BCCAT Education Planner

Career Developer

Portfolios: Because a Career is Something You Grow Into

What is a Portfolio?

The term portfolio seems to be popping up all over these days.  We used to think of it as something artists kept to promote their talent and work.  Well in some ways this is exactly what a portfolio is.  It is a collection of items that can demonstrate, in a concrete way, your skills, abilities and talents. 

What has changed is that it is not only artists that require a portfolio.  Today in almost ever field it is an advantage for you to have a portfolio to supplement your resume.  Sharing your portfolio helps you back up your resume.  It proves you can do the job.

Who Might Ask to See My Portfolio?

Many employers today will appreciate having you present your portfolio.  However, it is not only employers that will be interested in your portfolio.  Here are some of the other places you will find it helpful to be able to share your portfolio:

• BC Grade 12 graduation
• application to career, trade or technical post-secondary programs
• application to graduate programs
• contract work
• business loan applications
• committee work/appointments
• workplace promotions

How Should I Organize My Portfolio?

It is important to remember that like your career, your portfolio will continue to grow and change over time.  There are many different styles of portfolios and they are all valuable.  It is advisable to have one main area where you store your records or evidence of your skills.  This could be in a box, file folder, binder or on the computer.  Keeping documentation is the key.

Different situations will require different pieces of information to be presented.  You will want to choose items to put in your portfolio that fit the needs of your target audience.  If you have all your evidence in one place you can simply choose items that best present your knowledge, skills and talents. 

A small binder with headings for each piece of portfolio evidence works well.  Also putting your portfolio on a CD can be useful. This makes it easy to mail.  Being creative with the production of your portfolio depends on you.  Today creativity is celebrated as a highly employable skill.

How you format your portfolio depends on your own personal style, creativity, skill and the needs of your target audience.  No matter what format you select it is very important that it is neat, will labelled and easy to access and follow.

What Should I Include in My Portfolio?

Always remember to consider the purpose for the portfolio and include items that provide evidence of your abilities and knowledge. Some suggestions are:

Formal and Informal Education or Training

• Certificates
• Licences or certifications
• Training plans or outlines
• Transcripts
• Evaluation records
• Evidence of self-taught skills
• Examples of mentorships
• Professional development (workshops, training, clinics etc)

Work Performance

• Letters of reference
• Thank you letters for a job well done
• Awards
• Job descriptions
• Resume
• Customer satisfaction surveys
• Sales records
• Performance evaluations
• Charity or community work

Employability Skills

• Self-reflective notes on your work experience
• Self-reflective notes on your community work
• Personal testimonials to your people skills
• Photos that demonstrate you engaged with people
• Outlines from communication courses taken
• Samples of your written work (i.e. training manuals or proposals)
• Examples of public speaking you have done
• Copies of memos, or letters you have produced
• Lists of project teams you have been a member of

Technical Skills

• Examples of computer software applications you can use
• Examples of multimedia products you have helped produce
• Examples of specific job related equipment you have mastered
• Photos of items you have created or built
• Examples of records or budgets you have managed
• Examples of technical skills upgrading you have taken

Professional Development

• Self-reflective notes about your long term career goals
• Samples of professional development activities you have done
• Examples of organizations, associations, or committees that you belong to
• Examples of conferences or trade shows you have attended
• Examples that demonstrate you are in good health (ie. fitness, hobbies etc)

What Do I Do With My Portfolio?

On occasion you may be asked to mail your portfolio to an employer or client.  It is always a good idea to mail a copy.  Using a coloured photo copier can help make the copy look professional.  Also in order to save space it is advisable to use a photo copier to reduce the size of documents, such as certificates, and arrange a few of them on one page.  Remember to ensure the portfolio is presented neatly and creatively.

However, most often you can bring your portfolio to an interview or meeting.  You can use the portfolio to help facilitate the interview process.  Having your portfolio will help you show examples of what you can do.  It is much easier then just trying to talk.  How does that old saying go -- ?A Picture is worth a 1000 Words?   This is one advantage of a portfolio.

It can some times be a good idea to have a short version on your portfolio on hand.  There may be times when you have an unplanned opportunity to discuss your skills with someone and having a portfolio handy can be a big help.  It may just help you get a new client, a promotion, or open an door that will help in your overall career development.

What If I Have Not Kept Anything?

If you have not kept examples of your work or evidence of your prior education and training don?t worry.  Several years ago people were not asked for their portfolios.  Start keeping a portfolio file now.  You can then try to go back in time and request transcripts from schools you have attended or contact former employers and ask for reference letters.  You may have some good portfolio items with your old photographs.  Try to find creative ways to re-create your past experiences. 

What Resources Are Available to Help Me With My Portfolio?

Because portfolios are growing more popular all the time there are numerous resources available to help you.  If you do a Google search on the internet for portfolios for employment you will get a list of several resources.  Your local library and bookstore will also have books to give you some ideas.  Many employment centers, colleges, universities and continuing education programs offer workshops on creating portfolios.

It is important to remember that your portfolio is a reflection of who you are and what knowledge and skills you have to offer.  Don?t be afraid to let employers or clients know the strengths you bring.