• Create effective cover letters for the work search process, using word processing software and appropriate vocabulary and conventions
• Demonstrate the ability to access related career information
• Demonstrate the ability to produce an effective exit résumé
• Reflect upon and analyze their placement experiences
• Reinforce the job-skills theory acquired in the classroom and the skills, techniques, and principles learned at the placement
• Relate the placement experience both to the curriculum expectations of the related course and to the expectations related to cooperative education, using a variety of strategies, activities, and tools

Complete the following assignment and submit your work to the dropbox.

Part A: Portfolio

 A portfolio is a collection of materials that highlights your experiences and skills.  Create a portfolio to document your co-op experience. Your portfolio must include the items listed below. All items should be included in one electronic file that you submit to the drop box.

1.  Title page

• Include the name of your placement, your supervisor’s name, your name, your teacher’s name, and the date

 2.  Table of contents

• State the title of each item included in the portfolio and the page number where it can be found

3.  Exit résumé

• Update the résumé you created during pre-placement by adding your co-op experience and any other new information (i.e. skills, awards, part-time job)

4.  A cover letter that can be used for similar positions in the future

• Re-write the cover letter you created during pre-placement by adding your co-op experience and the new skills you have learned
• In the introductory paragraph, state the type of job you are applying for (eg. customer service position, administrative assistant position)

5.  List of references

• Update the list of references you created during pre-placement by adding the name of your co-op supervisor
• Be sure to ask your co-op supervisor permission to do so

6.  Letters of recommendation

• Ask at least one of the people on your reference list to write you a letter of recommendation
• They should type the letter and email it to you so that you have an electronic version to submit for this assignment

 7.  Pictures of work that you have done

• Include at least five pictures that clearly show you performing duties and demonstrate the skills you have learned
• In order to comply with your confidentiality agreement, be sure to get your supervisor's permission before taking any pictures. 
• For each picture, include a description of what is shown
• If pictures include children (e.g. daycare, elementary school), you must have parental permission to use such photos.  Discuss this with your supervisor and co-op teacher for more information. 

8.   Describe your plan for what you hope to be doing after finishing high school

• Describe your plan after high school (research this - don't guess!)
• If you plan on going directly into the work force after graduating from high school, tell us about the job that you hope to earn.  List the skills/training required for your preferred employment. 
• If you plan on attending university or college after graduating from high school, describe the education/training that is required to attain your preferred career.  How many years will it take to complete your program?  List the schools that offer the program you are interested in?  List the expenses that will be involved (including living expenses) in obtaining your degree / diploma. 
• If you plan on beginning (or continuing) an apprenticeship, describe the specific steps that you must complete in order to earn your certification.  Which colleges offer the in-school portion of your apprenticeship?  How long do you expect it will take you to become fully certified?

9.   Employer Interview

• Create eight questions that you can ask your supervisor so that you can learn more about his/her career experience.  Some sample questions you can include are: If you could start your career over again, would you change careers? What are some of the challenges that you have faced in this career? How has this career impacted your lifestyle?
• Submit a copy of each question and your supervisor’s response
• Write a paragraph describing your reaction to the interview (i.e. what you learned, what surprised you)

You may want to visit the following websites to help you get started on your portfolio:

http://www.career.fsu.edu/experience/document/portfolio-guide.html
www.teachnet.com/how-to/employment/portfolios/port002.html