Break Out of Education & Into Corporate: Build Your Portfolio

There are THREE key things you need to focus on as a teacher trying to break into the corporate world:

1. Reworking that Resume

2. Building your Portfolio

3. Growing your Network

I've already done a post on how to Rock Your Resume, so let's talk a little more about the next on the list...

Build your Professional Portfolio

What is a "Professional Portfolio" & Why do I need one?

As a teacher breaking into a new field, your past work experience may seem like a disconnect to your future corporate employers. They don't understand how all of the skills and abilities and experience you have can directly translate into the role you're going for. It's YOUR job to help them see and understand how what you have to offer fits into their role.

Now, of course you can tell them that in an interview... but who's to say you'll even get an interview if they don't see how the experience on your resume relates?

Your professional portfolio is tangible evidence of your skills and abilities. It's one thing to say you know how to design a job aid and another to actually show them one.

THAT is why you need a professional portfolio.

What would go in that portfolio?

Any relevant work examples that demonstrate your skills in the field you are trying to break into. For example, as an Instructional Designer, you can include things like job aids you have made, PowerPoints/slide decks, flipped video learning you’ve made, or maybe even a tour of your LMS setup.

Check out this portfolio video walkthrough made by TikTok content producer and absolute LEGEND, isaacanco.

If you have TikTok (which I recommend you do!) go give her a follow. Patrice is a former teacher who switched into the field of Instructional Design and posts tons of amazing videos and resources helping other teachers do the same. In other words, she's kind of my hero.

In addition to the resources listed above, if you're a teacher looking to get into Instructional Design, I recommend you download the trial version of Storyline Articulate, watch the LinkedInLearning course on getting started with Storyline, and MAKE SOME SAMPLE e-LEARNINGS!

And if you're a teacher trying to break into tech and you don't already have a bunch of samples already made, go do some side projects you can include in your portfolio.

Really, anything you want to include that shows off what you can do is fair game. Your only limits are your own creativity & imagination.

Any other Portfolio tips?

How do you share that portfolio and make sure you're seen? Simple my friend, add it to your resume as a QR code. For more on how to do this, check out my other article, Rock Your Resume.