GSB Professional Portfolio
From Trimester 2 2008, all newly commencing MLM and MBA students are required to log at least 40 hours of professional development activity in their Portfolio. Although there are plans to develop an online log of activity, currently the Portfolio is a physical document with space to record relevant activities and collate and store supporting documentation. All newly enrolled students will be sent a Professional Portfolio in the mail. If the 40-hour requirement is not met, it may delay your graduation.
More information about the Portfolio can be found in the answers to the following frequently asked questions:
- Why have a Portfolio?
- Who needs to be involved?
- What are the benefits to me?
- What counts as a 'recognised' activity?
- How and where do I record my activities?
- How will I know how and what to claim?
- What if I participate in an activity that's not on the list?
- Can I claim participation in professional development activities prior to enrolling in the MBA/MLM program?
- Do I need to develop a Portfolio if I’m enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Business or Graduate Diploma in Business Programs?
- I am enrolled fully online. Will I be able to meet the minimum 40-hour requirement?
Why have a Portfolio?
In the past, student participation in extracurricular activities at the GSB has been entirely voluntary and not officially recognised by the School. In an effort to formalise these efforts and in response to feedback from learning facilitators, employers and students, we have decided to integrate and recognise student participation in extracurricular professional and career development activities through the development of the GSB Professional Portfolio. Many professional bodies require their members to participate in continued professional development. The GSB Professional Portfolio is similar in this regard; the goal being to improve students’ technical and professional skills and as a result, their career prospects.
Who needs to be involved?
The Portfolio is a requirement for graduation for MBA and MLM students commencing their courses from Trimester 2 2008 onwards. Although it is not a requirement for GCB or GDB students, we encourage you to consider participating, in the event that you continue into our higher degree programs.
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What are the benefits to me?
The many benefits of the Portfolio include:
• facilitated access to extended personal and professional development opportunities and resources;
• support for the learning in formal coursework activities;
• enhancement of student career opportunities, and
• formal recognition of student participation in extracurricular activities that afford personal and professional development opportunities.
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What counts as a 'recognised' activity?
Recognised Portfolio activities include, but are not limited to:
• Attendance at GSB Student Orientation events
• Attendance at GSB seminars and workshops (eg. the GSB Business Leaders Seminar Series)
• Participating in GSB Alumni events
• Participation in the GSB Toastmasters Club
• Participation in the Curtin Business School Postgraduate Career Development Program
• Service as a GSB Class Representative
• Undertaking training opportunities through the Curtin Computing Centre and Curtin Communications Skills Centre
• Attendance at work-related conferences
• Presenting or speaking at work-related conferences
• Participation in foreign language courses
• Participating in the GSB Mentor Program
• Participation in GSB units as an Extension Student
• Participation in GSB-run international study tours or exchange programs
• Undertaking a supervised business application project resulting in a management report for an organisation
• Participation in a work-based student internship
As you can see, the scope for inclusion is wide.
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How and where do I record my activities?
Although there are plans to develop an online log of activities, currently the Portfolio is in hard-copy only. Included in the document is a log in which you should record your activities. There is also an area for storage of supporting documentation. Acceptable supporting documentation may include proof of enrolment, attendance or participation certificates, receipts, assessment reports and/or statutory declarations. It will be your responsibility to maintain up-to-date and accurate records.
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How will I know how and what to claim?
Many activities you undertake for inclusion in the Portfolio will have an obvious structure and timeframe. Others may be more difficult to quantify but should not be excluded on this basis only. If you are participating in a less-structured, more informal activity, but one with obvious personal or professional development outcomes, you should include it in your Log. You must determine the relevant aims and learning outcomes of the activity and detail how it contributed to your development.
The hours claimed equate to the length of time you participated in the activity. If the timeframe is not evidently clear from your supporting documentation, you should approach the organising body for a letter or email confirming your participation and the duration of the event.
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What if I participate in an activity that's not on the list?
If you are unsure as to whether an activity you have undertaken is valid for inclusion in the Portfolio, you should contact your Course Director.
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Can I claim participation in professional development activities prior to enrolling in the MBA/MLM program?
You may only claim on Portfolio activities that you have engaged in while enrolled at the GSB. If you started your journey at the GSB in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma program, activities undertaken during this time may also be included.
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Do I need to develop a Portfolio if I’m enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Business or Graduate Diploma in Business Programs?
The Portfolio is only a compulsory requirement for MBA and MLM students. All Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma students are, however, encouraged to participate in Portfolio activities and maintain a Portfolio Log in the event that you decide to continue your studies in an MBA or MLM program. Portfolio activities logged during your time as a GCB or GDB student will count towards your Portfolio as an MBA or MLM student.
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I am enrolled fully online. Will I be able to meet the minimum 40-hour requirement?
While many of the extracurricular personal and professional development opportunities offered through Curtin require face-to-face attendance, you are not restricted to participating in Curtin activities. Seminars, workshops, courses and public lectures offered through other institutions are all eligible for inclusion in your Portfolio. The GSB will also endeavour to facilitate access to extracurricular technical and professional development through Blackboard. GSB Business Leader Seminars will, for example, be made available through the i-Lecture facility online.
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I still have more questions? Who can I ask?
If you have any further queries about the Portfolio, please contact your Course Director.
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