1. Creating a Professional Portfolio

2. What is a Portfolio? a showcase for your achievements & talents which can be used to show samples of your work certificates, diplomas, awards, letters of commendation, and so forth.

3. Critical Elements purposeful connected justified personal collection of samples over time to produce a picture of learning that tells a story of the learner as a developing, independent, self- motivated lifelong learner

4. Why a Portfolio expand on your resume in a more comprehensive manner tangible proof of your skills & abilities organized in one place, protected ready when needed help you stand out from the crowd reminder of things you want highlighted more creative than resume & cover letter master portfolio allows choice for others

5. Process collection: purposeful selection: criteria, what, amount, timing reflection: teach it, criteria, prompts, introduction, environment projection: reviewing, patterns, future goals

6. Four Dimensions Goal Setting: positive, realistic, action plan, short- and long-term Growth & Achievement: improvement in and development of concepts & skills, progress toward goals Reflection/Self-Assessment: various types demonstrated, appropriate judgments made re items [what it shows; why important], alignment of beliefs & performance

7. Four Dimensions Items of Work [Evidence]: explain connection to purpose & dimensions; complete, all there; explain how they support the 3 main dimensions of Goal-Setting, Growth & Achievement, and Reflection/Self-Assessment

8. Set-Up: Sophisticated Scrapbook three ring binder cover index exhibits [evidence] plastic sheet protectors

9. Possible Inclusions career goals or career mission statement copy of your resume list of skill sets or competencies letters of recommendations/reference transcripts summary of community/volunteer service academic awards educational certificates, diplomas, degrees copies of positive performance appraisals

10. Possible Inclusions e-mails, thank-you letters, notes complimenting you on a job well done company announcements, promotions, awards, achievements documents you may have designed: brochures, flyers, pamphlets, report covers, reports pamphlets describing presentations you have given

11. Possible Inclusions video or photos of projects, work, creations, etc. publications you have authored reports/articles you have written professional memberships or associations committee work evaluations of a workshop you gave

12. Getting Started Schedule a half-day to get started Collect everything you want to put in the portfolio Get enlargement, color-copying, scanning, photographs, reproductions done

13. Supplies Needed good-quality large 3-ring binder for your master portfolio small binders for specific portfolios dull-finished sheet protectors labels good quality dividers sheets to display photos, videos, computer diskettes, CD-ROMs

14. Supplies good quality professional-looking paper for copies of documents

15. Tasks Lay out supplies & materials Put documents into plastic sleeves Group related items together Prepare & insert tab dividers Put everything in the binder Have others review it for suggestions No personal items [divorce certificates]

16. Remember All items in your portfolio should be clear demonstrations of your work-related skills and achievements. Ensure you have permission to use copyrighted material. It is a work-in-progress. Continually update it Never leave your master portfolio with anyone. It is yours. It represents you!