1. Introduction to Portfolios Creating Your Career Portfolio

2. The Portfolio Process Employers want proof – not talk Employers want proof – not talk Portfolios will provide proof through: Portfolios will provide proof through: –Work Samples –Proof of skills –Letters of Recommendation –Transcripts of Grades –Your goals stated in writing –A “philosophy” of your approach

3. The Portfolio Process A Career Portfolio makes you stand out among the competition A Career Portfolio makes you stand out among the competition A Career Portfolio usually contains: A Career Portfolio usually contains: –Statement of Originality »A paragraph that addresses that the work is yours and it is confidential –Work Philosophy »Stated beliefs on your work, yourself and the industry –Career Goals »Where you see yourself in the next five years

4. The Portfolio Process A Career portfolio usually contains: A Career portfolio usually contains: –Skill Areas »Tabbed sections which include what you want to highlight about you »Technological skills and Training examples –Work Samples »Relevant coursework and projects which support your claim –Letters of Recommendation –Checklist of skills sets »Classes, related skills and your level of competency

5. The Portfolio Process Also, A Career Portfolio contains: –Certifications, Degrees, and Awards –Community Service –Professional Memberships –References

6. The Portfolio Process Common Stumbling Blocks Common Stumbling Blocks –Lack of concrete examples –Unclear personal goals –Uncertainty on how to use the portfolio to your advantage

7. The Portfolio Process Addressing Stumbling Blocks Addressing Stumbling Blocks –The portfolio is a process that grows along with your skills »Your first portfolio may be thin but with experience and opportunity you’ll add to your collection of proof –Always update your career goals and skills to address the job description – »there is no “one size fits all” when working with portfolios – it is an on-going process even after you get the job

8. Portfolio Assembly Step 1 – Gather what you’ll show Step 1 – Gather what you’ll show –Prerequisite: Know what you’ll include based on SWOT for the targeted position Step 2 – Organize what you have Step 2 – Organize what you have –Prerequisite: Have a plan on what goes where Step 3 – Assemble Components Step 3 – Assemble Components –Prerequisite: Binder, Tabs, and a Style

9. Portfolio Assembly Step 4 – Fill in the gaps Step 4 – Fill in the gaps –Prerequisite: Identify ways to add to your portfolio and get busy Step 5 – Test run for constructive advice Step 5 – Test run for constructive advice –Get advice from your instructor, a talented friend or an industry professional

10. Electronic Portfolios Electronic Portfolios work differently than the “paper” version Electronic Portfolios work differently than the “paper” version –They allow you give a copy to your potential employer –They can be placed on a web page and referenced by the employer –They make you stand out from the “pile” of resumes

11. Electronic Portfolios Electronic Portfolios are a “perk” Electronic Portfolios are a “perk” –Use along with your resume and cover letter – they help you stand out –They are not a substitute for the expected resume and cover letter – they offer extra time for you to be considered