Schools Search & Application Time: My first thoughts about studying in Finland began when I compared the relative costs of studying the same degree programme in International Business and Marketing Logistics with those of Dutch Universities in Holland where i live. It’s far cheaper in terms of Tuition fees, Living expenses and students general wellbeing in Finland than in the Netherlands. Also the quest of studying away from folks and relatives far away into Northern Europe and the Scandinavians were among the lists. While it costs approximately 7000euros as tuition fees per year for International students (non Europeans), the Living expenses averages 9000-12,000euros per year depending on your life style. It is note worthy to remember that there are no tuition fees in Finnish Universities and the average living cost is just minimum of 6000euros as their law requires. You can do the easy maths- after all they all have the equivalent ECTS. So I chose Finland, the only Euro country in Northern Europe and the country of Nokia.
Entrance Exam /Admissions: I did fill my application before the stipulated deadline and i was invited for the Entrance Exam at Haaga Helia, Helsinki & Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Rauma. Haaga -Helia did contacted me by email immediately that I was invited for their entrance exam but SAMK Rauma never did by email though I was invited for their entrance as well. I had already booked my flight with fixed date of returning from Finland before I got their invitation in the mail box. So it costs me more to rebook another return flight. I was really expensive. I suggest that the admission officers should also contact their invited students by emails as well since mails could be delaying sometimes. Fortunately I got in during the exam and passed and I chose SAMK (Satakunta University of Applied Sciences) because they are offering International Business & Marketing Logistics IBML which is just too exceptional & interesting.
Acceptance/Accommodation: The University does not offer accommodation to its students new or old. You have to sort out your own accommodation yourself. Funny enough the procedure to acquiring student accommodation is not even included in the admission package. Many of the international students in my class waited till their arrival before discussing accommodation issue with the international co-coordinator. As a matter of fact, most of them were stranded not having any where to put their belongings but to resort to expensive hotels as last resorts. Though interim arrangement was later made for them by the school, they were given one/two weeks automaton to vacate the apartment. It is better you applied for accommodation immediately you receive the admission package. Don’t wait until your visa or resident permit is ready before you start applying. It is very competitive here in Rauma during summer when all schools are just resuming, bear this in mind. The Finns are not so warm to accommodate you in their house, they are cold temperate people, so be wise. The website to apply is www.tys.fi and choose pyysumppu as location in Rauma. You don’t have to pay any amount when you are applying; within 2 weeks of application you will get an offer depending on availability and the deadline to pay your deposits. This I did and I escaped accommodation headache. This is a piece of my advice for you.
Visas: I got my resident permit from the Finnish embassy in the Netherlands, The Hague and it took approximately a month or less than 4 weeks depending on the time of application and additional documents that requires clarification. They usually don’t deny visas and resident permits if you have the required amount to study of minimum 6,000euros per year, health insurance cover, and your acceptance letter. Don’t be scared if you have the required documents. Is not like American embassies and others that would for no good reason would want to frustrate your study plans. Only carefully filled the form and submit all the required documents on time. Their consulate was even calling me in the Netherlands when she missed my call to her, that’s rarely found anywhere.
Flight/Arrival: I did book my flight from Schipol-Amsterdam to Helsinki immediately i got my study permit. I booked it for afternoon but I was wrong. I got to Helsinki Vantaa about 6pm and board a bus going to Rauma, but it never got there. The journey was to take approximately 4.5hour but lasted till dead in the night. The saga is a long one. I ended up calling a taxi at Eura because there was no bus going to Rauma that late. I knew no one and was getting chilly in the night so a 15mins journey from Eura to Rauma costed nearly 60euros by taxi. The taxi woman was driving slowly so the meter could read more money for her and she could not even understand English language. Eventually, I got there so late at night at the Bus station not even knowing the direction there but still I was happy within that I made it at last. My advice is you should remember to book your flight so you could arrive early enough to find your way. For you guys’ coming from Africa and Asia this is important to remember. The taxi man was a cheat also, he set his meter reading at 8 euro and eventually collected 10 Euros for a distance of 2mins.That is life abroad-be prepared.
