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Portfolio

We only learn if we reflect on what we have done.
~ John Dewey

What is a portfolio?

Port – to move
Folio – paper and artifacts

A portfolio is a process as well as a product.

Process: requires you to identify and reflect on what motivates you, examine your values, skills, etc.
Product: a concrete collection which documents your learning, work history and many more.

A career portfolio is like a wallet.  It is a place to keep items that are important to you.  Not only is it important to have the document and to treat it like a living document (always changing) but it is the process of creating a career portfolio that is valuable as well.  You will be able to learn about yourself, values, skills, goals, strengths and dreams while creating your portfolio.

A career portfolio is a lifelong process and is only limited by your imagination.  It also allows you to prove that you possess the skills and have the abilities to achieve success.

Why have a career portfolio?

• Personal Development
• Career Exploration and Development
• Marketing and Self Promotion Tool
  • Interviews
  • Assist you in getting into specific programs at post-secondary institutions (education, visual arts, etc.)
• Useful when applying for scholarships
• Used during the many transitions in your life (grade 12 to work or school, or between different jobs)

Steps involved in creating a career portfolio:

Step 1:  Gathering Data and Support

Talk to your parents or guardians to help you collect as much items as possible so you can get a good start on your portfolio.  However, if you do not have documents for a variety of reasons you can still create a career portfolio by creating your own documents and lists by using Microsoft Word or Publisher.

Step 2:  Selecting Items and Assembling the Portfolio

Evaluate each item and figure out if it is important enough to be included and why.  You want items that demonstrate your skills, abilities, personality, and strengths.

Step 3:  Reflect and Use the Portfolio

Justify and explain why items are included in your portfolio.  Be prepared to update this document on an ongoing basis so that at any time you can use it for a variety of reasons.  It is an on-going process and you are a lifelong learner who is growing, learning and changing through your experiences.

Suggested Items for a Career Portfolio:

Remember to decide on how you will categorize or organize your portfolio so that it looks neat, professional and is easy to scan through.

What will you need?

• A binder
• Sheet Protectors
• Dividers or tab extenders
• Proofreaders
• If you don’t want to use originals then photocopy or scan documents

Tips:

• Have a clear purpose (you can always add or take out different parts depending on your audience).
• Review sequence of the contents (categories, table of contents, make it flow well).
• Make sure it is attractive.
• Not too large or else it will be too overwhelming.
• Design each section so it is easy to scan (use white space, consistent font, style, spacing, and tab extenders).
• Make sure you include a short concise explanation or reflection for each item to demonstrate why it is in the portfolio and what you learned.

Additional websites and documents that can be used to assist in the creation and use of a portfolio:

Vanier Career Portfolio Plan – coming soon
Manitoba Education:  A Self-Managed Career Portfolio Guide – http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/support/c_portfolio/index.html
Career & Life Portfolio Development - http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/careerguide/
A Self-Managed Career Portfolio Guide -  http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/support/c_portfolio/index.html
Electronic Personal Career Portfolios -  http://www.saskschools.ca/~portfolios/
Best Practice Portfolios -  http://www.centralischool.ca/~bestpractice/portfolios/index.html
Grade 9 PowerPoint – Introduction to Personal Career Portfolio

Vanier Collegiate PowerPoint Presentations:

Grade 9 Personal Career Portfolio Presentation

2012 Grade 9 Portfolio Introduction
Career Development Record - mandatory for portfolio

Grade 10 Career Portfolios

Generic Goal Setting Template
Action Plan – SMART Goal Worksheet
Vanier English Graduation Checklist - French one coming soon
Grade 10 Portfolio Checklist
Grade 11 and 12 Semester Plan
Community Service Grade 10 Update

Grade 11 Behavioural Interview and Portfolio Presentation – PowerPoint Lesson

PowerPoint Handouts
Student Interview Preparation Questions- PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE
Grade 11 Portfolio Checklist - use this to help you get your portfolio ready for your mock interview

Grade 12 Christian Ethics Vocation Presentation

Youth Opportunities Handout
University of Regina: Exploring Your Options 2009-2010