Professional and Career Development: The MPA Portfolio Approach

Abstract

The Master of Public Administration program at West Virginia University has adopted a portfolio approach to connect program experience more effectively to professional preparation and career development. A professional portfolio consists of materials representative of one's work. It is a collection of accomplishments and a demonstration of abilities and skills. MPA students prepare a portfolio that shows the development of their abilities through accomplishments and activities in six areas important to professional preparation: academic performance and course integration, leadership skills, application of knowledge, ethics and professional standards, public service, and professional growth and continuing education. The portfolio is planned and reviewed through orientation and capstone seminars that are a regular part of the MPA curriculum. Although the portfolio is intended to enhance the student's learning experience, it also assists in the assessment of curriculum and program needs. Although portfolios have been used in such fields as counseling and education, their use in public affairs education is relatively new. There has been little, if any, assessment of the portfolio in this context. This paper seeks to provide a case analysis of the form, structure, implementation, and experiences of the portfolio approach in public affairs education.