diff --git a/layouts/partials/sections/about.html b/layouts/partials/sections/about.html
index 3bb02d6..9f26313 100644
--- a/layouts/partials/sections/about.html
+++ b/layouts/partials/sections/about.html
@@ -11,7 +11,8 @@
 <div class="container anchor p-lg-5 about-section" id="{{ $sectionID }}">
   <div class="row pt-sm-2 pt-md-4 align-self-center">
     <!-- summary -->
-    <div class="col-sm-6">
+    <!-- takes up full section width if no badges/soft skills are specified -->
+    {{ if or (.softSkills) (.badges) }} <div class="col-sm-6"> {{ else }} <div class="col-sm-12"> {{ end }}
       <h3 class="p-1">{{ $author.name }}</h3>
       {{ if .designation }}
       <h5 class="p-1">