Documenting Abilities And Achievements: The Use Of Professional Portfolios For Accounting Students And Young Accounting Professionals

Abstract

Requiring students to develop portfolios as part of the educational process is a common technique that is utilized by educators who teach various subjects from kindergarten through graduate school. Collecting course assignments and projects into a portfolio helps students see the development of their skills as they progress through school toward graduation.

Portfolio development is prevalent in certain majors – such as art and education – as well as in certain professions - such as marketing and communication.  While portfolios are not typically utilized in the profession of Accounting, there are many benefits to requiring that undergraduate Accounting majors track their educational progress with a portfolio.  Doing so will allow Accounting majors to understand their learning more – make it less cerebral and more recognizable.  Portfolios will also assist the Accounting major to achieve entry-level professional employment.