Indiana University School of Journalism

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Photo by Ryan Dorgan

Student Darcy Marlett, left, and PR pro Kallie Bonnell look through an example of a public relations portfolio. The IU PRSSA chapter hosted a workshop Monday night to show attendees how to compile portfolios.

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A portfolio may include anything from a resume and a few clips to an online video showing the work you can do. But the bottom line is that everyone needs one and you should start compiling yours now.

That was the message for students at Monday night’s workshop hosted by the Beth Wood Memorial Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America in the Ernie Pyle lounge.

Alumnae and public relations professionals Julie Williams, BA‘80, owner of Green Jays Communications and webmaster for Eli Lilly & Co., and Kallie Bonnell, BAJ’06, an account executive at MillerWhite Marketing, coached the 15 attendees.

PRSSA chapter president Kristina Hunter laid out the workshop.

“Having a portfolio is obviously important for journalism majors, but it’s not something a lot of people know how to do,” she said. “We’re going to look at both perspectives – both how to put together a portfolio and also what should be included in one.”

Julie Williams advised having not just one portfolio, but two at the very minimum.

“One is going to work for you in cyberspace and the other will be your guide through a personal interview,” she said. “Just by the very creating of your digital portfolio as a website, you can show that you know how to organize information.”

Bonnell suggested students create multiple online portfolios, each crafted to appeal to the industry or company they are in contact with.

“You’re competing with a lot of smart people, so you really have to set yourself apart,” she said. “One way to do that is to tailor your correspondence with perspective employers.”

One easy way to do this is by using Google Documents, a free online document sharing service. It’s as simple as cutting and pasting relevant information into each of your tailored resumes or portfolios.

Once prospective employers have seen what you have to offer through your online portfolio, it’s time to show them your real work.

Photo by Ryan Dorgan

Julie Williams suggested having at least two portfolios, one for online and one for interviews.

“When you walk into an interview, be sure to initiate the conversation about your portfolio,” said Bonnell. Employers may not always expect an interviewee to have a physical portfolio with them, so initiating that dialogue acts as another way to show you’re prepared.

“Presenting your portfolio gives you two opportunities,” said Williams. “First, it obviously allows you to show your work, but it also allows you to relax and be yourself while explaining work you’re very familiar with.

“You think they’re just looking at your portfolio, but no – they’re looking at you.”

Besides just looking at the work you can produce, how you handle yourself, both physically and online, is something employers will note.

“Just be yourself. That’s what’s going to make you attractive to a company,” said Williams. “In our creative field, it’s all about the fit. People get chosen for a job because something clicked.”

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