A website for The University of Sydney Sciences & Technology Students

Build your portfolio

Step 1: collection of records

Keeping records of your activities

Your portfolio is a collection of the different significant events in your life. It is a way to keep track of, display and remember clearly the activities and experiences that make you who you are.

But your portfolio is more than just a list of your life's events; it should also remind you of why that event was important. One way to do this is to keep a written record of each event or activity, and make a note on that record what you learned, what skills you developed, what insight you gained.


How do I do that?

We have designed a template for recording activities for you to download and use to build your portfolio. On the sheet, you give the activity a name, write down when it occurred, and put a brief description of the activity so you remember it clearly.

Then you identify which skills and attributes you developed through this experience — we've included a checklist for you to fill in. Even If you were not thinking about developing your skills at the time of your activity, you may have still improved your skills (for example, you might get a part-time job for the money, but learn good self-management and teamwork skills in the process).

Then you can note down any evidence you have of this activity — a certificate, a letter from a supervisor, a piece of your own work — that may be useful in the future, for example when you go for a job interview.

Lastly, you can reflect on the activity. This is a space on the record sheet where you write your own thoughts and feelings. What did you learn from the experience? What was the most valuable thing about it for you? What was the hardest aspect? What would you do differently next time?

Download a record of activity template: .doc (Word) or .pdf format

What activities?

What sort of things might go on a record of activity? Anything you think helped you to develop your skills, or achieve something of value to you. It's worth thinking back and making records for significant events in the past — for example, a first or second year student may wish to include some records from high school activities, such as:

  • Member of a soccer team, organised the annual trophy night (developed teamwork and leadership skills)
  • Member of the Grade 12 High School debating club, runners up, NSW competition (developed written and oral communication skills, teamwork, self-awareness)
  • Bush Care Volunteer during years 11 and 12 (developed responsibility and awareness, commitment and self-management)
  • Working for fast food outlet during last three years of school (developed responsibility, teamwork, self-management, self-confidence and work ethics)

Activities while you're at university could be part of your coursework, or outside of the classroom:

  • Student Point of Contact during O-Week (developed leadership, empathy, sensitivity, flexibility and oral communication skills)
  • Member of a group that designed and executed a research project in first year physics (developed teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, information evaluation and written communication skills)
  • Treasurer of the Chocolate Lovers Society, wrote successful submission to the Union for funding (developed networking, written communication and goal skills, self-awareness and confidence)
  • Work experience at Telstra over summer vacation (developed independent learning skills, self-confidence, self-management, responsibility and networking skills)

Download examples of recorded activities from Jane, a typical student: .doc (Word) or .pdf format

Back to What is a portfolio? | On to Step 2: Reflecting on your skills
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