Utilizing the ePortfolio to help create the next stepping stone in an undergraduate student’s career

Abstract

Much like traditional paper portfolios, the electronic portfolio affords college students a web-based way to show off a collection of work. Through the use of ePortfolios, college students are able to showcase a collection of evidence that displays their learning journey over time. An ePortfolio may include major-related writing samples, research projects, presentations, observations by mentors/peers, videos, photographs, and/or reflective thinking. These artifacts help to provide a prospective employer with a well-balanced view of the candidate’s competencies perhaps unattainable through an academic transcript alone. As they acquire artifacts through their education/training, and since students own their ePortfolios, they can constantly build upon their collection. Possibly, web-based ePortfolios can help college graduates differentiate themselves in the job market. Online questionnaire polls were administered to several Utica, New York-area employers to assess the value of ePortfolios in the hiring process of candidates for entry-level positions requiring a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) bachelor’s degree. Our results suggest that the utilization of web-based ePortfolios to showcase SUNY Polytechnic Institute undergraduate students’ growth, development, and skill attainment to prospective employers is becoming necessary.