RAPPORT Vol 3 RAPPORT Vol 3 Issue 1 | Page 16

RAPPORT Volume 3 Issue 1 (2018) The International Journal for Recording Achievement, Planning and Portfolios From Assessment to Career Readiness: Revamping ePortfolios for Student Professional Development and Employment Miguel (Miko) Nino Instructional Design & Training Manager Virginia Tech Abstract This article focuses on the value of career eportfolios as a student professional tool for employment. As higher academic institutions implement assessment eportfolios, there is an opportunity for students to use them as a foundation for their career readiness. Although the assessment and career eportfolios share similarities, there are distinct differences that should be considered to make the job application process effective. This article discusses the steps to follow when revamping assessment eportfolios, the elements of an effective career eportfolios, current trends in the use of eportfolios for job applications and interviews, and the type of professional development that faculty and students need to successfully adopt career eportfolios. My interest in career eportfolios started after one of my first interviews in the field of learning and development several years ago. The career eportfolio, also known as showcase eportfolio, is the type used for the job application process and interview. They ‘provide a record of personal development and achievement that is dynamic and reflects a virtual curriculum vitae’ (Gordon & Campbell, 2013, p. 288). Without too much knowledge and experience about eportfolios in general, I For queries, please contact the author at [email protected]. was tasked to present one for the interview. The hiring manager was interested in seeing projects that I had completed to determine my ability to perform in that position. After this experience, I realized that eportfolios were becoming the norm, at least in the positions I wanted to apply for. However, I also started to realize that the format, content, and structure of these career eportfolios were somehow different than assessment eportfolios, used in courses and programs in academic institutions to determine achievement of 15