Completing a semester demands a lot of energy, but consider investing the time and energy to reflect on your progress at the end of each semester. Whether it’s after your last final or the week after you leave campus, do not miss the opportunity to process all you have learned this semester. Self-reflection means acknowledging successes and considering new strategies for managing challenges.
What project, course, or experience was most impactful this term? How did it shape your thinking or your skill set? What “hidden” skills did you develop? Did you become a better communicator? What project(s) might demonstrate that skill? Adding even one post to your ePortfolio at the end of every semester will make curation easier when you are close to completing your degree. You may choose not to include all the content you have uploaded, but investing a few minutes to reflect on your progress and developing skills will allow you to speak about them — and may help you focus not only on achieving the goal of finishing your degree but also on the important knowledge and skills that will make your degree meaningful for you.
Whether your program requires ePortfolio development or not, the time you invest will pay off — not just to yourself but also to potential employers. Most employers expect a resume that highlights work experience and a transcript of course grades, but did you know that many also value a developed portfolio that demonstrates that a candidate has taken the time to think about their college experience on the whole as well as showcase their learning and work?
In a recent report, the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) shared the results of a survey of over 1000 employers (hiring managers and executives) that focuses on the skills and experiences that they value. In a world where the investment in higher education is questioned, employers still value a college-educated worker, with eight of ten agreeing that higher education is worth the time and money invested because it is preparing graduates for success in the workforce.
Over 70% of employers under 40 value leadership, having job experience (including work study), completing an internship/apprenticeship, and “a portfolio of work showcasing skills and integrating college experiences.”
AACU Report The career-ready graduate, 2023
When considering the above graph, note that many of the experiences that you may have at UNE are listed. How will you help a potential employer understand your learning, not just your grades? Although a resume and transcript give an overview, a well-developed ePortfolio allows you to go in-depth about what you learned that go beyond content knowledge and into a developing skill set. The flexible ePortfolio structure allows you share a holistic representation in a professional way. Since you design your ePortfolio site, you can highlight your content and skills across the years, demonstrating self-awareness.
In this AACU report, many employers see value in considering both an ePortfolio and a transcript. So adding to your ePortfolio each term and then curating as you approach graduation may give you an edge over a candidate that does not have an ePortfolio. Not everyone has built their own website, but you have!
Got an ePortfolio but not sure how to develop or curate it? Make an appointment at SASC for guidance, or take a look at some UNE student approaches!
“How will you help a potential employer understand your learning, not just your grades?” YES! And making that distinction will certainly set a candidate apart from the next person who has applied…