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So you are ready for some informational interviews and networking. What should you take with you?
I recommend that you begin developing a personal portfolio. This format originated with artists and designers who needed to show visual samples of their work. How can a scientist use it? A portfolio provides evidence of your past accomplishments, shows that you have researched a field, and demonstrates you’ve spent considerable time and effort considering your career path.
Whether you are doing an informational interview or in an actual job interview, your contact wants to know you have done some work in learning about their field. A portfolio can be invaluable in graduate school interviews. A portfolio is NOT for job applications. It is a tool for conversation. To have an outstanding portfolio, you need to begin saving everything that might be of use later—papers, lab reports, and course syllabi, for example.
What should you put in a networking or interview portfolio?
The exact content of the portfolio will vary for each individual.
 In the inside pocket, have copies of your standard one-page resume to give out.
Inside the portfolio, you should have:
A cover letter, customized to the specific situation. Cover letters include the reason for contact, summary of your expertise, bulleted key accomplishments with reference to supporting documentation, your reason for being in the job market, and mention of key industry/position issues and concerns.
A long resume with an in-depth review of positions, responsibilities, accomplishments, education, organizational memberships, and community service. Focus on key accomplishments. Quantify the results if possible.
Short research summary demonstrating your interest in an industry and/or profession. It may contain information from research you conducted. Show your knowledge of technical issues, products, or competitors. Include a bibliography supporting your conclusions or information. You might also want to include pages from a company’s website, if they contain information you want to ask about or are particularly informative.
Summary of insights: In one page, with or without bullets, present the key issues relevant to the position or industry that you would address if you were in that position. You can also use this section to list out questions that you want to ask about the position, or issues facing the industry.
Project summaries: One-page summaries of key accomplishments or skills you have achieved throughout your career (one summary per page). These summaries should include a title, a brief description of the problem or situation, a bulleted list of your actions, and a two- or three-sentence quantitative/qualitative summary of the results. You should develop at least six of these summaries for use in different situations.
Project list: A list of all the major projects in which you played a key role. The list should be confined to one page. Each item typically will be limited to one or two sentences. This document is particularly effective for scientists who have served on project or research teams.
Skills list: this is why you save those lab reports and syllabi! List out particular techniques you have experience with, grouped by your familiarity.
Writing samples or work: This is where you can put that paper you 4-pointed, a description of a software program you designed, or copies of research presentations. Anything that you have that demonstrates your ability to communicate and thing critically can go here. Don’t put too much in—choose the best 3 examples for whatever you are networking for.
Awards and certifications: Include copies of any certifications you have received (HAZMAT, MT, etc.) or award certificates.
In the back pocket of your portfolio (or somewhere close at hand) have paper and pen so that you can take notes on what you learn from your contact.
Using your portfolio, you can immediately have at hand all the information you need to make a great impression!
Sample portfolios are available in the Career Development Center, Room 6, Student Services Building.
You can read more about portfolios in the portfolio project online.
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