I went into this workshop thinking that it would talk more about what employers are looking for in an e-portfolio. Instead, we were guided to a site called zenportfolios.ca where Cyri led us to create an e-portfolio there. Since I was already thinking of creating my own via my domain, I took this chance to see what type of information people would put in their portfolio. Since I am not really an art-based student and I haven’t really developed a lot of applications, software, or games, I am really only going to use this portfolio as a way to communicate my skills in more detail compared to my cover letter or resume. It will also be a semi-blog for all things workshop, jobs, or professional related.

I think the main point of the workshop was focusing on using the ideas of keywords and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as a way for employers to find you through searching. This opens up a new channel to network with your peers and employers.

I’m not sure if it went the way I thought it would when I walked into the workshop, but even then, it helped with shape how I wanted my e-portfolio to represent me and my personal brand.

Jeff  started off asking us what a “person brand” meant to us. Things such as work ethics, leadership, and such. These are keywords that we saw as what others see in us.

Some of the key points that I picked up in this workshop that stuck with me were:

“What are people saying about you when you leave the room?”

The things others say about you are qualities that define you. If you represent yourself in a positive light, others will see that too. When you give them reasons to say negative things about you (i.e.: being late, irresponsible, etc.), it affects your personal brand and how they view you in the long run. It takes a long time to gain that reputation and trust back.

“How do you fit in the company?”

For students who are looking for employment during and after their studies, this point is essential in the employer’s decision on whether they should hire you or not. If you don’t present yourself in a way that the employer thinks you’re a fit, it usually goes both ways: either you are really not a fit for that company, or you’re not showing that you can be a good fit to that company. Things such as personal attire and being on time for an interview already plays a big role in first impression.

We moved onto the idea of Unique Ability where it was the main course for the workshop. The idea is based on this book – Unique Ability: Creating the Life You Want (by Catherine Nomura and Julia Waller with Shannon Waller). It is about understanding yourself to get the most out of your life and like the title of the book says: Creating the Life You Want.

I am probably the best person I know at _____________  , and I would love to use this ability to make a good living.

He had us fill in that phrase. Understanding what goes in that phrase will enable you to pursue a job with that quality as a big part of the responsibility or role. What I wrote in that line was: making people laugh/happy. I think that I love being organized and meeting deadlines. Pushing people to do their best and completing projects (and assignments, etc.) are something that I love to do. Hopefully, my future career will consist of that.

This lead us to the idea of love and passion for something. When listening to people talk and their stories, look out for a keyword such as love because people don’t use that word likely when describing something they love to do.

Finally, being aware, having the discipline, and having the courage to integrate your Unique Ability is really something we all need to work on constantly if we want to reach our goals and be happy/be fulfilled in our job.

If either of the three are lacking, you will find that the situation you are currently in isn’t the most ideal. For example, while you are aware of your abilities and skills, you might not have the discipline to pursue your goals (i.e.: applying to more jobs), or the courage to take a risk.

I believe that this workshop has helped me a lot in understanding myself and where I want to be in terms of a job that will make me happy. The thing that really stuck with me the most, and in a way I knew about it before, was “What are people saying about you when you leave the room?” because that is the impression that sets you apart from others. No one wants to be known as the slob or lazy employee or peer. Making a good impression of yourself will take you far into the future.