Can I Refer to Projects Made for a Company on My Personal Website?

As a professional seeking to showcase your work and skills on your personal website, it's natural to ponder whether you can refer to projects you've worked on at a company where you are employed full-time. This question touches on important legal and ethical considerations. In this article, we will explore the nuances of this issue, provide guidance, and suggest how to handle this situation.

Justification and Ethics

The decision to include projects from a company in your personal portfolio largely depends on the nature of the industry, your specific role, and the company's policies. Firstly, it's crucial to consider the ethical implications of sharing these projects. By mentioning your contributions, you bring attention to the work you've done and the results it has achieved, which can be beneficial for your personal brand. However, it's also important to ensure that you do not disclose any sensitive or confidential information that could harm the company or its stakeholders.

Laws and Professional Guidelines

Legal Considerations: One of the primary concerns is the potential legal ramifications. Many companies have Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) or other contractual obligations that prohibit the disclosure of proprietary or confidential information. Sharing work samples or details that could be considered trade secrets or sensitive details could lead to legal consequences, including lawsuits or repercussions from the company.

Company Policies and Terms of Appointment: Most companies have specific policies regarding the use of company-related information. These policies often include guidelines on personal websites and professional networking profiles. It's essential to review these policies, as they can provide clear direction on what is and is not permissible. If you're unsure, speak to your HR department or a legal expert to understand the extent of your obligations.

Practical Steps to Include Projects Responsibly

High-Level Overview: If you decide to include projects from your current employer, the best approach is to provide a high-level overview of the work you did and the outcomes. This can be achieved by focusing on the broader context, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented. For instance, if you were responsible for designing, building, and testing a customer-facing website, you can mention the improvements in customer satisfaction and content delivery, without revealing proprietary details.

Language and Tone: Use language that is neutral and professional. Avoid using technical terms or jargon that could be misinterpreted or lead to legal issues. Instead, use narrative language that describes your role and achievements in a way that is both informative and safe for public sharing.

Examples and Best Practices

Here are a few examples to illustrate how you can discuss projects while adhering to professional and legal guidelines:

Example 1: If you were part of a project that improved the user experience of a website, you could mention:

As a computer engineer, I was responsible for designing and implementing a user-friendly website that significantly improved customer satisfaction and enhanced content delivery. This project not only streamlined the user journey but also increased engagement and overall user experience.

Example 2: If your project involved team collaboration, you can highlight:

During my tenure at [Company Name], I spearheaded a team of developers to revamp our company's web presence. This involved re-designing the user interface, optimizing content for SEO, and integrating advanced analytics. This collaborative effort not only improved our site's performance but also led to a 30% increase in organic traffic within six months.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

While it's possible to include projects from your current employer on your personal website, it's crucial to do so responsibly and within the constraints of your NDAs and company policies. By providing a high-level overview of your work and achievements, and avoiding any sensitive or proprietary information, you can effectively showcase your skills and experience without risking legal or professional repercussions.

Additional Resources

For more detailed guidance on this topic, explore the following resources:

Should You Put Your Current Job on Your Personal Website? Your Employment Rights and Computer Privacy LinkedIn: Share Work Samples