Showcasing your expertise: Why freelancers need portfolios and case studies

Following up on last week's edition on building social proof as a medical translator or writer, let's talk about whether having a portfolio and case studies is worth the time and effort…

Well, the answer is a resounding yes.

Portfolios and case studies are two powerful tools that can help you achieve this. While they each serve a slightly different purpose, both are valuable in showcasing your skills, building trust, and setting yourself apart.

Why portfolios matter

A portfolio is a curated collection of work that demonstrates the breadth and quality of your skills. It offers potential clients a snapshot of what you can do and what they can expect from you.

Showcase your skills: A portfolio allows you to highlight your range – whether it’s translating complex regulatory documents or writing patient-friendly health content. Providing a variety of examples helps potential clients see your versatility.
Build trust: When clients see real examples of your work, they can better assess your expertise. A well-curated portfolio reinforces your credibility and reliability.
Stand out: With so many freelancers offering similar services, a strong portfolio helps you stand out. It’s a space where you can demonstrate your unique approach, specialization, or style.

Why case studies matter

While a portfolio shows what you’ve done, case studies focus on how you work. They let you tell the story behind the project – the challenge, your approach, and the outcome. That kind of storytelling can have a big impact.

Demonstrate problem-solving: Case studies highlight your critical thinking, adaptability, and the strategies you used to handle complex challenges.
Highlight your impact: By focusing on outcomes, you can demonstrate the tangible value of your work – whether that’s improving patient education, supporting compliance, or streamlining communication.
Provide context: Case studies add depth to your work. They help clients understand not only your deliverables, but also your decision-making and professionalism.

What if confidentiality makes it hard to share your work?

Yes, this is one of the biggest challenges in our field – but it’s not a dead end. Here are some ways to build a portfolio or write case studies while still respecting client confidentiality:

For portfolios:

Use non-confidential materials: Translate or rewrite publicly available texts (e.g. medical journals, research papers, public health materials). These let you demonstrate your abilities without breaching confidentiality.
Ask for client consent: Some clients may agree to you sharing anonymized versions of your work, especially if sensitive details are removed.
Collaborate with health creators or colleagues: Offer to translate or adapt their public content. It’s a great way to build your portfolio while helping them reach wider audiences.
Create mock samples: If confidentiality is a concern, write and translate your own samples. For instance, create a short educational article on a health topic, then translate it. It shows your writing and research skills without relying on client work.
Work with NGOs or patient organizations: These groups often welcome support and have fewer confidentiality constraints. Their projects can provide excellent portfolio material.

For case studies:

Anonymise project details: Focus on the process and results, not the client’s identity. Say “a leading healthcare provider” or “a mid-sized pharma company” instead of naming names.
Focus on the problem and solution: Clients care about how you think and how you work. Emphasize the challenge you were solving, how you approached it, and what you achieved.
Include client testimonials when possible: Even a short quote – without project specifics – can boost credibility and reinforce your case study.

Used together, portfolios and case studies can do what neither can do alone. While your portfolio provides a quick, visual sense of your capabilities, case studies invite potential clients to go deeper and understand your thought process, values, and the impact of your work.

If you're curious to see how this looks in practice, I share a few anonymized case examples on my Services page.

Together, portfolios and case studies provide a full picture of your expertise.

Your portfolio gives a broad overview; case studies add context and detail.

One shows WHAT you do, the other shows HOW and WHY. Yes, it takes effort to put these together – especially with confidentiality constraints. But it’s worth it. Because even when your best work is invisible, you still need to help clients see you.