Portfolio Do's and Don'ts

Hey everyone! My name is Caroline Schmitt and I am a Career Assistant here at AU’s Career Development Center. Our topic today is To Bring a Portfolio or Not to Bring a Portfolio: That is the Question. Literally. When I say portfolio I’m talking about bringing a collection of work samples, designs, art work, writing samples etc. Let’s create the picture: you’re (for hypothetical purposes) a journalism major and you’re preparing for an interview. You know you need a resume, cover letter, references, but you also have all these amazing articles that you’ve written but no clue how to display them or whether or not to bring them along. For all those purposes and more, there is a lovely collection of work you may bring called a portfolio. You may be thinking to yourself, “Self, when do I need to bring a portfolio of my work to an interview, and when do I show it to the employer?” well your question is answered! Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts regarding a portfolio:

Do:
· Use your portfolio as a tool that merely supports your case as best candidate for the position
· Use your portfolio to demonstrate points you have made to the employer regarding your experience, accomplishments, skills, etc. which qualify you for that position
· Allow the employer to peruse your portfolio if (that’s a big if) they ask for it

Don’t:
· Use your portfolio as a show-and-tell item
· Plop your portfolio down on their desk and say, “Look how awesome I am.” wait for the interviewer to ask to see it

Alright, now that that’s covered you may be asking, “Self, what do I include in my portfolio?” Below are a few suggestions that you may include:
· Samples of your work. For example, if you’re a journalism major include articles you have written; if you’re an education major include sample lesson plans you created, or activities you made and so on and so forth
· Evaluations written by supervisors or other individuals
· Documentation of a study abroad or foreign exchange program
· Documents from past internships such as recommendation letters, projects, pictures, etc.

I could go and on about specifics on portfolios for majors, jobs, internships, etc. but why do that when you can stop by the wonderful Career Development Center? Located in the student center, the CDC can help you in many ways. Feel free to visit a Career Specialist. They can answer more of your specific questions related to your major and/or job you’re applying for. For additional information search the Career Development Website at www.ashland.edu/career.

Keep it classy,
Caroline Schmitt