Nothing wraps up a semester quite like a presentation for a final exam. After months of hard work and long hours studying, the opportunity to present a unique final product is rather appealing and even more so when this final presentation encompasses all of the hard work from an entire college career: an online portfolio.
On Wednesday, May 15th, 2013, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) Professional Writing Senior Seminar Course hosted a four-member panel to critique emerging professional writing graduates’ online portfolios. The panel included UWRF Career Services Assistant Director, McKenna Pfeiffer, and our very own JETPUBS Manuals Director, Diane Halweg.
The panel members provided effective feedback to fourteen professional writing majors who presented their portfolios over the course of their two-hour final exam. Among the writing majors was JETPUBS Manuals department newcomer, Lauren Potter. “This was a huge opportunity for us to showcase all of the hard work we had completed during our time at UWRF,” said Potter. “It was an honor to have one of our own from JETPUBS representing the company on the panel in such a positive light.”
With online portfolios beginning to transcend certain industries, the importance of a professional online presence is more important than ever. Many employers, including JETPUBS, utilize social networking sites liked LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, implying that they’re always seeking new information on the web. An online portfolio is a great way for employers to learn more about a potential candidate before bringing him or her in for an interview. “The biggest thing is to captivate your audience,” said Halweg. “You need to convince an employer to want to find out more about you and an online portfolio is a great way to accomplish that task.” An online portfolio offers job-seeking candidates an opportunity to show their personality by choosing design, layout, and copy that exemplifies their best work.
“I was very impressed as I watched these students present their portfolios. It was much more than I was expecting – like opening up a goodie box and trying to decide which treat to pick first. I was honestly amazed at the talent and felt honored to participate on the panel,” said Halweg. UWRF Professional Writing Program Director, Dr. Mialisa Moline, plans to continue this panel each year for her Senior Seminar course to prepare her upcoming graduates for more professional opportunities.