Senior portfolio day is a big deal for our department. We plan a year in advance for this event, getting the location set and contacting the business people who will be interviewers. We order substitutes for each teacher in the department so that we will be free from classroom distractions while directing the seniors through the process.
After doing this for six years ON campus, we had to go off campus due to remodeling one year. We went to the social hall of a nearby church, and our business partners loved it. They said it was much better for the students to be OFF campus, out of their comfort zone, so we continue for the fifth year to use the great space offered by the neighborhood church. It is within walking distance of the school so no buses this time.
The seniors dress professionally, pick up their portfolio that they have completed and repaired during the past month, put on their name tag, and are ready. Nervous, but ready. The first activity is a team process where a group of three to four must solve a local business problem. This year’s scenario had to do with analyzing and making suggestions for the business environment of a nearby neighborhood that has seen store closures and loss of business in the last couple of years. The team is graded as a whole on its ability to work together and come to consensus. A scenario from years past involved the downtown area of Fresno, and one of the suggestions made by the students has come to fruition–the hockey team has relocated back there from a brief hiatus at the local university. Another suggestion for use of abandoned theaters has also been instituted.
Afterwards, the students are excused to wait in a courtyard while the interviewers tally the scores and get ready for part two, the individual interview. This is where they show off their portfolio and answer typical interview questions. Since we have a variety of business partners, the students get a different perspective on the work world, depending in their interviewer. This year we had a California Highway Patrol recruiter. He was pretty tough on the kids, which we like. Many of the boys specifically asked to be interviewed by him.
I’m always nervous about this day and how well the kids will present themselves to the public. It’s a relief to have the day complete. The next event is business plan presentations Thursday and Friday.
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