Pickups: Don’t get on top of the world when you receive an email from the school representative usually a student tutor that s (he) will be helping you when you arrived for your pick -ups and pick downs. They don’t usually turn up. They do it only when is convenient for them only to get the credit from the school. Irrespective of the time you arrived be prepared to do your pick-up and downs yourself. It happened to me when I arrived. I got the same impression too but when I called, she said 'm arriving too late in the city that I have to find my way myself. Student tutors should be committed as in other countries of the world. My relative went to study in the USA and the University arranged a pick for her from fellow students irrespective of the time she arrived. Be advised that it is different here at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences.
Orientation: The orientation was on 25th of August 2008 and the Auditorium was beautiful and colorful with students from different nationalities and racial background. It was so strange to notice that the president could only communicate to everyone in Finnish not in even a single English word was heard in the midst of International students. It was really a kind of shock as we gape moronic knowing not what to do. They said we should go behind to back of the auditorium where an interpreter could help but nothing happened. This was a dimensionless embarrassment and I suggest the school management should effect a change of approach recognizing that first impression matters a lot in the light of international environment.
Teaching style: The system of studying and learning is quite and totally different from my earlier methods of learning in a University. Please be aware it is a polytechnic not a university per say that could be rated in a world atlas. Though is bearing a University -it is not-it is less than a University. I never knew this until of recent when I ordered my transcript from The University of Nigeria where I had spent a year in Banking & Finance and could not match the course outlines together. Nevertheless, they use the learning by doing method approach called the Problem Based Learning (PBL). It is interesting don’t be afraid guys; it gives the big picture of real life situations out there and the practical approach to solving them.
Students Teams (PBL, Stimulus, Findings, Coping with the Finns): The students are usually grouped into smaller units of self guided teams with teachers as facilitators. The greatest challenge is not the PBL itself but the team members usually the Finns. They are from cold temperate regions of the world so also is their behavior. They are recluse and don’t mix up with others in the group. They form their own group within the group and you foreigner that is not a *yes yes* to their will as an outsider. They take only their ideas even if their ideas are weak and pointless. You have to have self confidence to succeed in the PBL evaluations and push in your ideas to have a voice. It is a real test guys and most times it creates back stabbing and deep seated ill will and at worst crises. It happened in my group and other groups as well to the extent that group two had to miss their final report presentation due to conflicts. Be aware of this. To be forewarned is to forearm. Don’t miss it up it is still interesting to work in teams, there you can make long lasting friends and learn corporate values for the future.
Learning Finnish Language: The University provides a means where you can learn the basic Finnish language. It is equivalent to a 3credit value unit. It is enough for the foreign students to learn the basic Finnish only and will be exempted from the Higher Finnish courses and Swedish according to their law, but you have to apply for the exemption yourself. You can also supplement learning the Finnish language by registering for extra classes in the city. I enrolled for this also and is interesting speaking some Finnish words, phrases and sentences to friends. It gives a kind of belonging and the Finns are so happy when a foreigner speaks Finnish to them. It is not so hard a language to learn, I think is truly interesting if you had the interest.
Jobs: Getting a Job in Rauma is not so easy. I think the best place to choose is not Rauma when applying. It should be bigger cities like Helsinki, Turku, Tampere & the likes. The degree program of International Business & Marketing Logistics (IBML) looks attractive and lucrative but do not let that temptation lures you in that choice if you must get a part time job to supplement your finances. You will be so frustrated, coupled with the loneliness and the cold temperatures in the winter period. Though I was able to get a cleaning Job in a restaurant where I do the dish washing, it didn’t come not until after two months and still I remain the most fortunate at the moment in getting a part time paid job in the evenings among the international students in my class. Be wise please in your choice of school selection, keep this in mind.
Transportation: The major mode of transportation is the bicycle for students. The city is a small one so is wise to learn how to ride a bicycle if you don’t. In extreme cold winter, it could become so slippery when the ice is melting and many accidents do happen. It is preferred to use the winter tires though the difference is not so much for bicycles. I remember when I fell down from my bicycle one cold evening and the pains were awful the next morning. It is also possible to get students 50% discount when travelling between cities as a student in Finland, so it makes it a lot of sense with your student ID.
