Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 31 Cost-Benefit Analysis. Paying for college can be a huge expense. Many college students receive grants, scholarships, and loans that help with costs. However, for this exercise, assume that you and your parents will be paying the entire cost. A number of websites, such as the College Board, offer online calculators that provide estimates of college costs. Use one of these sites to determine how much money you will need for college. Determine how much money you will need to save per month. Weigh these costs against the benefits of a college education. Portfolio Development Portfolio Overview. When you apply for a job, community service, or college, you will need to tell others why you are qualified for the position. To support your qualifications, you will need to create a portfolio. A portfolio is a selection of related materials that you collect and organize to show your qualifications, skills, and talents to support a career or personal goal. For example, a certificate that shows you have completed lifeguard and first-aid training could help you get a job at a local pool as a lifeguard. An essay you wrote about protecting native plants could show that you are serious about eco-friendly efforts and help you get a volunteer position at a park. A transcript of your school grades could help show that you are qualified for college. A portfolio is a living document, which means it should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. Artists and other communication professionals have historically presented portfolios of their creative work when seeking jobs or admission to educational institutions. However, portfolios are now used in many professions. Two types of portfolios commonly used are print portfolios and digital portfolios. College and Career Readiness A digital portfolio may also be called an e-portfolio. 1. Use the Internet to search for print portfolio and digital portfolio. Read articles about each type. 2. In your own words, compare and contrast a print portfolio with a digital one. CTSOs Student Organizations. Career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) are a valuable asset to any educational program. These organizations support student learning and the application of skills learned in real-world situations. Competitive events may be written, oral, or a combination of both. There is a variety of organizations from which to select, depending on the goals of your educational program. To prepare for any competitive event, complete the following activities. 1. Go to the website of your organization to find specific information for the events. Visit the site often as information changes quickly. If the organization has an app, download it to your digital device. 2. Read all the organization’s guidelines closely. These rules and regulations must be strictly followed, or disqualification can occur. 3. Communication plays a role in all the competitive events, so read which communication skills are covered in the event you select. Research and preparation are important keys to a successful competition. 4. Select one or two events that are of interest to you. Print the information for the events and discuss your interest with your instructor. EVENT PREP