Creating a Career Enhancement Toolkit

Portfolio Workshop

Presented by: Sandi Ohman, Assistant Director

Career Services Office

About Portfolios

• Historically in professions that use visual proof of abilities, accomplishments,and skills– Journalists, Teachers, Artists, Architects, Graphic Designers,

Photographers, and Models

• Job seeking tool that helps give employers a more thorough picture of the candidate

• Gives credibility to the candidate abilities and skills• Good interview preparation tool• Makes a memorable impression and stand out during an interview• Takes time to create a good portfolio, so start now!

Types of Portfolios• Printed

– Used during a face-to-face interview, while an online portfolio would usually be viewed by an employer before or after the interview.

• Bound– Prepared for a specific company and left behind

• Targeted vs. General

• Video/Photographs– Typically sent in as part of the application

• Online – Examples: LinkedIn, Websites, PowerPoint presentations, and blogs

Using a Portfolio

• Control the portfolio; don't give the entire portfolio to the interviewer

• Practice using the portfolio when answering interview questions and to be familiar with items in the portfolio

• Provide copies of some of the items in the portfolio, to leave behind when the interview has ended

• After creating it, keep it updated! Like a resume, it is always changing as we do.

Sections to include

• Summary of goals, professional philosophy, or mission statement: a description of who you are, what you stand for and what you want to do

• Index/Table of Contents (typically not needed in an online portfolio)• Resume• Skills and abilities: give a more detailed explanation than what is

included on your resume, take the opportunity to explain your background, or any special experiences that contribute to your success in each area

• List of accomplishments• Samples of your work: papers, reports, projects, presentations,

brochures• Performance reviews: from past jobs or even a review a professor

gave you on a project

Sections to include

• Military information: discharge papers (DD-214), awards, accomplishments, special training

• Letters of recommendation • Reference list: three to five people (include name, title, address, phone

and e-mail). Make sure they are professional references (not your mom) who can speak about your strengths and abilities

• Transcripts, degrees, licenses, certifications • Awards and honors • Professional development activities: conferences and workshops

participated in or attended, associations you belong to • Extracurricular activities: volunteer work, clubs, sports (focus on

leadership roles held)• Thank you cards

Start Preparing

• Make a list of what you want to include in your portfolio

• Categorize the content into sections• Buy binder that works for you,page

protectors, and divider with tabs that stick out past the page protectors, and any other special organizers (CD holder, velcro folder,etc.). Visual appeal is important!

• Resume Paper

Project Summary Sheets

• Include details about each project– Title of the project– Number of people in the group, your role– Objective of the project– Action taken, skills used,problems encountered,

challenges and resolutions– Outcomes and/or drawings

Worksheet

Industry/Career Expo Fast Pass

Fast Pass Pick-up for Expo: Mon. 9/26 - Wed.10/7

8:00am-5:00pm

Career Services OfficeRoom 250, Student Center

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