Sonoma Valley Adult School & Community Education
Career Preparation
School to Career Transition
Unit 4 - Career Portfolio
Section 1 - Components of a Career Portfolio
A career portfolio is a binder or book that shows off your work and abilities. It goes beyond a cover letter and a résumé. A portfolio is a job-hunting tool that you develop that gives employers a picture of who you are-your experience, your education, your accomplishments, and your skills. Not only does it show the employer who you are, but it also displays what you have the potential to become. It is designed to do one thing-to support you as you market yourself!
Upon completion of this section you will be able to:
- Understand the purpose of a career portfolio
- Outline the components to be used in your career portfolio
There are wide variations in how to create career portfolio from the physical to the virtual. Remember you want to distinguish yourself from the competition and have tangible proof of your abilities.
This segment defines a Career Portfolio as an expanded resume that includes a collection of work samples, mission statement, personal and professional goal statement with a list of transferrable skills.
Watch this brief video Introduction to Career Portfolios
Components of a Career Portfolio
Some Suggestions are:
- Table of Contents
- Introductory letter summarizing what you stand for (such as work ethic, organiztional interests, etc.) and where you see yourself in two to five years
- Career-Track Information which will include your Cover Letter, Resume, Letter of Recommendation, and Job Application Reference Form
- Samples of Work A sampling of your best work, including reports, papers, studies, brochures, projects, presentations, etc.
- Personal Interests & Achievements can include transcripts, diplomas, awards, information about personal qualities and strengths, and activities
After watching this video segment you should begin to have some ideas on how you would like to develop your portfolio.
Watch this brief video Information to include in your portfolio
Sample Portfolio
After watching this video segment you should begin to have some ideas on how you would like to develop your portfolio.
This is a sample portfolio to use as a model or just for inspiration.
Constructing the Portfolio
In assignment 4A you will decide on the components that make sense for your career portfolio and track their completion.
Assignment 4 A - Portfolio Checklist
Next: Section 2 - Standard Requirements for your Career Portfolio
