Portfolios

View our online interviewing workshop at http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/workshops.html.

Professional portfolios are a collection of documents that show your skills to employers through samples of your work.  Portfolios are no longer just for those in the visual arts, but are considered a great interview tool for all industries. 

Portfolios can be created both in hard copy form using a three ring binder and can be developed electronically via a web site or CD.  The hard copy is intended for use within an interview – items are pulled out while answering individual interview questions to illustrate the answers that you give.  Web site addresses for electronic portfolios can be put on your resume allowing an employer to view your work before or after an interview

Examples of items to include:

• Resume & Cover Letter

• Writing Samples (press release, research paper, proposal, business letter)

• Computer work (Excel charts, Power Point presentation, Illustrator Design, AutoCAD Design)

• Awards

• Transcripts

• Class projects (case study, research project, lab/studio work)

• Goal Statements

• Documents created at internships

• Student Leadership (meeting agenda, flyer for event you planned, budget you tracked)

To review a sample portfolio or to get advice on what to include visit the St. Paul Campus Career Center in room 198 McNeal Hall. To get individual assistance in creating your portfolio, schedule an appointment with a career professional by calling 612-624-2710.