What's a Career Portfolio?
A career portfolio goes beyond a resume and a cover letter to show a prospective employer your work experience, skills, accomplishments, and more.
Portfolios include information about who you are and examples of your work and achievements. A traditional resume is included in a career portfolio along with written and/or visual information that highlights what you have to offer.
So, what types of things go in a portfolio? The following list of the types of things you should consider including in a career portfolio:
Career Summary and Goals: A description of what you stand for (such as work ethic, organizational interests, management philosophy, etc.) and where you see yourself in two-to-five years.
Professional Philosophy/Mission Statement: A short description of the guiding principles that drive you and give you purpose.
Resume: A summary of your education, achievements, and work experience, using a chronological or functional format.
Skills, Abilities and Marketable Qualities: A detailed explanation of your skills and experience. This section should include the name of the skill area; the performance or behavior, knowledge, or personal traits that contribute to your success in that skill area; and your background and specific experiences that demonstrate your application of the skill.
List of Accomplishments: A detailed listing that highlights the major accomplishments in your career to date. Accomplishments are one of the most important elements of any good job search.
Samples of Your Work: A sampling of your best work, including reports, papers, projects, presentations, etc. Do you have a high scored essay that you are proud of? Include it in your portfolio!
Testimonials and Letters of Recommendations: A collection of any kudos you have received — from customers, past employers, teachers, coaches, etc.
Awards, Honors, and Certifications: A collection of certificates of awards, honors, and scholarships you have earned. Remember to Download/Print your Everfy certificates!
Conference and Workshops: A list of conferences, seminars, and workshops you’ve participated in and/or attended. List some of the relevant Guest Speaker presentations you've participated in and what you learned!
Volunteering/Community Service: A description of any community service activities, volunteer work you have completed, especially as it relates to your desired career.
References List: A list of three to five people (including full names, titles, addresses, and phone/e-mail) who are willing to speak about your strengths, abilities, and experience. [DO NOT use family members.]
A career portfolio will set you apart.
The California College Guidance Initiative manages CaliforniaColleges.edu, the state of California’s official college and career planning platform, which is free to all California educators, students, and families.
The Initiative is a nonprofit, funded in part by the state of California, that partners with school districts across the state to advance local college and career readiness goals. Click here to learn more about the Initiative’s mission, goals, and approach.
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Interest Profiler Assessment (10-20 mins) You can take this assessment as many times as you wish.
Multiple Intelligences Assessment (20-30 mins) You can only take this assessment a maximum of three times.
Do What You Are Assessment (30-40 mins) You can only take this assessment a maximum of three times.
The ASVAB will be administered at OHS each quarter, be sure to check ParentSquare, Instagram, and weekly announcements so that you don't miss it! You can also take the ASVAB (Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery) at MEPS in San Diego with a military recruiter or via a recruiter-sanctioned testing event. Contact Ms. Angela if you have further questions.