The Significance of a Professional Portfolio for College Students

It is never too early to start creating your professional portfolio! Even as a freshman in college, you are writing papers and starting to make your networking connections. Because of this, it is important to start compiling materials early on.  As time goes on it should be constantly updated, but beginning this project ASAP is worth your while.  A portfolio showcases your talents, strengths and achievements.  Employers for any job or internship you apply for in college would love to see samples of your work to better access your ability and see what goals you have. Plus, just having that portfolio on an interview will immediately impress the interviewer since there are still so many college students that do not take the time to make one.

Why should you create a professional portfolio? 

You should start compiling your very best pieces NOW! After each semester concludes, you should update it as necessary since your writing abilities and skills will improve as you take more challenging courses.  Keeping a record of your best accomplishments helps you to self-monitor your growth and progress. This portfolio with set you aside from the rest. We all have unique experiences, but what make yours special? Your portfolio will show details that your resume or LinkedIn do not. It is personal, yet professional.  It gives the people reviewing it a better sense of who you are, the work you are capable of and how creative you are.

What things do I need to create this portfolio?

1. 3-ring, hard binder. Get a neutral color - either white or black. A half an inch or one-inch binder will suffice. 
2. Clear, plastic, protective inserts. You need to put all your clips and samples in these inserts to protect them from getting wrinkled, stained or wet. 
3. Collected materials.  These are all of the pieces you want to include - papers, presentations, releases, emails, recommendations letters, awards, etc... 
4. Table of Contents.  After you order your materials, type up a table of contents. No need for page numbers - just simply list the pieces in order so people know what it includes. 
5. Resumes, cover letters and reference list.  Print out five copies of each and put them in the front and back sleeves of the binder. Resumes and cover letters should go in the front sleeve with your resumes on top and the reference list in the back sleeve. 

What pieces should I include? 

1. Papers, presentations, reports or assignments from relevant classes.  You should have received a B or higher on any of these pieces you want to include.  They also must be relevant to the job and internship positions you want. For instance, if you aspire to be a marketing professional, do not include that paper you wrote for History class.  If you have yet to take a related class since you are a freshman, include a paper from your college writing class because the writing topics are more general. 
2. Kudos Emails.  If you have ever received an email or note from a professor, employer, supervisor, co-worker or advisor that praised you for your work and efforts, include it! Having written proof that you were commended for excellent work is essential.  
3. Awards and Recognition.  Include any copies of awards won, scholarships awarded, your most recent Dean's List letter or an acceptance letter from an honor society. 
4. Writing Samples.  Any writing samples you have done outside of the classroom like blogging and newspaper articles would be great additions. 
5. List of professional development activities attended. If you have attended any workshops at school that relate to LinkedIn, interviewing, resume or cover letter help, social media etiquette, etc... put it on the list. If you have attended any professional events like career conferences, professional speaking engagements, networking events or webinars these are key things to add. Employers will love that you took initiative and went out of your way to find these special events. It shows that you enjoy learning, are passionate, want to make the most of your college experience and do whatever it takes to benefit your professionalism. TIP: Make sure you remember things from these events! It is very likely that an employer would ask you to tell them about topics discussed and would want to know what you got out of it. 
6. List of community service and volunteer work.  If you donated to a charity, attended a charitable function or participated in a philanthropic effort for your sorority or fraternity, create a list and include a brief description (a few sentences) on how you contributed to it and how this benefited the cause and yourself. 
7. Recommendation Letters.  By the end of your college career, you should have asked for at least TWO recommendation letters.  This can be from your professors, faculty or staff members, internship supervisor, employer or advisor.  If you developed a strong relationship with any of these figures they should be the ones you ask first. It would be preferred you get a letter from someone that knows you on a more personal level, rather than from a professor you never stayed after class to talk to or email! 
8. Samples of work from previous internships, if applicable.  Email or print some of your assignments from your internship(s) to keep a record of your work. Pick a few pieces to showcase in your portfolio. 

Good luck with your portfolios! As always, leave a comment and I would be happy to provide you with some more advice.