What is a portfolio and why develop one?
A portfolio is a snapshot of your educational, professional, and workplace experiences that tells your personal story in one easily accessible place. A portfolio highlights your most significant achievements to date.
What does a portfolio look like?
A traditional hard copy portfolio is a selection of printed materials housed in a binder or folder format. Scanned or saved copies of the same materials may be stored on a CD, or submitted electronically as attachments.
What should I keep in my portfolio?
- Résumé
- Cover letter
- Transcripts
- References
- Salary history
- Descriptions of courses taken
- Certificates and diplomas
- Samples of work: papers, spreadsheets, special projects, etc.
- Awards
- Job descriptions of positions held
- Performance evaluations
- Letters of recommendation
- Works published or in which you are cited
- Brief video bio
- Online links to publications and presentations
How do I use my portfolio?
Your portfolio is a marketing tool to use in job and academic interviews. You will select relevant items from your portfolio to illustrate your knowledge, skills and abilities. This will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
When should I update my portfolio?
Your portfolio will grow and change as you have new experiences and accomplishments to add. It is a lifelong work in progress. Keep your information current by updating your portfolio every time you increase your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
