Creating a Professional Portfolio

What is a Portfolio? a showcase for your achievements & talents which can be used to show samples of your work certificates, diplomas, awards, letters of commendation, and so forth.

Critical Elements purposeful connected justified personal collection of samples over time to produce a picture of learning that tells a story of the learner as a developing, independent, self- motivated lifelong learner

Why a Portfolio expand on your resume in a more comprehensive manner tangible proof of your skills & abilities organized in one place, protected ready when needed help you stand out from the crowd reminder of things you want highlighted more creative than resume & cover letter master portfolio allows choice for others

Process collection: purposeful selection: criteria, what, amount, timing reflection: teach it, criteria, prompts, introduction, environment projection: reviewing, patterns, future goals

Four Dimensions Goal Setting: positive, realistic, action plan, short- and long-term Growth & Achievement: improvement in and development of concepts & skills, progress toward goals Reflection/Self-Assessment: various types demonstrated, appropriate judgments made re items [what it shows; why important], alignment of beliefs & performance

Four Dimensions Items of Work [Evidence]: explain connection to purpose & dimensions; complete, all there; explain how they support the 3 main dimensions of Goal-Setting, Growth & Achievement, and Reflection/Self-Assessment

Set-Up: Sophisticated Scrapbook three ring binder cover index exhibits [evidence] plastic sheet protectors

Possible Inclusions career goals or career mission statement copy of your resume list of skill sets or competencies letters of recommendations/reference transcripts summary of community/volunteer service academic awards educational certificates, diplomas, degrees copies of positive performance appraisals

Possible Inclusions s, thank-you letters, notes complimenting you on a job well done company announcements, promotions, awards, achievements documents you may have designed: brochures, flyers, pamphlets, report covers, reports pamphlets describing presentations you have given

Possible Inclusions video or photos of projects, work, creations, etc. publications you have authored reports/articles you have written professional memberships or associations committee work evaluations of a workshop you gave

Getting Started Schedule a half-day to get started Collect everything you want to put in the portfolio Get enlargement, color-copying, scanning, photographs, reproductions done

Supplies Needed good-quality large 3-ring binder for your master portfolio small binders for specific portfolios dull-finished sheet protectors labels good quality dividers sheets to display photos, videos, computer diskettes, CD-ROMs

Supplies good quality professional-looking paper for copies of documents

Tasks Lay out supplies & materials Put documents into plastic sleeves Group related items together Prepare & insert tab dividers Put everything in the binder Have others review it for suggestions No personal items [divorce certificates]

Remember All items in your portfolio should be clear demonstrations of your work-related skills and achievements. Ensure you have permission to use copyrighted material. It is a work-in-progress. Continually update it Never leave your master portfolio with anyone. It is yours. It represents you!