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Chapter 1 Online Presence
Some common tools used to create an
electronic portfolio are Microsoft Word, Microsoft
PowerPoint, YouTube, or WordPress. It is a best
practice to develop your portfolio using familiar
software, rather than spend time learning a new
program. Developing a portfolio is an ongoing
process, so do not worry if you are uncertain
about what to add. In most cases, people have
more information and documentation than they
realize. The goal is to keep it simple and relevant.
Portfolios that are cluttered with too much data
are often ignored.
An electronic portfolio has several advantages
over a hard-copy portfolio. Electronic portfolios:
•
provide unlimited space for documentation
•
can be viewed any time
•
can be updated or edited quickly and
effi ciently
•
demonstrate technology skills
Types of professional portfolios vary, as shown
in Figure 1-5. For example, if you are interested
in pursuing work as a photographer, you will
want a portfolio to display your photography
skills. If your potential career involves writing,
then much of your portfolio will highlight your
written work. Select the type of portfolio you
prefer to create to match your career goals.
Positive Thinking
You have offi cially started the career-search
process! Creating a professional e-mail account,
professional networking accounts, and a portfolio
are just the beginning. Approach connecting to a
career as an adventure you cannot wait to start.
It is up to you to make the adventure a pleasant
one. The fi rst step is to determine that the experience
of creating a plan, gathering documentation, and
completing all of the necessary steps to get in
front of a hiring employer are doable. Remember
that you are your own boss at this present
moment. Would you want to work for you?
The way you approach the career-search
process reveals who you are as a potential
employee. This means you must fi nish what
you start. Finish each lesson, each question, and
Select documents that position you as a
great candidate for a potential job. Examples of
information to include are:
•
honors and awards
•
outstanding test scores
•
courses related to your desired job or career
•
certifi cations and diplomas
•
volunteer work
•
internships
•
causes where you have active involvement
•
patents
•
leadership positions in organizations or jobs
You will also add a résumé, a list of references,
and letters of recommendation. The items in
your portfolio are not limited to this list. You
may include any information that will illustrate
why you are qualifi ed for the position for which
you are applying.
Organize all of your documentation using
folders. You might fi nd that you have a variety
of documentation, both paper and electronic. It
is suggested to use physical folders for your hard-
copy documents as well as electronic folders on
your computer for your electronic documents.
The two common types of portfolio publishing
formats are hard copy and electronic. For hard-
copy portfolios, the creator hand-carries the
portfolio to job interviews to provide potential
employers a chance to review pertinent work
samples. Hard-copy portfolios are effective for
original certifi cates, achievement awards, grade
transcripts, and résumés.
An electronic portfolio contains data and
content in analog form, such as video. Also
known as digital portfolios, they contain data in
computer-readable form. You may use a fl ash
drive or CD that you leave behind with the
interviewer, or you may use a hosting service.
Some websites offer online portfolio-hosting
services, some of which are free and others for
which there is charge. Or, you may choose to
create your own web page to post your portfolio.
Through just one link, a potential employer has
the opportunity to spend time looking through
portfolio contents as desired.