Focus on Your Future Senior Portfolio

The Spotlight is on You!

California Career Center

What is a portfolio?A portfolio is a compilation of

your educational and work experiences and your accomplishments. It can also highlight your goals and future plans.

The portfolio as a document:To be used when filling out

applicationsTo be reviewed before an interviewTo demonstrate your skills, abilities,

and accomplishments

The portfolio as a process does the following:Makes you think about and

reflect upon who you areHelps you decide on your

professional goalsHelps you realize how much

you have accomplished

What goes into a portfolio?Resume

A job resume is: A one-page summary of your

education, skills, accomplishments, and work experiences

Usually your first introduction to a potential employer

A professional reflection of you

Purpose of a job resume:For you to get a job interviewFor the employer to screen job

applicants looking for those with skills and capabilities needed for the job

An academic resume is:A one-page summary of your

educational endeavors, scholastic accomplishments, and community involvement

Presented during a college interview

A document that sets you apart from others during the interview process

To start your resume…Go to the California Career CenterSelect “Getting a Job” from the left

navigation barSelect Resume Writing Tips to help

you develop your resume

What goes into a portfolio after the resume?ResumeCover Letter or College Essay

Cover Letter:A professional business letter of

two to three paragraphs emphasizing what you are able to contribute to the company or organization

To be sent with your resume to a potential employer

To start your cover letter…Go to the

California Career CenterSelect “Getting a Job” Select “Cover Letter Tips” to

help you develop your cover letter

College Essay:Topics for college essays vary

by collegeRefer to handout “Common

College Application Essay Questions” for additional ideas

Check out individual college and university admissions websites for details.

What goes into a portfolio next?ResumeCover Letter and/or College EssaySkills and Qualities for Success

Profile

Skills, Qualities for Success Profile:Skills needed to be successful in

school, on the job, and in lifeWrite a brief paragraph for each skill

and quality you will bring to an academic and/or career environment and provide an example of how you have demonstrated that skill or quality

Doing this helps you think about your valuable skills and experiences

Identify your skills and qualities…Go to the California Career CenterSelect “Career Options” from the left navigation barSelect “Skills and Qualities for the 21st Century World

of Work”At the bottom of the page, select “Skills and Quality

Activity”Complete the activity and save it in your “My Stuff”

account or download the activity and select the areas you believe are strengths for you

These are the skills and qualities you will address in your brief paragraphs

What else goes into a portfolio?ResumeCover Letter and/or College EssaySkills and Qualities for Success

ProfileUnofficial Transcript

Unofficial Transcript:List of school courses and

GradesAn official transcript must be

spent directly from your school, an unsealed transcript in your possession is unofficial

What goes into a portfolio after transcripts?ResumeCover Letter and/or College EssaySkills and Qualities for Success

ProfileUnofficial TranscriptEvaluation/Recommendation

Evaluation/Recommendation:Work evaluation from a current or

recent employer reviewing your work performance

Letter of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, or a community leader; refer to handout: “Recommendations: Student Self-assessment” to help you assist anyone who will be writing you a letter of recommendation

What goes into a portfolio after evaluations?ResumeCover Letter and/or College EssaySkills and Qualities for Success

ProfileUnofficial TranscriptEvaluation/RecommendationAwards and Recognitions

Awards and Recognitions:Certificates for academicsCertificates for athletic competitionsCertificates for completion in

Regional Occupational Program courses or Career Technical Education courses

Certificates for perfect attendance

What is the last item to go into a portfolio?ResumeCover Letter and/or College EssaySkills and Qualities for Success ProfileUnofficial TranscriptEvaluation/RecommendationAwards and RecognitionsOutstanding Work Samples

Outstanding Work Samples:EssaysClass ProjectsResearch ProjectArt Work

This is how you spotlight yourself!ResumeCover Letter and/or College EssaySkills and Qualities for Success ProfileUnofficial TranscriptEvaluation/RecommendationAwards and RecognitionsOutstanding Work Samples

NOW FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE!