Preparing an ePortfolio

An ePortfolio is a digital collection of work over time that showcases your skills, experiences, and values to employers. While these are not required for all job and internship applications, some organizations will request additional supporting documents; an online portfolio is one example, especially for students pursuing creative-focused opportunities (primarily in media, entertainment, advertising, technology, etc.).

Employers want to see direct evidence of your work that is relevant to the opportunity they are seeking to fill. Ultimately, if you want someone to hire you for your writing, begin thinking about developing your online portfolio so employers can get a feel for both your skills and style.

Some primary considerations:

  1. Determine the goal for your ePortfolio before you begin
  2. Include educational, professional, and even personal goals (see “structure,” below)
  3. Emphasize a broad skillset but honed group of skills
  4. Demonstrate effective communication – visually and through your writing
  5. Keep it up to date

Structure and layout can vary, but typically ePortfolios include some or all of the below:

  1. A Welcome or Landing Page: Who are you & what should visitors expect to find in your eportfolio?
  2. A Career/Post-Graduate Objective: What is your goal? Be specific and concise.
  3. Résumé: A professional résumé summarizing your academic, honors/achievements, and experience (work, or other). Include specific skills, certifications, etc.
  4. Work Samples: Here is where the ePortfolio format excels. Cull your best papers, projects, photos, videos, reflections, and research. Balance the text with attractive visuals.
  5. Other Experiences: Have you studied abroad, participated in volunteer organizations, committed to extra-curricular work? Include those experiences in your ePortfolio to emphasize your skills.
  6. Awards and honors: It’s good to list them—or even scan in the award itself.
  7. Education: Include your Degrees, certifications, licenses, and even specific applicable courses.
  8. References: Your college professors, employers, and even work study supervisors can be good choices.