INTS4350 – Discussion 5: Creating a Portfolio

Creating a portfolio is a reflective process. By creating a portfolio, one reflects
through their academic journey by documenting their accomplishments, skills, and experiences.
One is also able to appreciate their academic progress since one documents their achievements in
the past. By creating a portfolio, one documents their skill mastery (Harris, Dolan & Fairbairn,
2001). Talents and special qualifications are also highlighted in the portfolio. The information
documented in a portfolio is useful when one is marketing themselves to potential employers. A
portfolio highlights what one has to offer in their chosen academic field.
A portfolio gives one the unique opportunity to be creative. In doing so, one can
expand their skills and exhibit knowledge that they have acquired in the past through
participating in academic projects. A portfolio builds one’s confidence and ensures that one
undertakes the journey of self-discovery (Harris, Dolan & Fairbairn, 2001). I believe that
portfolios are important for interdisciplinary students because portfolios help interdisciplinary
students to organize their academic accomplishments. Portfolios also help interdisciplinary
students come up with robust career goals and aspirations. Through analyzing one’s
accomplishments, one is able to set goals and aspirations that help one progress. The strengths
and weaknesses of an interdisciplinary student are reflected in the portfolio, and this helps one to
build on their strengths while improving on their weaknesses.
I believe that a showcase portfolio would be the most beneficial to me. A showcase
portfolio displays one’s best quality of work. In addition, a showcase portfolio highlights a
learner’s success and accomplishments. I believe that a showcase portfolio enables me to tell my
own story. It gives me the chance to showcase my accomplishments, and this is in line with my
career and academic goals.

References

Harris, S., Dolan, G., & Fairbairn, G. (2001). Reflecting on the use of student portfolios. Nurse
Education Today, 21(4), 278-286.