What sort of projects look best in a Graphic Design portfolio?

Nearing graduation with a B.A. and concentration in Graphic Design got me thinking (since, yes I did mess up and not save much work) what sort of projects are good examples of what employers look for? The thing is, I'm not sure exactly what I want to do within graphic design. I like working with people and I like being creative—if that's my job, I'm happy—but it gives me too much wiggle room.

Here are some smaller questions to illustrate more of what I'm trying to ask:

Would posters of conceptual illustrations or maybe narratives be worth including as demonstration of illustration abilities as well as defining your aesthetic/character as a designer? Do you think employers often find these important or interesting? Should branding/advertising be the bulk of the portfolio?

I'm aware that problem solving and efficient communication are up there with the visual appealing aspects in regards to strong designer qualities—what kinds of projects would you recommend display those qualities? (Infographics, Logos, Digital/Print Publications, Merchandizing/Advertising Posters, Brochures, Webpages, Interpretive Illustrations? etc.)

Also, for branding/advertising projects, do employers mind if they're simply mock or made up concepts (if noted in the portfolio) that I designed for, seeing as I have little experience and little work saved from my school projects?

Thanks for any help!

Great design resource

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter) Submitted May 26, 2016 at 01:10AM by mydesignreddit http://ift.tt/1TAMS2X