The E-Portfolio: A Learning Experience and the Ultimate Job Search Tool

By Wendy Lalli

One of the most exciting developments in the field of education within the last few years is the use of e-portfolios. What’s particularly intriguing is that the same format that helps students assimilate new skills can make it easier for them to find a new job as well.

E-portfolios are basically computerized adaptations of the presentation books many universities have encouraged students to create for the past decade. In his article, “Eportfolios: What’s behind the hype?” Phil Walz of the School of Information Management and Systems claims: “Eportfolios allow students to plan, document, assess and improve upon their learning by significantly changing the manner in which their education is understood and managed.”

Adding to these advantages, colleges are also allowing students to use their e-portfolios to display their newly learned skills to potential employers. Matt Green, a career advisor at the Portfolio Center of Columbia College in Chicago, feels e-portfolios are very definitely the way of the future. “Now students in all kinds of professions—from fashion designers to marketing strategists—can present their credentials instantly to employers around the world. And an e-portfolio not only demonstrates a wide range of skills, it can be shared with an unlimited number of companies simultaneously before a personal interview ever takes place! It’s revolutionizing the whole hiring process.”

In another recent article, entitled “Creating Online Portfolios Can Help Students See ‘Big Picture,’ Colleges Say,” writer Jeffrey Young points out that an increasing number of academic institutions hope students will “show off their portfolios to potential employers or to parents eager to see where their tuition money is going.” But showing off for parents and school administrators is only just the beginning. For, as Matt Green suggested above, staffing agencies—especially those specializing in marketing, web design and graphic arts—are beginning to request e-portfolios from their job candidates along with electronic résumés. Some entrepreneurial students have even revamped their student e-portfolios and used them to create websites for their own companies.

Professional portfolios aren’t really new
In creative industries, a portfolio has always been a requirement when applying for a position. Fine artists, photographers, architects and others whose work involves visual images have long shown samples of their work in binders or presentation folders (referred to as “books”) to potential employers. This practice is also true for professionals in corporate communications, journalism, graphic arts, public relations and marketing.

In advertising for example, even entry-level art directors and copywriters just out of school are expected to have a book. Since these candidates rarely have real-life experience, they create fake or “spec” ads, demonstrating how they would market various products.

Today, the ability to send files electronically enables candidates to expand what were formerly two-dimensional “books” into multimedia presentations. Now digital photos, audio and video clips, articles, text of white papers, and illustrations and paintings can form one collection. This collection—your e-portfolio—may be used to create a multi-page, personal website. Or it could be part of the website of a university, professional association or staffing agency. But the major advantage of an e-portfolio is still the same: it offers a potential employer a multi-dimensional view of why your experience, skills and talent make you the best candidate for the job at hand.

Educators use e-portfolios, too
Education is another example of a profession where e-portfolios are highly valued. In “Creating an Electronic Portfolio,” writer Lisa Spencer observes, “the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards requires portfolios from experienced teachers seeking national certification...” An effective e-portfolio of a teacher might include lesson plans; letters from parents, students and supervisors; photos or even a video clip of a classroom presentation; and a list of any special honors the teacher has received. All of these elements go toward presenting a 360 degree view of someone who inspires students by designing and facilitating unique learning experiences.

E-portfolios for every profession
An e-portfolio makes an ideal job search tool for literally everyone, whatever their professional goals. After all, every job hunter must market him or herself, and the most effective form of marketing is always a demonstration of the product. Let’s say you’ve just completed a class in building databases. One of your assignments was to develop a database determining where and how often an ad campaign would run in a particular market. Including this project in your e-portfolio allows an employer to see how you would do such a project in real life for them.

What should you include in your e-portfolio?
Think of your e-portfolio as a visual aid to your résumé. If your résumé gives employers a summary of your professional experience, then your e-portfolio adds a whole new dimension of reality and interest to this information. It should enable interviewers to see you as person as well as a professional; so consider including some photos of yourself and coworkers on the job during your summer internship. A scanned image of the letter from the Dean acknowledging your inclusion on the honors list would also be of interest.

Class assignments that specifically relate to the position you’re applying for are another excellent addition. In fact, any project you did in school, at work or on your own time that reflects useful work skills should be included. Perhaps you organized a fund raiser for a local charity and received a special thank you from the chairman of the board. You could show the work schedule you developed to manage the project along with the note the chairman sent you in recognition of your efforts. Both of these items demonstrate your gifts as a project manager and your ability to set and achieve a goal.

One more thing, developing an e-portfolio is in itself a demonstration that you know how to manage information well, communicate clearly and have good computer skills. Since smart employers value people who utilize the latest technology to sell ideas and products, using an e-portfolio to show off your skills is a great way to start your career.

Wendy Lalli is a career counselor who writes frequently for the Chicago Tribune and business publications. Her advice column, “Dear Lalli” is a regular feature in the Daily Southtown and Star newspapers in Chicago. Before making a transition to a career coach three years ago, Wendy was a business-to-business copywriter for more than 15 years