Most people are familiar with portfolios developed by artists or photographers who gather their best or most representative work in a folder and share it with prospective employers or clients. Documenting professional development or learning in this way places the focus on actual achievements that are viewed directly, rather than on proxies of achievement like cumulative GPA or test scores that are only indirect indicators of learning.

The focus of a professional portfolio is, therefore, to show others what you can do with your knowledge and skills and not simply imply that knowledge or skills have been acquired because you have a diploma. Portfolios are really the cornerstone of a learner-centered approach to education because you, as a student, will use what you have learned to complete relevant tasks.

As a PRM major, you will be completing a "Professional Portfolio" as part of your university experience. Your professional portfolio will include work from your undergraduate education, which exemplifies your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Your professional portfolio should be representative of "who you are as an advanced learner about to enter the professional world". Your portfolio is more than a "bunch of assignments" lumped together to meet one of the requirements of PRM 498: Senior Seminar (yes, you will be asked to review your professional portfolio in your capstone course -PRM 498C: Senior Seminar). Your professional portfolio should represent who you are, what you learned and experienced, and what you created during your four year degree program at an institution of higher learning. It should be something you are PROUD to share with friends, family, and colleagues.

HOW WILL YOU KEEP OR STORE YOUR PRM PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO?

You may keep your professional portfolio in a binder, in a box, or in an electronic file. However you choose to keep or store your professional portfolio, it is your responsibility to collect and maintain the portfolio for reflection and discussion in PRM 498C: Senior Seminar.

What Will You Include in Your PRM Professional Portfolio?

During your time as a Parks and Recreation Management major, you will produce many fine, substantive products to include in your professional portfolio. Of course you may include any items you wish in the portfolio, but the list below provides an indication of what assignments are requested by the PRM faculty for inclusion in your PRM Professional Portfolio. You may see the following symbol by some assignments to indicate that it is a Professional Portfolio assignment.

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