Departments & Programs

Career Assessment, Planning & Placement

Senior Portfolio

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a compilation of your accomplishments, experiences, projects, goals and plans for the future. Developing a portfolio gives you a chance to reflect on your personal, academic and career development as well as to help you narrow down your future goals.  The completed portfolio is used to demonstrate your preparedness to go to college, technical training or work.  Through it you are able to demonstrate your academic performance, technical/vocational performance and competencies for success such as teamwork, productivity and planning and organization.

When to use your portfolio:

  • Filling out an application:
    Have your portfolio on hand when completing applications for college, employment and/or scholarships. You may need to refer to the information kept in your portfolio to complete the application.
  • Preparing for an interview:
    Often during an interview you will be asked to provide an example of when you demonstrated a particular competency (for example, teamwork.) Review your ‘Competencies for Success Profile‘ prior to the actual interview so you will be better prepared to answer these questions.
  • During the actual interview:
    Present it while interviewing for colleges, jobs, internships and scholarships. Through your portfolio you demonstrate your experiences, accomplishments and focus towards future goals.

What your portfolio should include:

  • Educational and Career Goal Statement (Personal Goal Statement)
  • Resume
  • Competency for Success Profile
  • Evaluations and/or Recommendations
  • Unofficial Transcript (Obtain a copy from the Guidance Department)
  • Attendance Record (Obtain a copy from the Attendance Office)
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Outstanding Work Samples (essays, pictures, CD)

Other items you may want to keep in your portfolio:

  • Copy of Birth Certificate
  • Copy of Social Security Card
  • Career Interest Inventory Results
  • Career Skills Assessment Results
  • Career Information
  • Copy of Employment or College Application
  • Cover Letter
  • Thank you/Follow-up letter
  • College Information
  • College Essay

*Before showing your portfolio to a potential employer, make sure to remove any items that may portray you in less than a favorable light.