Cost of Living: Well, I could say life is cheaper for the students in Finland than in the Netherlands. There is no tuition fees as compared to the 6800 Euros you must pay as international students to study this same International Business in any of the Dutch Universities. The living cost is a minimum of 500 euro per month as compared to the 750euro minimum (9000 euro per year). There are also students apartment in Finland but not such in Holland where you can afford the rent of 200 Euros per month including water bill and electricity. It averages 44o Euros in the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands where I had lived per room per month. Though things, food, electronics are far cheaper in the Netherlands and so much Job opportunities in Holland, I still think studying in Finland is cheaper for international students than in Holland.
Loneliness/Clubs: Loneliness knows me by name the first few months I was in Finland. I think this is the Finnish syndrome irrespective of the city you are living in. They notice strangers so quickly but they don’t get you along. They don’t talk to you, so you must talk to them if you must converse at all. Sometimes they can’t keep a conversation along and they are so uncomfortable communicating both at school and at the dormitory. It is worst at the supermarkets especially when you are looking for something to buy. It is up to you to event the different coping mechanisms to get yourself along. The clubs in the evenings of Wednesdays (free) and on Saturdays (6 Euros) was one of the ways out. Their girls are beautiful but so shy talk to you, when they re drunk you see the loveliness in them. I couldn’t get any information about where to worship and go to church in English Language though I got to find out a little group later at Turku teaching college.
This are just pieces of my experiences studying International Business & Marketing Logistics IBML. So far so good it is challenging and interesting to be away from home and loved ones in a foreign country.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Portfolio and Its Importance
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences Findings 1(5)
School of Business, Rauma Business Intelligence Management
IB08/Group 4
Umuerri Ighifewo John 26.11.08
Stimulus 5B
Learning Objectives:
1. What is a Portfolio and what is the importance of it.
2. What is included in a Portfolio?
3. What are the different styles of making a Portfolio?
1.
“A career Portfolio is not a resume, which simply lists your experiences and accomplishments. Nor is it a cover letter in which you write about yourself and your qualifications for a particular job. Instead, it is a collection of actual documents that support and make tangible the things you want to say about yourself in a cover letter, a resume, or a face-to-face interview. Letters of commendation, performance evaluations, certificates, papers, and pictures of things created or of activities led are all examples of items that might be included in a career portfolio” (Satterthwaite, F. 2002, 4.).
“Reflecting on what has been learned and articulating that learning to others is the heart and soul of the Portfolio process. Without reflection, a Portfolio has little meaning” (Rolheiser, C. 2000, 31.).
Another writer defines Portfolio as “a living and changing collection of records that reflect your accomplishments, skills, experiences, and attributes. It highlights and showcases samples of some of your best work, along with life experiences, values and achievements. The personal information that you incorporate into your portfolio can greatly reflect on your abilities as an individual as well as become a useful tool in marketing yourself to employers, corporations, colleges and universities. A portfolio does not take the place of a resume, but it can accentuate your abilities and what you can offer in the chosen field.
Why do I need a Portfolio?
A portfolio can set you apart from other applicants, whether in a professional or academic setting.
• It allows you to be more personal and creative in order to expand on and exhibit your skills, knowledge, projects and experiences.
• A portfolio is a method of self discovery and confidence building.
• It is a multi-faceted way to organize your accomplishments, goals, aspirations, and personal thought. It showcases your personality to potential employers and organizations.
• It is a useful tool to include in an interview. It provides tangible proof of your skills and abilities and demonstrates to the employer that you are qualified for that specific job.
• It can be helpful in applying for bonuses, scholarships, grants and negotiating promotions and raises.
• A portfolio demonstrates prior work or learning experiences that can be useful for educational credit.
How do I create a Portfolio?
First, you need to determine what type of portfolio is best suited for your needs:
a. Student Portfolio—Useful in an academic setting; demonstrates knowledge attained in a given class or throughout your school career. This portfolio can be very helpful if you plan on continuing your education
beyond the undergraduate level.
b. Project Portfolio—Useful in an academic and professional setting; shows the efforts or steps taken to complete a specific project or independent study. For example, if you have the experience of producing a school play, you would create a portfolio that incorporated the materials and research that was involved. If you wanted to apply for a grant in order to do another play then you could use your portfolio as a form of proof that you did a good job and would be a prime candidate to receive the requested grant.
c. Professional Portfolio—Useful in a professional setting; demonstrates your skills, background, accomplishments and experiences. This portfolio is versatile and can be arranged for a specific position. For example, a teaching portfolio would be a type of professional portfolio that would highlight experiences, achievements, goals and ambitions for a position as a teacher within an educational institution.
