For my e-portfolio, I think that using Wix as my website-building platform will allow for the greatest flexibility in building the best site for my needs. In only five minutes, I was able to set up my own Wix account and begin adding some pages and design templates to my site. Also, when I first created the account, Wix asked if I was a first-time website creator, and the resources that the site provided me have eased the learning curve and made those initial steps very easy to understand. The primary purpose of my website will be for showing recruiters and professors/faculty members my work and interests. I hope to be able to use this portfolio in job applications and as a central medium for contact from recruiters. I have found that on many applications, either for internships or research positions, there is often an option to submit a website of your own. I feel that in addition to my resume, having an e-portfolio that can highlight some of my extracurriculars and non-STEM related work (many of our RCL assignments) will highlight my versatility in the workplace as a mechanical engineer.
In reflecting on the work I have done this year, I have realized that many of the topics I explored in the RCL assignments were not particularly related to my major field of interest, but that I still thoroughly enjoyed writing and researching them. Therefore, I am hoping to make this website widespread in terms of content to include work from this class in addition to some of the projects I have completed in my major coursework. The tabs I am currently planning on using are Home/All About Me, RCL Work, Projects, Blog, and Resume. Some of the artifacts I want to include are my Engineering Design Final Project, My Issue Brief, my civic issue blogs about education, a research paper I wrote in high school about planning a manned mission to Mars, and my history of a public controversy piece. These artifacts are obviously subject to change as I continue to create my site and see what works best.
That’s amazing that you were able to navigate and set up the Wix site so easily! (I was also relieved when I saw the “first-time website creator” button!) It’s great that you’ll be able to find so many uses for the site, and be able to have one to submit if employers ask for a personal website. I think organizing your site with a combination of RCL and STEM projects will definitely be really helpful in giving potential employers a more complete idea of your achievements and abilities, and the examples for artifacts that you gave fit really well with these subtopics.
I think it’s great that you have already begun working on your website. I agree that the website is user friendly, it is very easy to handle and use. I have never heard about application asking about posing a website, I find that very interesting and good to know. I believe your e-portfolio will be used to fully represent your work within RCL and even outside. Since most of your work has been centered around your major field of interest, this will work to your advantage. I am not sure if I would personally suggest that your tabs are too vague and straight forward. Perhaps consider thinking about the bigger picture when it comes to your artifacts and where you decide to place them.
I have not set-up my Wix account, so it is reassuring to hear that it is user-friendly. This is certainly a lovely way to showcase your talents outside your major (and those in!). I think you have a great idea of the purpose and audience for your blog. Be careful of making an “RCL” tab, as employers will not understand it. Perhaps use the subject of the included articles as your tab (like “Education”). But overall, I think that you are off to a great start!
Wix is SO user friendly and very easy to use! The choice almost seemed too obvious! I think you’re going down a great avenue for your e-portfolio! Having a combination of RCL and STEM artifacts would do you a lot of good, showing effective communication and strong topical knowledge! Your paper about the Mars Mission sounds really cool too! I’m excited to see the finished product!