Portfolio building and case studies
How coffee professionals can build a career portfolio and use case studies to demonstrate skills, achievements, and industry impact.
- Coffee Basics Nerds
- 2 min read
Article 7 of 12 in Careers, Certifications & Competitions/
Why Build a Portfolio?
- Coffee careers are increasingly competitive.
- A portfolio showcases tangible skills, experiences, and results.
- Demonstrates not only technical ability but also storytelling and impact.
Components of a Strong Portfolio
- Certifications & Credentials:
- SCA modules, Q Grader license, competition participation.
- Highlights credibility and commitment to professional growth.
- Case Studies:
- Examples of projects completed: café openings, roast development, direct trade sourcing.
- Structure with problem → action → result.
- Include sensory outcomes, cost savings, or customer growth.
- Sensory & Technical Work:
- Roast profiles with cupping notes.
- Brew recipes and measured extraction outcomes.
- QC reports or sensory calibration logs.
- Competition Achievements:
- Participation in Barista, Brewers Cup, Latte Art, or Roasting Championships.
- Scores, feedback, or placements.
- Community & Mentorship:
- Training sessions delivered.
- Contributions to local coffee events.
- Articles, workshops, or cupping sessions hosted.
Case Study Examples
- Roasting Project: Redesigned roast profile for a high-altitude washed Ethiopian → improved clarity and boosted cupping score from 85 to 87.
- Café Efficiency: Implemented new workflow → reduced average customer wait time from 5 minutes to 3 minutes.
- Sustainability Sourcing: Worked with a cooperative to launch a direct trade relationship → producer premiums increased by 20%.
Practical Tips
- Use both data and narrative: include numbers (yields, cupping scores, sales growth) plus a story.
- Include visuals: roast curves, brew recipes, competition photos.
- Keep it modular: tailor your portfolio to roasteries, importers, or cafés depending on the role.
Summary
A professional coffee portfolio with case studies goes beyond a CV—it proves expertise with real-world examples. By combining certifications, sensory records, competition results, and community impact, professionals showcase a complete picture of their skills and value.