A portfolio is a collection of information about and examples of things you have done and skills you have developed. The benefits of a portfolio are varied. Portfolios are practical ways to organize and store information about yourself and your experiences. You can update it at anytime and tailor it to different audiences.

Investing the time up front will save you time when you are heading to a job interview or going to present and idea to a group. Developing a portfolio will also create an awareness of your skills and give you the ability to tell other people what you are good at and where you learned particular skills. Portfolios assist in goal setting and will help you be aware of your progress. By presenting a professional portfolio can impress upon others that you are prepared and capable. The more time you put into it, the more a portfolio can do for you.

The end result of developing your portfolio will be a showcase of your interests, talents, and abilities. Portfolios may include the following types of information:

What makes a portfolio unique is that it not only incorporates detailed information, but also examples of your achievements. Some examples of things you could include are:

You can organize your portfolio in a binder, on the computer or as a website. Just remember that your portfolio is an on-going project. Update it regularly as you try new things, and keep it organized!