d. Online Portfolio—Useful in an academic and professional setting; enables your credentials to be more easily accessible via the internet. This should not take the place of a hard copy portfolio, but be created in addition to one. This portfolio can be very helpful for those planning on applying for a job in the field of technology and/or graphic design. Also, an online portfolio can be useful to anyone in any given field. As the
Information Age progresses, prospective employers are beginning to request online portfolios. Bear in mind that several employers may be located afar and with one click of a mouse, they can access your information more readily.
e. Personal Portfolio—Simply for your personal use. This portfolio is a collection or a scrapbook of things that interest you. This portfolio could be used as a stepping block towards understanding who you are and where you would like to be in the future.
2
What should I include in my Portfolio?
As you begin to create your portfolio, there are several different categories that you should consider: Personal Information, Values, Personal Goals and History, Accomplishments and Job History, Skills and Attributes, Education and Training as well as Testimonials and Recommendations.
Important: Always be as specific as possible. Your portfolio can become quite a large collection of materials. For interview purposes, it would be a wise strategy to select items from your portfolio to be included in a smaller interview portfolio. The smaller portfolio can be presented during the interview and would be less overwhelming to the interviewer. Here is a list of possible information to include.
• Letters of reference
• Resume or Vitae
• Lists of accomplishments
• Samples of work (e.g., items produced on internship or co-op experiences, class projects, items produced from previous job)
• Memos and/or reports (optional)
• Designs and Photographs (optional)
• Transcripts
• Licenses or Certifications
• Evidence of specific skills (e.g., writing, graphic design, public speaking, leadership, event management)
Depending upon your profession, certain items can be added to provide a more detailed representation of your knowledge and skills. As with any interview portfolio, you should include the best examples of your skills and abilities that are relevant to the position you are seeking. (See below)
Example of Portfolio additions
Education/Teaching
o Video of your teaching
o Statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages)
o Evaluations (e.g., supervisor, student)
o Sample lesson plans
o Classroom Innovations (e.g., new technology, new methods)
o Relevant photographs
o Teaching honors and/or awards
o Evidence of student learning (e.g. graded exams, assignments [1 good/1 bad])
o Continuing Education/Workshops completed
The Arts: Performance or Design
o Work samples or photo images of them
o Video/audio recording of work
o List of competencies mastered
o Course descriptions for classes/workshops completed
Making a Portfolio
First and foremost, it is very important that your portfolio:
o Looks professional and accurately reflects your skills
o Is specific and occupationally focused
o Is easy to update and view
o Is self-explanatory if need be
o Supports information presented in your resume
Second, it is vital to adopt a specific presentation format for the material within your portfolio. For example:
1. Introductory Title Page
2. Table of Contents: Can be organized two ways—chronologically or functionally
3. Work Samples
a. Provide a reflection statement for each sample
b. Reflection statement can be in either paragraph or bulleted format
c. The reflection statements should contain a brief description of the sample item and its background and a detailed list of the competencies developed by the sample. When creating a smaller portfolio for an interview please consider the following:
Place items in a loose-leaf binder
Use sheet protectors
Use copies of your work and keep a master copy available
Organize your pages by index tabs and/or dividers
Try to keep this portfolio between 5-10 pages in length
Avoid page numbers as this allows you to add and move things around more easily
Be consistent with headings and placement of items
Keep the sections job specific”.
(Website of Addlestone Library, 2008).
3.
“There are three main types of portfolio that you can create: a. Physical (Print version) b. CD or DVD c. An online format. So, what type of portfolio should you have? Well, the answer is all three! People interact and perceive the world in different ways. Some people like to physically touch, feel and interact with the printed media, others want to be able to sit back and view a portfolio from beginning to end via a DVD or CD, and others prefer the convenience of a website. In order to show your level of versatility and commitment and to cater to the different needs of employers it is best to create ALL THREE of the portfolio types.
