What goes into a personal portfolio?

Any component that you consider adding to your portfolio should be analyzed to determine whether it is important enough to include. You may want to add a short note to each component used to describe its significance. Choose carefully since you have a limited amount of space available.

Here are some examples of you could put in a portfolio:

  • Information about your interests, work style, learning style, etc. from the self-assessment exercises.
  • Copies of important documents (Social Security card, driver’s license, etc.).
  • Any kind of special certifications you have received.
  • Awards, honors, and scholarships you’ve won.
  • A copy of your transcript.
  • Thank-you letters and letters of recognition for accomplishments or services you’ve performed.
  • Documentation of you using your skills: a disk with a program you wrote, essays, creative writing, a video of a class you taught - be creative!

As you continue your career exploration and job search, you may want to add:

  • Research you’ve gathered about potential careers.
  • Notes from informational interviews and job shadowing.
  • Letters of reference from internship, co-op, or volunteer experience supervisors.
  • A copy of your resume and any cover letters you’ve sent.