How to create an ePortfolio
It is always smart to have a portfolio ready. It can come in handy when applying for internships, jobs, competitions, scholarships and more. These days, portfolios are almost always requested in a digital format as an ePortfolio, or electronic portfolio. Most ePortfolios take the form of a personal blog or website. This might seem intimidating if you are not particularly tech-savvy, but it provides an opportunity for you to get even more creative in your layout. Here are some steps to help you get started.
- Choose your platform
Start by choosing what platform you want to use to create your ePortfolio.
You might be focused on compiling a PDF of all your work and need a design platform to do the job. You may already be familiar with Canva, Google Photos and Microsoft PowerPoint. Applications under Adobe Creative Cloud such as Adobe InDesign are excellent for more advanced design techniques and are available for download for faculty and staff. Students can access Adobe software via library devices while on campus.
Many people use a website as their ePortfolio. They are flexible, customizable and allow for a lot of document organization FSU offers free web hosting to any active students, faculty or staff.
If you are looking for a permanent option that will be accessible should you leave the university, check out Wix, Weebly and WordPress. - Consider what work to include
The work you choose to include will depend on what kinds of positions, competitions or scholarships you are applying for. Here are some different types of content that usually appear in an ePortfolio to help you get started:- Your resume
- Work samples (these can include written work, a video of a presentation, photography samples or anything else that shows off your skills)
- Awards or honors
- Certifications
- Keep things tidy
As you consider what work to add to your ePortfolio, think about how you want to organize it. It is advisable to put your best work first, whether that be in a slideshow or as the first menu option on your website. Make sure each piece of work is appropriately titled and easy to find. You want to make the browsing experience as pleasant as possible for your reader. - Add descriptions to your work
Be sure to accompany your samples with a description of the work that you did. Include your key objectives in your creation of the project. Mention any results that came of your work, especially if they are quantifiable: an increase in sales in your department, an improvement in program functionality or any other description of why the work was meaningful. - Include some personal details, too
The meat of your portfolio should be your resume and your work samples. Your reader is, after all, trying to get an idea of your skillset. But your ePortfolio can be personable as well. Take the opportunity to tell your reader a little bit about who you are, not just what you can do. Feel free to include a welcome paragraph on the homepage of your website. Mention your skills and background, as well as some of your hobbies or passions. - Keep your new ePortfolio up to date
If you finish a project that shows off more of your capabilities, add it to your portfolio. Do not be afraid to edit the portfolio to customize it to the specific application you are filling out.
If you are looking for more guidance on professional development, there are more resources out there. As a member of the FSU community, you have free access to LinkedIn Learning, where you can find out even more about designing an online portfolio. The wonderful thing about an ePortfolio is that once you have the structure built, you can use it for years to come.