What to put in a Portfolio: Don’t just put anything in your portfolio. Quantity does not mean quality! As a general rule of thumb choose 12 strong designs. Choose the designs that you are truly proud of, the ones that you remember because you will be spending time discussing them with your potential employer. Create a portfolio that shows the progression of your designs and your creative thought process. Sketches, brainstorms and variations on your final design show your ability to think and create. Both are important skills that employers like. You should have a selection of designs using different mediums - including some traditional pencil/paint designs on paper as well as contemporary Photoshop and/or other computer graphic software. The trick here is to create a balanced portfolio. Don’t be afraid to change your portfolio based on what is required. A web graphics job means more focus on web graphics projects. However, don’t discount traditional mediums as employers like to know the person they are hiring can do more than one job. Versatility is a major asset! Also, when designing your portfolio, remember that people tend to remember the first and the last in a sequence.
Print Portfolio: The print portfolio has been around the longest and is still the preferred visual showcase for employers and clients alike. Use a large folder that has coils/ring-binders so that you may add and take out pages with ease. There is no set color for these folders though black seems to be the default choice and it is a strong color to set your work against. A leather cover or a cover that utilizes some nice material or fabric provides a professional look. The important factor here is that the folder should be large enough so that pages can be easily turned and it
provides enough breathing room for each individual page. Graphic designers usually use A3 size folders, though A4s are acceptable. Individual pages are kept in plastic sleeves for protection.
Online Portfolio: Your online portfolio is the opportunity for you to showcase your professionalism as well as your creativity. Do not make it overly done. Keep it simple and easy to navigate. There is nothing worse than having your potential employer failing to find the samples of your design because your cursor has a panda or some other cute thing attached to it. Navigation should be easy and clear on every page. The viewer should know where they are, how to return to where they were and how to go forward. Use thumbnails of the actual design. It allows greater control for employers so that they can view what they want to see. Image sizes should be no smaller than 300px and not bigger than 800px wide. Images should be kept below 150kb. You don’t want them to give up waiting for your page to load because you decided to upload a 1mb image as your sample. And finally offer 2 viewing options for your website; one that utilizes Flash and another that doesn’t. Some people prefer Flash while others prefer more traditional site layout and using Flash would only irritate them.
DVDs (CDs): The easiest way to make a DVD version of your portfolio is to copy your whole website onto the disk. Just remember to keep all files and images in logical folders and have a very clear starting point, for example, index.html or start.html. One benefit of a DVD portfolio is that you are no longer limited by internet speed, therefore, you can use that 1mb image for the best resolution you can get. Videos and animations are ideal for DVDs as there is less worry about size and download/bandwidth problems.
In conclusion: Your portfolio is a visual representation of your skills, creativity, talent and experience. It is what employers will want to see when you meet them for an interview and it better be up-to-standard or it is out you go” (Website of Australian Experiential Learning Centre, 2008.).
List of Sources:
Satterthwaite, F. 2002. Career Portfolio Workbook [Electronic Version]. Blacklick: McGraw-Hill Trade. Pg 4.
Rolheiser, C. 2000. Portfolio Organizer: Succeeding with Portfolios in Your Classroom [Electronic Version]. Alexandria: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development. Pg 31
The importance of a Portfolio. Addlestone Library. (On-line Document) Retrieved 28th November 2008.Available at: http://www.cofc.edu/careercenter/portfolio.pdf
The importance of Portfolio in finding a Job. Australian Experiential Learning Centre: (On-line- document) Retrieved 28th November 2008. Available at:http://www.advantage.edu.au/university.html
School of Business, Rauma Business Intelligence Management
IB08/Group 4
Umuerri Ighifewo John 26.11.08
Stimulus 5B
Learning Objectives:
1. What is a Portfolio and what is the importance of it.
2. What is included in a Portfolio?
3. What are the different styles of making a Portfolio?
1.
“A career Portfolio is not a resume, which simply lists your experiences and accomplishments. Nor is it a cover letter in which you write about yourself and your qualifications for a particular job. Instead, it is a collection of actual documents that support and make tangible the things you want to say about yourself in a cover letter, a resume, or a face-to-face interview. Letters of commendation, performance evaluations, certificates, papers, and pictures of things created or of activities led are all examples of items that might be included in a career portfolio” (Satterthwaite, F. 2002, 4.).
“Reflecting on what has been learned and articulating that learning to others is the heart and soul of the Portfolio process. Without reflection, a Portfolio has little meaning” (Rolheiser, C. 2000, 31.).
