The Dalhousie Career Portfolio Programme: A multi-faceted approach to transition to work

This article describes a well-established Canadian university's new programme to prepare students for the world of work while enhancing the undergraduate educational experience. The overall purpose of the 'Dalhousie Career Portfolio' programme is to help students understand the value and transferability of their learning, knowledge and skills to their personal and career development. The multi-faceted aspect of the programme is emphasised, as is the voluntary nature of participation by academic staff and students. Surveys and focus groups report a relatively high level of satisfaction among early participants in the programme. To ensure a sustainable impact on educational quality, this employability project must integrate observations and lessons from the international arena, instil 'portfolio thinking' throughout the campus community, and thoroughly monitor teaching, learning and employment outcomes.