Career e-Porfolios Getting Started

Many iSchool students enroll in INFO 289 or MARA 289 and create e-portfolios to demonstrate their mastery of the iSchool program’s Core Competencies. While these portfolios are strong academic products, and are often text- and content-rich, they will need a bit of reshaping in order to work as effective job application tools.

The good news, however, is that an INFO 289 or MARA 289 e-portfolio can serve as an excellent starting point for your career portfolio. Since you’ve already done the hard work of gathering relevant information and projects to document your skills, your next step will be to tailor that content to reflect more of a job- related focus. (Unless you know exactly what type of job you’ll be seeking, it’s best not to get too specific – you don’t want to narrow your job-search options.)

There is no one right way to create your career e-portfolio. What you choose to include and how you choose to document your skills and qualifications is up to you. Digital portfolios can include a wide range of content, but as noted, should use language that aligns with potential LIS jobs and employers. Below is a list of some content categories you may want to include, depending on your specific circumstances. You won’t want to use ALL of these categories, just the ones that most effectively showcase your strengths

• Profile with contact information
• Objective
• Summary of strengths with narrative examples, if possible
• Background / professional philosophy
• Education – may include related coursework, projects, certifications, and other training
• Computer / technical skills and capabilities
• Experience / work history
• Volunteer work / community service
• Interests / specializations
• Educational / professional presentations and/or publications
• Professional affiliations
• Professional development / conferences / workshops
• Awards and certificates
• Positive employer, faculty, peer comments/recommendations

Please Note: Do NOT include examples of your work that may be private or proprietary or that include the names of other people who have not given prior permission to be included in your career e-portfolio.