The complexity and depth of any portfolio is entirely dependent upon the purpose of the portfolio. Will it be used as an evaluation tool, assessment, interview aid, or application packet? The most important thing to consider when developing a portfolio is the organization of the information. The owner should be able to quickly retrieve desired documents at a moments notice. If the portfolio is electronic and will be used for evaluation or assessment, the organization should be user friendly and easily understood. The user should not have to search for the desired information. This will defeat the purpose of the portfolio. The following is a list of common documents found in portfolios. Remember, the portfolio content is only limited by the imagination of the designer.
It is a good idea to keep a master copy of your portfolio and consistently keep it updated. Attending professional conferences, competitions, receiving awards, medals, or certificates of completion should all be included in your list of accomplishments. It is recommended that you never travel with your original documents. This is another benefit of digitizing and developing an electronic portfolio. All documents, certificates, and awards can be scanned into the computer and saved as a digital document.