Another writer defines Portfolio as “a living and changing collection of records that reflect your accomplishments, skills, experiences, and attributes. It highlights and showcases samples of some of your best work, along with life experiences, values and achievements. The personal information that you incorporate into your portfolio can greatly reflect on your abilities as an individual as well as become a useful tool in marketing yourself to employers, corporations, colleges and universities. A portfolio does not take the place of a resume, but it can accentuate your abilities and what you can offer in the chosen field.
Why do I need a Portfolio?
A portfolio can set you apart from other applicants, whether in a professional or academic setting.
• It allows you to be more personal and creative in order to expand on and exhibit your skills, knowledge, projects and experiences.
• A portfolio is a method of self discovery and confidence building.
• It is a multi-faceted way to organize your accomplishments, goals, aspirations, and personal thought. It showcases your personality to potential employers and organizations.
• It is a useful tool to include in an interview. It provides tangible proof of your skills and abilities and demonstrates to the employer that you are qualified for that specific job.
• It can be helpful in applying for bonuses, scholarships, grants and negotiating promotions and raises.
• A portfolio demonstrates prior work or learning experiences that can be useful for educational credit.
How do I create a Portfolio?
First, you need to determine what type of portfolio is best suited for your needs:
a. Student Portfolio—Useful in an academic setting; demonstrates knowledge attained in a given class or throughout your school career. This portfolio can be very helpful if you plan on continuing your education
beyond the undergraduate level.
b. Project Portfolio—Useful in an academic and professional setting; shows the efforts or steps taken to complete a specific project or independent study. For example, if you have the experience of producing a school play, you would create a portfolio that incorporated the materials and research that was involved. If you wanted to apply for a grant in order to do another play then you could use your portfolio as a form of proof that you did a good job and would be a prime candidate to receive the requested grant.
c. Professional Portfolio—Useful in a professional setting; demonstrates your skills, background, accomplishments and experiences. This portfolio is versatile and can be arranged for a specific position. For example, a teaching portfolio would be a type of professional portfolio that would highlight experiences, achievements, goals and ambitions for a position as a teacher within an educational institution.
d. Online Portfolio—Useful in an academic and professional setting; enables your credentials to be more easily accessible via the internet. This should not take the place of a hard copy portfolio, but be created in addition to one. This portfolio can be very helpful for those planning on applying for a job in the field of technology and/or graphic design. Also, an online portfolio can be useful to anyone in any given field. As the
Information Age progresses, prospective employers are beginning to request online portfolios. Bear in mind that several employers may be located afar and with one click of a mouse, they can access your information more readily.
e. Personal Portfolio—Simply for your personal use. This portfolio is a collection or a scrapbook of things that interest you. This portfolio could be used as a stepping block towards understanding who you are and where you would like to be in the future.
2
What should I include in my Portfolio?
As you begin to create your portfolio, there are several different categories that you should consider: Personal Information, Values, Personal Goals and History, Accomplishments and Job History, Skills and Attributes, Education and Training as well as Testimonials and Recommendations.
Important: Always be as specific as possible. Your portfolio can become quite a large collection of materials. For interview purposes, it would be a wise strategy to select items from your portfolio to be included in a smaller interview portfolio. The smaller portfolio can be presented during the interview and would be less overwhelming to the interviewer. Here is a list of possible information to include.
