This workshop will help students develop a professional portfolio to utilize as a valuable tool when interviewing for jobs or internships.

1. Creating a Career Enhancement
Toolkit
Portfolio Workshop
Presented by:
Sandi Ohman, Assistant Director
Career Services Office

2. About Portfolios
• Historically in professions that use visual proof of abilities,
accomplishments,and skills
– Journalists, Teachers, Artists, Architects, Graphic Designers,
Photographers, and Models
• Job seeking tool that helps give employers a more
thorough picture of the candidate
• Gives credibility to the candidate abilities and skills
• Good interview preparation tool
• Makes a memorable impression and stand out during an
interview
• Takes time to create a good portfolio, so start now!

3. Types of Portfolios
• Printed
– Used during a face-to-face interview, while an online portfolio would
usually be viewed by an employer before or after the interview.
• Bound
– Prepared for a specific company and left behind
• Targeted vs. General
• Video/Photographs
– Typically sent in as part of the application
• Online
– Examples: LinkedIn, Websites, PowerPoint presentations, and blogs

4. Using a Portfolio
• Control the portfolio; don't give the entire portfolio to the
interviewer
• Practice using the portfolio when answering interview
questions and to be familiar with items in the portfolio
• Provide copies of some of the items in the portfolio, to
leave behind when the interview has ended
• After creating it, keep it updated! Like a resume, it is
always changing as we do.

5. Sections to include
• Summary of goals, professional philosophy, or mission statement: a
description of who you are, what you stand for and what you want to do
• Index/Table of Contents (typically not needed in an online portfolio)
• Resume
• Skills and abilities: give a more detailed explanation than what is
included on your resume, take the opportunity to explain your
background, or any special experiences that contribute to your success
in each area
• List of accomplishments
• Samples of your work: papers, reports, projects, presentations,
brochures
• Performance reviews: from past jobs or even a review a professor gave
you on a project

6. Sections to include
• Military information: discharge papers (DD-214), awards,
accomplishments, special training
• Letters of recommendation
• Reference list: three to five people (include name, title, address, phone
and e-mail). Make sure they are professional references (not your mom)
who can speak about your strengths and abilities
• Transcripts, degrees, licenses, certifications
• Awards and honors
• Professional development activities: conferences and workshops
participated in or attended, associations you belong to
• Extracurricular activities: volunteer work, clubs, sports (focus on
leadership roles held)
• Thank you cards

7. Start Preparing
• Make a list of what you want to include in
your portfolio
• Categorize the content into sections
• Buy binder that works for you,page
protectors, and divider with tabs that stick out
past the page protectors, and any other
special organizers (CD holder, velcro
folder,etc.). Visual appeal is important!
• Resume Paper

8. Project Summary Sheets
• Include details about each project
– Title of the project
– Number of people in the group, your role
– Objective of the project
– Action taken, skills used,problems encountered,
challenges and resolutions
– Outcomes and/or drawings

9. Worksheet

10. Industry/Career Expo
Fast Pass
Fast Pass Pick-up for Expo:
Mon. 9/26 - Wed.10/7
8:00am-5:00pm
Career Services Office
Room 250, Student Center

11. Stay Connected to Career
Services
Connect, follow, join and like Career Services via all our
communication methods…
Career Services Website
EagleHire
ERAU Connection
ERNIE/My Team Site
Facebook
Going Places Career Blog
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest