WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A PR PORTFOLIO?

I must regard this a happy coincidence. As I was going through my LinkedIn connections I came across a question asked by a PR graduate student, Katherine July. A young lady asked what must be included in a PR portfolio. I regard this a fortuitous coincident because I am on my second year PR & Communication, and I think is a perfect stage to work out a portfolio before making a footstep to the working environment.

A portfolio is anthology of material that states one's expertise on their respective profession. It highlights the samples of your best work, along with work experience, and achievements. The information gathered in your portfolio paints a vivid image as an individual as well as become a vital tool in marketing yourself to employers.

Now the question raises again as what to include in a Public Relations portfolio. I am willing to share some guidelines and tips of PR portfolio with my fellow classmates and every individual into PR field.

CONTENT OF PR PORTFOLIO;

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Reference letters from employers, teachers, supervisors etc
• Writing and design samples (work and items created in class, since you are a student)
• Newsletter demonstrating your activities and achievements
• Web copies (links from blogs, web sites, etc)

It is important to include variety of materials, preferably in their original form. The presentation of  content must be user-friendly, so that someone could figure it out if you are unavailable to explain. The portfolio must be broke into parts, such as headlines, table of content, first page of each section.

ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO;

• Demonstrate your online expertise
• Convert writings/ designs samples to PDF files 
• Social media resume (Links to blog, web sites, twitter account, pod casts & other online activities)

Now what happens to your portfolio after you have graduated and got a job? Well it is recommended you keep it and keep adding to it. It will be useful in the event of promotions, bonus applications and other work negotiations.