Portfolio Development Robbyn T. Matthews, M.A. Coordinator for Career Programs Russ College of Engineering and Technology Ohio University Andrea Hickman, Graduate Assistant

What is a Career Portfolio? A collection of documents and other artifacts that people use to validate claims they make about themselves. - Satterthwaite & D’Orsi, The Career Portfolio Workbook

Purpose of a Portfolio To draw attention. Provides links to opportunities. Makes key intangibles tangible. Adds to credibility. Builds confidence.

Two Types Master Portfolio Collection of useful documents Personal arsenal of targeted artifacts Can be as neat as you want it. Targeted Portfolio Documents specific to position Well organized P.E.A.K.S.

PEAKS Personal Characteristics Experience Accomplishments Knowledge Skills Keep PEAKS in mind when collecting for your Master Portfolio!

Master Portfolio Keep PEAKS in mind! Too much isn’t enough Make a note on missing key documents Recent documents = More Powerful

Master Portfolio Kinds of documents –Bio stats –Targeted task skills –People skills –Learning skills –Self-Management Skills –Task accomplishments –Community Service Make a list of documents to keep track!

Targeted Portfolio Document Selection 1.Describe the opportunity you are pursuing in realistic terms. 2.Identify the P.E.A.K.S. that the interviewer will consider desirable. 3.Select the items the best demonstrate how you have the desired P.E.A.K.S.

Targeted Portfolio Document Selection – Step 1 Look for a job description Get a realistic picture of the job (Web site, annual report, etc.) Play detective (Ask people about the industry: current employees, professors, etc.) Do informational interviews Research as much as you can!

Targeted Portfolio Document Selection – Step 2 Begin with the interviewer in mind. Learn about the mindset of the interviewer and what they are looking for. Listen for any P.E.A.K.S. during interviews or while researching. Compile a list of the P.E.A.K.S. that would be most useful.

Targeted Portfolio Document Selection – Step 3 Think about providing documents that link your experiences to the interviewer. Provide documents that need no explanation and ones that provide room for conversation. Only include one or two extended documents. Make sure the documents add to your credibility. Include your most recent documents Try to cover each of the P.E.A.K.S. categories Do not include over twenty items in your targeted portfolio

Targeted Portfolio Organization Resume Personal Characteristics Experience Accomplishments Knowledge Skills

For COMS Goals Mission Statement Skill Sets Letters of Rec. Transcripts Volunteer Academic Awards Copies of diplomas, certificates Positive Performance Reviews Thank Yous Promotion announcement, etc.

For COMS Writing Samples Presentation descriptions Consulting Speeches Flyers or Brochures Video, DVD, photos Articles about you/ name is mentioned Research Conducted

For COMS List of Published Articles Presentation Evaluations Electronic or web site? Ask people you trust to look over your materials! NO items of personal nature Arizona State University West, Communication Studies, “Creating a Professional Portfolio,” web site Berry College, Communication Department, web site

Getting the Right Look Carrying Case –Three-ring binder that can be zippered shut. –Color and material should reflect the image you want to portray. Portfolio Items –Photocopy your documents –Size documents consistently –Color sells –Use sheet protectors –Store extra items behind displayed documents

Sources Arizona State University West: folio.htm folio.htm Ball State University: /0,, ,00.html /0,, ,00.html Berry College: ties/communication/portfolios.asp ties/communication/portfolios.asp Satterthwaite, F., & D’Orsi, G. (2003). The career portfolio workbook. New York: McGraw-Hill University of Southern Indiana: sp sp

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