Professional Portfolio Essay

Components Necessary for Creating an Effective Professional Identity
A professional identity is various meanings that are attached to a person by themselves and others. It is an important cognitive mechanism that affects workers’ attitudes and behavior in work settings and beyond” (Caza, 2016). To create this identity certain components should be considered, such as documentation of career elements, using professional portfolios and networking strategies.
Documentation Elements (DE) DE is very essential in developing one’s professional identity since it comprises of documentation of one’s career objectives, gathered from professional portfolio. It also reflects the evolution of one’s track of personal career development, and organizational

They are gathered (early) during one’s professional career path, this includes; certificates of attendance for continuing education programs, diplomas for formal education, letters of appreciation for contributions to a committee/ board, and copies of protocols, procedures, clinical pathways, and education plans developed “including written personal philosophy on the profession, copies of transcripts from each college and university attended” (Lombarda, 2003). Also certificates received during completion of continuing education programs, list of in-service records attended, contributions at work for each job description, copies of annual completed skills checklists, annual evaluations, and list of mentees mentored, including professional development should be documented as well. A portfolio should be able to reflect summaries of significant roles played such as, professional presentations, written materials- such as, brochures, handouts, evaluation summary, and letters of appreciation. Copies of articles published by the professional along with the complete citations, including awarded grant funds for a project or research study, and an abstract describing the study should be included in the portfolio. All these components improve ones professional identity if arranged in proper format as it determines one’s professional

A digital copy of a professional Portfolio portrays candidate’s adaptability and comfort with technology. An “electronic portfolio is easier to update and distribute”, creating an opportunity for professional networks which is essential for professional development (silver, 20040). With digital portfolio professionals can easily market their profession and products which is very essential for professional development. Most employers prefer digital portfolio as it helps them to gather relevant information about a professional before meeting them in person. But these documents have to be formatted as common file types- pdf or jpg if not a potential employer might not be able to review them. Various Web sites also offer assistance with online portfolios. But not all employers accept digital portfolios which is why is good to format portfolio in multiple formats. And that in return demonstrates professional flexibility and could make a difference in a hiring decision. According to Spreier 2015 “online portfolios has become crucial for businesses in today’s job market”. Many professionals use free web platforms such as Facebook, Linkedln, Wix, Weebly, or Moon fruit to create, portfolio POPs links that helps them connect with other professionals that shares common goal and