Designing a Career Portfolio

Introduction:

Sooner or later on will need a job. In order for you to make a favorable impression at an interview you should not only take care of your appearance but also how you prepare your Career Portfolio.  It will make you more marketable and put you a step above the rest. A Portfolio represents you. Since it makes an appearance before you do, make sure it puts you in the best light possible.

Task and Sources:

Four of your friends applied for jobs at the same company. Three of them have an impressive academic record. The fourth guy has a very impressive portfolio, but a slightly less impressive academic record.

Strangely, the company is interested only in this fourth applicant. They told him during his interview that his portfolio was the best they had seen during the past 3 years. Even if his academic record was a bit 'worse' than it is, he would still be their number one choice.

You decided to find out what portfolios are. If you are convinced of their value, you are going to create your own portfolio too.

Your job is to: 

1. Write a short essay describing the benefits of electronic portfolios 

2. Create a Career Portfolio that will allow you to get the best career possible.

• You will be introduced to the job market via the Internet

• You will complete an exploration exercise

• You will complete an Information worksheet

• You will choose a format

• You will write your Career Portfolio

 What are you interested in?

• The Career Interest Game

• Interest Finder

What are the requirements?

• Researching Career Exploration

• Occupational Outlook Handbook

How much money will one make

• The Career Planning Process

• The Career Interest Areas SEOP Test

What should be on the cover letter?

• Sample Cover Letter

• Preparing a Cover Letter

What needs to go in a resume?

• Jobweb: Your guide to resume writing

• Career Center

• Job Star

What should be said in a follow-up-letter?

• Career Preparation

• Job search skills and tools

What does one need for his interview?

• Interview Preparation

• Interview Survival

ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIOS

Research the benefits of electronic portfolios.

Find out more about electronic portfolios:

• Electronic Portfolios - What are electronic portfolios and why to use electronic portfolios.
• Digital Learner Portfolios - Links to many resources about digital portfolios
• Student Portfolio FAQ
• Create Your Own Electronic Portfolio - The electronic portfolio development process
• Electronic Portfolio Guidelines

Research the reasons for having a digital portfolio

Classify the benefits of having a digital portfolio into the following categories

• The value of my portfolio when applying for a college grant
• The value of my portfolio when I apply for a grant to do some interesting science research project
• The value of my portfolio when applying for a job
• The value of my portfolio when I move to a new school
• The value of my portfolio to me

Process:

1. Write a short essay describing the benefits of electronic portfolios 

   Essay writing guide

   The expository essay
   

2. Create a Career Portfolio that will allow you to get the best career possible.