theme has its own layout, structure, and customization options, which affect how content is displayed on the site. I learned how to test multiple themes to find the one that best fits my design vision and supports the type of work I want to showcase. This process helped me understand how design choices, such as layout, typography, and spacing, impact the overall appearance and usability of a website.
In addition to selecting themes, I also learned how different themes function and how they can be customized. For example, I explored how to adjust page layouts, modify navigation menus, and organize content so that it is easy for users to access. I also became more aware of how responsive design works, since certain themes display content differently depending on the device being used. This helped me understand the importance of designing for multiple screen sizes, including laptops and mobile devices.
Another important skill I developed is problem-solving when working with web platforms. While building my portfolio, I encountered challenges such as pages not updating correctly or layouts not appearing as expected. Through trial and error, as well as guidance from my supervisors, I learned how to troubleshoot these issues and find solutions. This experience improved my ability to adapt and work through technical difficulties independently.
Overall, this internship has helped me build practical skills in web design, content management, and digital presentation. Learning how to use WordPress and understanding how themes function has given me a stronger foundation in creating professional online portfolios. These skills are valuable not only for my academic work but also for my future career in Communication Design, where having a strong digital presence is essential.