How do you develop and maintain a portfolio of your field experience and practicum work?

1 Choose a format

Depending on your field, goals, and preferences, you can choose a format for your portfolio that suits your needs. You can create a digital portfolio using online platforms, tools, or software that allow you to upload, edit, and share your work. You can also create a physical portfolio using a binder, folder, or case that contains printed copies of your work. Or you can use a combination of both formats, depending on the context and audience.

2 Select your work

Your portfolio should include a variety of work samples that demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and achievements in your field experience and practicum work. You should select work that is relevant, current, and high-quality. You should also consider the diversity, depth, and breadth of your work, and how it aligns with your learning objectives, career goals, and professional standards. You may want to include feedback, evaluations, or testimonials from your supervisors, mentors, or clients to validate your work.

3 Organize your work

Your portfolio should be easy to navigate, understand, and evaluate. You should organize your work in a logical and coherent way, using categories, labels, or tabs to group similar or related work. You should also provide a table of contents, an introduction, and a summary for each section, as well as captions, descriptions, or reflections for each work sample. You should highlight the purpose, context, process, and outcome of your work, and how it demonstrates your learning and skills.

4 Update your work

Your portfolio should reflect your ongoing learning and development. You should update your work regularly, adding new work samples, removing outdated or irrelevant ones, and revising existing ones. You should also review your portfolio periodically, checking for accuracy, completeness, and consistency. You should ensure that your portfolio meets the requirements, expectations, and standards of your field experience and practicum work, as well as your future career or academic goals.

5 Showcase your work

Your portfolio should be accessible, presentable, and professional. You should showcase your work in a way that highlights your strengths, achievements, and personality. You should use a clear, concise, and respectful language, and avoid jargon, errors, or plagiarism. You should also use a consistent, attractive, and appropriate design, layout, and format for your portfolio. You should ensure that your portfolio is secure, reliable, and compatible with different devices and browsers.

6 Share your work

Your portfolio should be visible, engaging, and interactive. You should share your work with your supervisors, mentors, peers, or potential employers or clients, depending on your purpose and audience. You should seek feedback, suggestions, or endorsements from them, and use them to improve your work and learning. You should also network with other professionals or learners in your field, and explore opportunities for collaboration, learning, or career advancement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?