What Does Your Career Portfolio Say About You?

What Does Your Career Portfolio Say About You?

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One of the most powerful tools you can create and promote during your career search other than your resume is a career portfolio. Your portfolio is a great opportunity for you to display your professional accomplishments and awards. When developing your career portfolio the presentation format and creative ideas are endless. Your presentation can be produced as a brag book or through an online portfolio source. Your portfolio should be professional and consistently industry relevant. Do not rush the process and have fun formatting your portfolio with quality copies and clear pictures. Take a moment to view your great work with pride and confidence. Your portfolio can be an empowering conversation point during your interview that ushers you to opportunities to speak more in-depth about your accomplishments with verifiable data present beyond some interview questions guides.  Your portfolio can be the deciding factor for you being considered for a position or a promotion.

Career Portfolio Content Ideas

  • Non-confidential metrics
  • Resume
  • Awards
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Previous non-confidential industry related project outcomes
  • Transcripts
  • Community outreach projects with pictures if applicable
  • Media tears
  • Mock industry related projects to show your creativity or plan execution ability

 

Are You Current and Relevant In Your Profession?

Are You Current and Relevant In Your Profession?

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No matter where you are on your current career path or succession plan; you must remain current and relevant in your skills and knowledge. Identifying education, mentorship, industry certification, or success coaching opportunities beyond what is provided by your employer are beneficial to your professional development. Own your professional evolution and do not be reluctant to take immediate action to determine which form of professional growth you need. Research your options well and with a purpose of being promotable, trainable, and/or a verifiable Subject Matter Expert. The professional and personal development time you invest in yourself always yields a solid return. Being current and relevant is a requirement for your career stability whether you want to retain or advance in your position and industry.

Current and Relevant Self-observation Inquiries

  1. Can you easily share the top five current and forecasted industry trends for your profession?
  2. Are the same development opportunities surfacing during annual reviews or statuses with management continually?
  3. Do you have the education and/or certification credentials needed to be considered for your next desired position or to be retained in your current position?

Talent alone won’t make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is: “Are your ready?” ~Johnny Carson~