• Letters of reference
• Resume or Vitae
• Lists of accomplishments
• Samples of work (e.g., items produced on internship or co-op experiences, class projects, items produced from previous job)
• Memos and/or reports (optional)
• Designs and Photographs (optional)
• Transcripts
• Licenses or Certifications
• Evidence of specific skills (e.g., writing, graphic design, public speaking, leadership, event management)
Depending upon your profession, certain items can be added to provide a more detailed representation of your knowledge and skills. As with any interview portfolio, you should include the best examples of your skills and abilities that are relevant to the position you are seeking. (See below)
Example of Portfolio additions
Education/Teaching
o Video of your teaching
o Statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages)
o Evaluations (e.g., supervisor, student)
o Sample lesson plans
o Classroom Innovations (e.g., new technology, new methods)
o Relevant photographs
o Teaching honors and/or awards
o Evidence of student learning (e.g. graded exams, assignments [1 good/1 bad])
o Continuing Education/Workshops completed
The Arts: Performance or Design
o Work samples or photo images of them
o Video/audio recording of work
o List of competencies mastered
o Course descriptions for classes/workshops completed
Making a Portfolio
First and foremost, it is very important that your portfolio:
o Looks professional and accurately reflects your skills
o Is specific and occupationally focused
o Is easy to update and view
o Is self-explanatory if need be
o Supports information presented in your resume
Second, it is vital to adopt a specific presentation format for the material within your portfolio. For example:
1. Introductory Title Page
2. Table of Contents: Can be organized two ways—chronologically or functionally
3. Work Samples
a. Provide a reflection statement for each sample
b. Reflection statement can be in either paragraph or bulleted format
c. The reflection statements should contain a brief description of the sample item and its background and a detailed list of the competencies developed by the sample. When creating a smaller portfolio for an interview please consider the following:
Place items in a loose-leaf binder
Use sheet protectors
Use copies of your work and keep a master copy available
Organize your pages by index tabs and/or dividers
Try to keep this portfolio between 5-10 pages in length
Avoid page numbers as this allows you to add and move things around more easily
Be consistent with headings and placement of items
Keep the sections job specific”.
(Website of Addlestone Library, 2008).
3.
“There are three main types of portfolio that you can create: a. Physical (Print version) b. CD or DVD c. An online format. So, what type of portfolio should you have? Well, the answer is all three! People interact and perceive the world in different ways. Some people like to physically touch, feel and interact with the printed media, others want to be able to sit back and view a portfolio from beginning to end via a DVD or CD, and others prefer the convenience of a website. In order to show your level of versatility and commitment and to cater to the different needs of employers it is best to create ALL THREE of the portfolio types.
What to put in a Portfolio: Don’t just put anything in your portfolio. Quantity does not mean quality! As a general rule of thumb choose 12 strong designs. Choose the designs that you are truly proud of, the ones that you remember because you will be spending time discussing them with your potential employer. Create a portfolio that shows the progression of your designs and your creative thought process. Sketches, brainstorms and variations on your final design show your ability to think and create. Both are important skills that employers like. You should have a selection of designs using different mediums - including some traditional pencil/paint designs on paper as well as contemporary Photoshop and/or other computer graphic software. The trick here is to create a balanced portfolio. Don’t be afraid to change your portfolio based on what is required. A web graphics job means more focus on web graphics projects. However, don’t discount traditional mediums as employers like to know the person they are hiring can do more than one job. Versatility is a major asset! Also, when designing your portfolio, remember that people tend to remember the first and the last in a sequence.
Print Portfolio: The print portfolio has been around the longest and is still the preferred visual showcase for employers and clients alike. Use a large folder that has coils/ring-binders so that you may add and take out pages with ease. There is no set color for these folders though black seems to be the default choice and it is a strong color to set your work against. A leather cover or a cover that utilizes some nice material or fabric provides a professional look. The important factor here is that the folder should be large enough so that pages can be easily turned and it
provides enough breathing room for each individual page. Graphic designers usually use A3 size folders, though A4s are acceptable. Individual pages are kept in plastic sleeves for protection.
Online Portfolio: Your online portfolio is the opportunity for you to showcase your professionalism as well as your creativity. Do not make it overly done. Keep it simple and easy to navigate. There is nothing worse than having your potential employer failing to find the samples of your design because your cursor has a panda or some other cute thing attached to it. Navigation should be easy and clear on every page. The viewer should know where they are, how to return to where they were and how to go forward. Use thumbnails of the actual design. It allows greater control for employers so that they can view what they want to see. Image sizes should be no smaller than 300px and not bigger than 800px wide. Images should be kept below 150kb. You don’t want them to give up waiting for your page to load because you decided to upload a 1mb image as your sample. And finally offer 2 viewing options for your website; one that utilizes Flash and another that doesn’t. Some people prefer Flash while others prefer more traditional site layout and using Flash would only irritate them.
DVDs (CDs): The easiest way to make a DVD version of your portfolio is to copy your whole website onto the disk. Just remember to keep all files and images in logical folders and have a very clear starting point, for example, index.html or start.html. One benefit of a DVD portfolio is that you are no longer limited by internet speed, therefore, you can use that 1mb image for the best resolution you can get. Videos and animations are ideal for DVDs as there is less worry about size and download/bandwidth problems.
