"The time is right for all job seekers to use a portfolio. It's the perfect vehicle for showcasing talents and experiences. It can succinctly tell your story and prove your potential."

"A professional portfolio is simply a collection of physical evidence that helps document and describe your professional accomplishments. Portfolios can be very useful in encouraging your systematic collection of evidence of professional development over time and in promoting reflection about your professional growth."

To reflect on your career path:

• to help you articulate your professional goals and the work you have been doing to achieve them
• to record your professional accomplishments
• to help you have materials ready for a job search

To pursue a specific job:

• to organize goals and experience prior to an interview
• to communicate your professional experience and accomplishments to a potential employer
• to expand on your one-page resume by providing a fuller, richer portrayal of your abilities and experience

Statement of professional goals and philosophy

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Narrative description of experiences you want to highlight; for example,

• Academic Work
• Research
• Teaching
• Leadership
• Service
• Publications
• Conference Participation
• Work Experience and Skills
• Performance Reviews
• Recognition and Awards

Appendices:

• Annotated materials and examples to illustrate or elaborate on your statement of goals, philosophy, and the experiences referred to in your narrative description

How to get started on a professional portfolio

• Develop the practice of collecting materials that represent your skills and achievements.

• Know your audience: Study job announcements and learn what professionals in your field value when hiring.

One resource for learning about career expectations for graduate students is the UW Re-envisioning the Ph.D. project, which provides career links and responses to the question, "What do employers want in a Ph.D.?":

http://www.grad.washington.edu/envision/phd/

• Determine what materials and examples will provide the best evidence of your stated goals and philosophy.

• Select an organizing principle that best reflects your work; for example, chronological, functional, or thematic

These sites provide guidelines, examples, and other resources for putting together a professional portfolio:

• Association of American Geographers:
  http://www.aag.org/Careers/UW/Profportfolios.html

• Colorado State:
  http://www.biz.colostate.edu/career/portfolio.htm

• Florida State:
  http://www.career.fsu.edu/ccis/guides/port.html

• Michigan State:
  http://www.csp.msu.edu/cdc/explore/proport.htm

• Northwestern University:
  http://www.northwestern.edu/careers/STUDENTS/job-skills/portfolio.htm

• RLS Career Center:
  http://www.rlscareercenter.org/portfolio.htm

At CIDR we can provide resources, assistance, and feedback as you work on developing your professional portfolio. Contact cidr@u.washington.edu or call 543-6588 to arrange an appointment with a CIDR consultant.