Today's employers are looking for education and experience. Students in higher education need to demonstrate their skills, in addition to their academic achievements, to potential employers. How can students set themselves apart from other applicants? One strategy is the creation of an ePortfolio. While portfolios are not new in education or the job search process, blogging is becoming an increasingly popular way to showcase one's work. Blogging is growing in popularity in many areas and new applications are on the horizon (Larsson & Hrastinski, 2011). The features and functionality offered by blogging platforms can be used to consolidate work examples and create an easily accessible place for recruiters to review them.
Many employers and employment recruiters are not familiar with ePortfolios. Those that are reviewing them prefer a web-based format (Ward & Moser, 2008). This presentation will address when and where ePortfolios might be introduced in the job search process.
Objectives of this presentation include: (a) review of different types of student portfolios, (b) review of research related to ePortfolios and blogging platforms, (c) presentation of examples, (d) a list of and current resources for getting started with blogging and eportfolios, and (d) recommendations for career services professionals working with students and recruiters.
References:
Larsson, A. O., & Hranstinski, S. (2011). Blogs and blogging: Current trends and future directions. First Monday, 16(3). Retrieved from http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/viewArticle/3101/2836
Ward, C. & Moser, C. (2008). E-portfolios as a hiring tool: Do employers really care? Educause Quarterly, 4, 13-14.
