Lesson 19 — Activity 2: Creating a Portfolio
Lesson 19 — Activity 2: Creating a Portfolio
Image courtesy of Getty
When you are putting together information for your portfolio, try to collect as many examples of your accomplishments as possible. The more items you have to choose from, the easier it will be for you to tailor your portfolio to show a wide range of the skills you have acquired. An advantage of collecting this material is that it helps you learn about yourself, your skills, your strengths, and your potential for certain careers.
Some of the information you might want to collect for use in your portfolio could include the following items:
- school accomplishments: examples of work, report cards, tests
- a journal that notes activities and programs that you have participated in
- career planning information and goal setting
- awards for community service, sports, music
- thank you notes
- qualifications such as first aid training, driver training
- photos or videos that can be used to display examples of artwork, music, sports skills, or other articles that would be difficult to take to a job interview (something you have built, clothes you have made, meals you have prepared, etc.)
In addition to these items that demonstrate your skills and abilities, your employment portfolio should also include your résumé, cover letter, and letters of reference.
In summary, a good portfolio is a collection of your constant progress. It is a place where you store accomplishments, training certificates, and work experiences that relate to you as a person with good sense and a good work ethic.
A well-written portfolio gives you the competitive edge that sets you apart from other applicants and improves your chances of being hired for a job.
You might also consider creating an electronic portfolio (also known as an e-portfolio, digital portfolio, or online portfolio). An e-portfolio is a collection of work developed over time. It allows you to organize, archive, and display pieces of work digitally. Such work may include electronic files (e.g., your résumé and cover letter), videos, photos, images, hyperlinks, etc.
For example, an electronic portfolio might be a good choice for an office job. You will be showcasing the computer skills needed to perform that specific job.
Remember that the decisions you make about what you include in your portfolio and how you present that information tell prospective employers many things about yourself.