How to Sell Your Experience- Creating a Portfolio

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio can be considered a more in-depth resume that is stored online.  A portfolio contains not only a formal resume, but also should include any material that demonstrates your accomplishments and participation in co-curricular activities.  The process of preparing your portfolio will help you discover the skills and competencies you have developed both inside and outside of the classroom.  Focusing on how these experiences have influenced your development will help you prepare for internship opportunities and job interviews.  Typically there are three parts to a portfolio: your resume, documentation of your education and training, and a record of informal learning. Informal learning includes any activities that have helped you develop problem solving skills, leadership abilities, and communication skills to name a few. 

If you are currently a College of Education and Human Services major then you already have access to an e-Portfolio template.  For more information log onto http://www.csuohio.edu/coehs/eportfolio/. If you are not, contact Student Leadership Programs for more information on how to begin a portfolio

What should be included?

Each piece of evidentiary material that you include in your portfolio is called an artifact.  Included with your artifacts should be a short reflection on why you chose to include those pieces in your portfolio.  When determining what artifacts to include in your portfolio, remember to think about how the experience helped you develop a skill or competency that is transferable to the positions you are applying for.  These artifacts should be used to demonstrate specific skills and abilities, not simply prove attendance at programs or workshops.  Remember if you can’t explain how these experiences will relate to what you hope accomplish DO NOT INCLUDE THEM.  Reflection on your experiences is just as important as the experience itself.

Artifact checklist

• Resume
• Leadership and/or Advanced Leadership Certificate
• Leadership Theory and/or Values Statement
• Certificates and/or Awards of achievement
• Program agendas and/or registration forms
• Materials from any sessions that you facilitated
• Leadership experiences and responsibilities (i.e. committees, work, student organizations)
• Pictures demonstrating your participation in leadership and service activities
• Any other visual representation of the co-curricular experiences that you have taken part in

Generating artifacts

A portfolio is a personal representation of your experiences and development. Each student will have unique experiences, so most of the artifacts included in your portfolio will have to be self-generated. As long as the artifact provides evidence of not only participation but also the skills and competencies that were developed then it will be beneficial to include. This is the perfect opportunity to be creative and show employers how you have developed over the years. Remember to reflect on your artifacts so you can articulate how your skills will make you a desirable employee.