In conclusion: Your portfolio is a visual representation of your skills, creativity, talent and experience. It is what employers will want to see when you meet them for an interview and it better be up-to-standard or it is out you go” (Website of Australian Experiential Learning Centre, 2008.).
List of Sources:
Satterthwaite, F. 2002. Career Portfolio Workbook [Electronic Version]. Blacklick: McGraw-Hill Trade. Pg 4.
Rolheiser, C. 2000. Portfolio Organizer: Succeeding with Portfolios in Your Classroom [Electronic Version]. Alexandria: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development. Pg 31
The importance of a Portfolio. Addlestone Library. (On-line Document) Retrieved 28th November 2008.Available at: http://www.cofc.edu/careercenter/portfolio.pdf
The importance of Portfolio in finding a Job. Australian Experiential Learning Centre: (On-line- document) Retrieved 28th November 2008. Available at:http://www.advantage.edu.au/university.html
Monday, November 24, 2008
IT Task: Weblogs- Learning in Public
This article reviews the importance of webloging in a Norwegian University-University of Bergen. It was quite interesting to note that the behaviour of students all over the world whether white, yellow, brown and black is similar when it concerns academic issues.
The author cleverly noted the students' individual responses; while some exhibited the ethusiastic and adapting style reflecting new skills and inspirations some absolutely hated been forced to blog. Others embarked upon webloging careers without expressing any particular enthusiasm or distaste-they did just what i ask them to do he noted.
Conventionally, it clearly provides a chance for the students to experience writing in a wider community creating a network where communication and feedback is essential in forming and changing peoples view about the society and world around them.
Moreover, students attitude toward venting thier opinions changed and become more open and positive since they are no longer in a closed learning environment where nobody sees their work except the examiner. Thus weblogging is an open forum, mainly about taking control of your own learning processes, finding your own voice and expressing your own opinions. It incorporates responding to the world around you and listening to the responses you receive in return.
Finally,the plague of plagiarism in schools is not untouched. Weblogs have a built in code of conduct on plagiarism.This is true because, one uses other people's words all the time when webloging and instead of writing out a citation in a form that many students find very complex, you link the website rather where you find the ideas.
The author cleverly noted the students' individual responses; while some exhibited the ethusiastic and adapting style reflecting new skills and inspirations some absolutely hated been forced to blog. Others embarked upon webloging careers without expressing any particular enthusiasm or distaste-they did just what i ask them to do he noted.
Conventionally, it clearly provides a chance for the students to experience writing in a wider community creating a network where communication and feedback is essential in forming and changing peoples view about the society and world around them.
Moreover, students attitude toward venting thier opinions changed and become more open and positive since they are no longer in a closed learning environment where nobody sees their work except the examiner. Thus weblogging is an open forum, mainly about taking control of your own learning processes, finding your own voice and expressing your own opinions. It incorporates responding to the world around you and listening to the responses you receive in return.
Finally,the plague of plagiarism in schools is not untouched. Weblogs have a built in code of conduct on plagiarism.This is true because, one uses other people's words all the time when webloging and instead of writing out a citation in a form that many students find very complex, you link the website rather where you find the ideas.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Gorillas:
In 1901, Europeans traveling through the forests of Africa first encountered the gorilla, which is found naturally only on the African continent. A mere one hundred years later, gorillas are on the verge of extinction due to human activity. Early on, gorillas were portrayed in the media as ferocious, woman-stealing creatures. Research by the late Dian Fossey and subsequent studies have revealed gorillas to be gentle creatures with complex social and family structures and high intelligence levels.
In 1901, Europeans traveling through the forests of Africa first encountered the gorilla, which is found naturally only on the African continent. A mere one hundred years later, gorillas are on the verge of extinction due to human activity. Early on, gorillas were portrayed in the media as ferocious, woman-stealing creatures. Research by the late Dian Fossey and subsequent studies have revealed gorillas to be gentle creatures with complex social and family structures and high intelligence levels.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Blogs
Is interesting creating a blog and updates with beautiful backgrounds so appealing. Just like James Watt,Michael Faraday,Thomas Edison and Albert Einsteins started just like this, I 'm so persuaded and motivated that each new day is new avenue for new development and creativity.
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Zomer festival. Rotterdam,Netherlands
zomer festival,Rotterdam,Netherlands
