U of A students are transforming their college experiences into powerful digital portfolios that showcase their readiness for the workforce — and some are earning top honors for their work. Through reflection, storytelling and design, these award-winning ePortfolios demonstrate how students are connecting what they've done in college to where they are going next.
A panel of career experts, university alumni and a former contest winner recently reviewed portfolios submitted by students, recognizing those who best demonstrate professional readiness, reflective growth and the ability to connect their classroom experiences to their futures.
In addition to receiving a certificate, winners have the option of having their work featured on portfolio.uark.edu, the official U of A site showcasing student work. Additionally, their portfolios will be included as sample materials in the open educational resource textbook, Professional ePortfolios by Lynn Meade.
First Place: Peyton Hooton, Journalism
"I believe the most valuable part of the portfolio process was being able to pour my four years of college into something that can showcase my hard work and determination. What makes my portfolio stand out is that it's my story and how I got to where I am. College is often considered one of the most challenging periods of your life. Still, in my portfolio, I'm saying thank you to the many individuals who helped me reach graduation. This portfolio has taught me that professional critiques can take you so many places in life. Within the portfolio, I have shaped it to the advice and guidance professionals have given me, which will keep me growing post-grad."
Second Place: Braylynn Garcia, Sociology and Criminology
"My portfolio helped me reflect on and evaluate my experiences, values, skills and goals, ultimately deepening my understanding of what I bring to my future career. By organizing both my personal and professional accomplishments and considering how they connect to my strengths and future ambitions, I've developed greater confidence in how I present myself professionally. This strengthens the quality of my portfolio and has prepared me to speak about myself more effectively in places such as interviews, networking situations and real-world opportunities."
Third Place: Amanda Sinkey, Interdisciplinary Studies
"The portfolio process has really helped me grow as a professional because it made me take time to reflect on everything I've done and actually recognize the skills I've gained along the way. It has helped me see how my experiences in 4-H, education and community programs all connect to my future career in education. Overall, it helped me build more confidence in myself and feel more prepared to present who I am in a professional setting."
Honorable Mentions
Isabella Jones, interdisicplinary studies
Anna Jacot, communication
Parker Harrison, journalism
ePortfolios are a high-impact practice, or HIP, that promotes deep learning. According to the American Association of Colleges and Universities, "Building an ePortfolio leads students to naturally make valuable connections between various courses, assignments and cocurricular activities through reflection of their past work. Whether showcasing students' knowledge and skills for graduate school or a job application, ePortfolios paint an accurate portrait." The contest's goal is to recognize student excellence and to promote this high impact practice on the U of A Campus.
Lynn Meade, teaching associate professor of Fulbright Student Success, writes, "It is incredible to see the curated portfolios of our students. In their coursework, they are learning valuable career skills, and I am thrilled to watch them grow as they struggle to assemble it all and make meaning of their college experience. The act of reflection helps them see their skills and allows them a way to show them to others in a way that a resume can't do. It's all about students connecting classroom to career."
For more information on ePortfolios at the U of A, go to portfolio.uark.edu.
Topics
Contacts
Lynn Meade, teaching associate professor
Fulbright Student Success
lmeade@uark.edu