Preparing Your ePortfolio Overview

Since this is the first section your reader will see, make it inviting. The overview is similar to an application (or cover) letter for a job or graduate school: It summarizes what you bring to the job or position and should encourage the reader to want to learn more about you. The overview should be informative, not descriptive. Thus, it should summarize the most important information about you, not simply point to the sections it contains. Since the overview works like a cover letter, you should identify the career path or type of job you are pursuing and precisely summarize what you have to offer--your credentials--which are further developed in the ePortfolio. Fashion these credentials into well-developed paragraphs. Also, provide contact information. 

*Medal of Excellence

If your ePortfolio will be assessed as part of your application for the Medal of Excellence, it must also contain a reflection over integrative learning in the overview (or in a separate drop-down page from the overview). 

Appearance

Most websites include templates from which you can create and design your site (ePortfolio). Choose a template appropriate for your audience, one that also reflects your personal preferences. Optional items include the following:

• • a personal photo or graphic that represents a key interest

  • a video that introduces you to your e-folio reader

  • a link to other pages such as an online journal, etc. 

Want your front page (and ePortfolio) to stand out? 

• Include a recorded elevator pitch, a short presentation of your most notable credentials aimed at a particular audience with a specific goal in mind. The blogpost "Recording an Elevator Pitch, What? Why" at NSpireD2, published by the University of Notre Dame, describes the benefits of creating and recording an elevator pitch as well as tips and media resources for doing so.

• Post an infographic, which can be used to visually present your personal and professional highlights, i.e., to tell your story. Picktochart is a free, easy-to-use infographic application that provides templates and resources to help you create your own infographic, which can be embedded within your ePortfolio.