- I have two other research papers I'm currently working on (one in the data analysis stage, one in the lit review stage) for two other classes this semester. Voluntarily adding a third paper seemed less than intelligent.
- Although the online certification sounds interesting, and I will likely look into it before graduation, I'm not sure that's a good focus for me currently given the syllabus portion of the option. To do a job I feel would be satisfactory to my personal standard and devote adequate time to my other projects, I would probably need to give up sleep or eating or something like that (especially since I haven't yet been responsible for a class of my own to have some experience from which to draw).
For my portfolio, I will be using either Google Sites or Wordpress. I realize UA has given us access to Portfolium, but I don't perceive that I have the time to spend learning it. I have used various website tools, though, and feel confident in my ability to turn out a fairly nice website. Google Sites is new to me, though I've used many Google programs (I don't imagine it's too different from anything else by Google or other similar programs) and already have an account. That's why it's my top preference. I have used Wordpress previously for a project with the Alabama Small Business Development Center. If Google Sites turns out to be less intuitive than I hope, I'll bite the bullet and create a new account with Wordpress (my previous work did not require I create my own account).
My portfolio will include the following pages:
- Homepage: an introduction to me and why I'm pursuing a PhD in Management Information Systems. This will also provide a brief overview of the content contained within the site. I may possibly do a video here, as well.
- Teaching Philosophy: I will adjust my philosophy post from the blog and include it on the website as its own page.
- Coursework: a listing of the courses I have completed thus far in the program, summarizing what was learned. This is unlikely to include examples of my work as the research papers are ongoing and the other courses used mostly exams and homework--most of which I would not consider substantial.
- Vita: a list of the hyperlinked subsections of my vita will be provided below my contact and educational information. Each major section of my CV will have a separate page.
- Teaching: although I have not yet had a class I was fully responsible for, I have done presentations for various reasons and have lectured occasionally in one of the courses for which I TA. This section will include the work I do as a TA given that it encompasses some tasks related to teaching.
- Research: my one conference proceeding and my ongoing projects will be listed here. I may also include a research statement.
- Service: although I haven't been as involved in service projects this year, I have participated in several during the MBA and before. This will provide a chronological listing of my service activities.
- Organizations and Honors: I am and have been part of several wonderful organizations that I want to acknowledge. I anticipate this being a relatively short page as I'll try to focus on the most important, but I do feel it is important to include.
- Other Experience: despite having little teaching experience currently, I do have extensive experience working with college students through my time in Residence Life and Admissions. I also worked for the Alabama SBDC throughout my MBA program, which involved a form of research. I've decided to include this section in order to highlight the work experiences I have had that do not fit elsewhere within my CV.
I don't see a point in adding an additional "Contact Me" page given that all the information to do so will be within the Vita. Although it is a lot of content, some of it is content I already have somewhere; this will provide a nice opportunity to gather it all in one place. Some of the content will be created specifically for this portfolio (such as everything for the Coursework page and a research statement). All in all, I believe it will be worthwhile to spend the time creating a really nice online portfolio that I can easily maintain over the next several years as I progress in my program. It's not something I've heard of others in my field doing as they go on the market, so it could help me stand out (in a good way) during my job search. Plus, having a website seems appropriate for someone in a technology field.
Hi Teagen,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've thought this through quite a lot! I enjoyed your blurbs about your thinking at the beginning of this post. Despite our categorization into the "theory" learning style, your decision was quite practical! It seems your site will include everything a potential employer will want to know. I know I would certainly appreciate the breadth of information to be posted.
And, I ask for your forgiveness for providing unsolicited advice, but: I haven't had any experience with Google Sites, but Wordpress was too difficult for me to figure out, outside of my blog. Instead, I would recommend trying Wix. I've started playing around with it myself, and, as a person ignorant in computers (unlike yourself), I entirely recommend it for ease of use. It is really just a drag and drop software, sort of similar to PPT in my opinion. It has been great for me so far. And, although they will need some editing, it already has pre-existing pages for you to use if you so choose.
All the best,
Tess
Hey Tess,
DeleteI try to be practical when it comes to decision making; I would guess that's the business student in me. You can come up with the big crazy idea, but you have to have some reason for it (even if the justification and rationality comes second).
I've used Wix before for a class project in undergrad. While it was ok to use, I remember struggling to get things to look the way I wanted. It's been half a decade since then, but I wanted to use something else. I've used several website builders, though (include Adobe Dreamweaver, MS Frontpage--which I believe has been phased out--etc.) so it will hopefully go smoothly. If all else fails, I'll go to plan C...and D...and E...until I have to turn something in. I may create all of the content first and then worry about the tool and layout. We'll see. But I appreciate your opinion and I'm glad Wix has turned out to be a good tool for you. :)
Hi Teagen,
ReplyDeleteI think you have the right reasons for doing the portfolio, and I think it will be a really useful project for you.
Personally I like Wordpress, and the advantage there is that you wouldn't have to learn a new platform, but of course go with whatever feels right to you.
Hi Teagan,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the portfolio is probably the best bet for you at the moment. I do hope it helps with the job hunt!