Build a PORTFOLIO

Task is to build a portfolio following the below steps. Building a portfolio is a long term project involving seeking out new experiences, collecting artefacts and taking the time to curate them in an effective way.Here are some practical steps:

• Start with a basic portfolio, based on the template in this guide.Remember that this is a work in progress and you can improve it as you go.
• Think about work you do now (paid, unpaid, volunteering) - are there opportunities to do something different or work on special projects that will give you a chance to develop your skills and portfolio?
• Be alert for good volunteering opportunities that will allow you to demonstrate/develop skills and collect artefacts.This may seem mercenary, but you have limited time and you should devote your talents to situations where you can make the most impact.
• See if your local community legal centre needs help.
• Take any opportunities to work on your video presentation skills, including technical aspects like lighting and sound.Everyone struggles at first and experience is the best way to improve.
• Think about starting a blog or podcast in a field of professional interest.These kinds of projects can be easier with a group of reliable, like-minded colleagues.
• Keep up with the types of criteria used in job ads, even if you do not intend to apply until graduation you should track of what employers are looking for and see how this changes over time.
• Be focused on your career goals but be flexible enough to consider alternatives, especially in emerging legal and justice careers.
• When faced with a choice of assessment tasks, think about what would look best in your portfolio.
• Take up extra curricular opportunities such as mooting, interview challenges, essay contexts and participation in your student society.
• Get involved with law reform.You can make submissions as an individual citizen but there are also a great number of public organisations with stretched resources who would be happy for help in preparing submissions from someone with legal skills and access to university research resources.
• Stay focused on what you have achieved and the kind of professionalthat you want to be.Don't let the day to day grind drag you down, stay focused on what is important.