What is the purpose of Portfolio?
Loyola’s College of Business wants you to get the most out of your time here. That means providing you not only with an outstanding academic education, but also guiding your development in acquiring the skill set to research, plan for, and pursue a career that you find interesting and fulfilling. Our goal is to graduate students who are well-prepared to face the very competitive job market, and, the Portfolio program is the career tool to do that. In our experience we have found that many students don’t understand the importance of developing career skills/plans until it is too late, which is why we require the program beginning in freshman year.
What are the course requirements, and where can I find them?
The chart found on the Portfolio website gives you an overview of what is required each year. However, some requirements will change as the job market dictates and as we strive to bring you the most up-to-date, relevant information. Each semester students are enrolled in the corresponding Canvas course for Portfolio. A syllabus is always posted to the Canvas course that gives you details and due dates for each assignment/requirement. It is the student’s responsibility to read the syllabus and know what is required each semester. If a student is unclear about an assignment or a due date, he or she should immediately contact one of the Portfolio instructors listed on the syllabus.
Does the course meet regularly?
No, the course does not meet every week as do your other courses. Always refer to the course syllabus for a calendar of course meetings, assignments, etc.
What is the time commitment for Portfolio?
The Portfolio staff is very aware of all the time commitments busy college students face and has made every attempt to maximize content in a minimal amount of time. The events and assignments require you to spend about 12-15 hours a semester on your Portfolio courses, sometimes less.
Why don’t students get academic credit or a letter grade for Portfolio?
Academic credit is determined by various accreditation agencies such as SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Universities must strictly adhere to these regulations. Currently, in order for a student to receive one-hour academic credit for a course, the course must meet for a minimum of 40 hours over a semester. Portfolio requires much less time and thus, does not meet the requirement for assigning academic credit. Since the course does not qualify for academic credit, no letter grades are given.
What happens if I fail a Portfolio course?
There will be a F on your official final transcript for the semester in which you failed Portfolio. Although it will not impact your GPA Fs on your transcript (for both credit and non-credit courses) may impact your ability to get into grad or law schools and/or influence hiring decisions of potential employers. Please note: There are NO make-up opportunities in Portfolio. For further details, see the grading policy.
Are students guaranteed a job upon graduation?
No, the Portfolio program is not a placement service, but our staff will work with you to identify and prepare for positions that interest you. As with any “course” students who put the most in to the course, get the most out of it.
What do I get out of Portfolio if I am not guaranteed a job?
We guarantee that if you take the program seriously and put your all into it, you will:
a. Develop an understanding of what you can do with various majors and how those majors fit into the current job market.
b. Develop a sense of how your skills and abilities fit with different career choices, and, how those skills and abilities can best serve you when deciding on a career path you find interesting and fulfilling.
c. Develop a communications skill set that will: enable you to write resumes and cover letters that will very likely get you an interview, allow you to interview with confidence and poise, and negotiate a solid job offer.
d. Learn the art of networking and how important networking is throughout your career.