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Introduction to Portfolios. Creating Your Career Portfolio. The Portfolio Process. Employers want proof – not talk Portfolios will provide proof through: Work Samples Proof of skills Letters of Recommendation Transcripts of Grades Your goals stated in writing
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Introduction to Portfolios Creating Your Career Portfolio
The Portfolio Process • Employers want proof – not talk • 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
The Portfolio Process • A Career Portfolio makes you stand out among the competition • 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
The Portfolio Process • 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
The Portfolio Process Also, A Career Portfolio contains: • Certifications, Degrees, and Awards • Community Service • Professional Memberships • References
The Portfolio Process • Common Stumbling Blocks • Lack of concrete examples • Unclear personal goals • Uncertainty on how to use the portfolio to your advantage
The Portfolio Process • 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
Portfolio Assembly • 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 • Prerequisite: Have a plan on what goes where • Step 3 – Assemble Components • Prerequisite: Binder, Tabs, and a Style
Portfolio Assembly • Step 4 – Fill in the gaps • Prerequisite: Identify ways to add to your portfolio and get busy • Step 5 – Test run for constructive advice • Get advice from your instructor, a talented friend or an industry professional
Electronic Portfolios • 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
Electronic Portfolios • 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