Broadcasting & Electronic Media Portfolio Criteria

The primary requirement for the portfolio is that it be a complete, clear collection of professional quality work, suitable for presentation at a job interview in the student's major field.

Resume & Reference List

The resume should be on one page. It should be typed or printed in high quality on heavy bond paper. Specific layout is at the discretion of the student, but these elements should be included:

* Name, Address, Work Telephone Number
* Education (university, degree, graduation date, major, minor, special emphases or seminars if any)
* Honors and Awards (if any)
* Career-Related Experience (internships, part-time or full-time media experience - places, dates, duties, etc.)
* Titles of outstanding programs, commercials, or series that have been broadcast, cablecast, or otherwise distributed beyond the college station, channel or environment (if any). Include dates, call letters, descriptions, etc.
* Other Employment Experience.

A statement of career goal or interest is not recommended. If too specific, it can limit opportunities. If too broad, it becomes meaningless. Career goals should be included in the cover letter to the prospective employer, sent with the resume in advance of the interview. Cover letters are not part of the portfolio.

* A one-page reference list should include the names, titles, addresses and phone numbers of professionals and academics who are familiar with your work and who have agreed to serve in this capacity. Actual letters are not required, but may be included in the portfolio. Paper stock for the reference list should match the resume.

Resume Tape(s)

The tape(s) should be clearly labeled with titles, start times, running times, and the role of the student in each production (Director, Reporter, Photographer, etc.)

It may be necessary to have abbreviated information on the tape label itself, and more detailed information on an accompanying page in the portfolio.

* Video: 5 to 15 minutes - excerpts of the student's best work from class projects, internships and/or professional experience. Entire projects or stories are OK if they're not too long. Variety and quality are important. Simple, straightforward introductory graphics are acceptable, but not required when the tape is properly labeled. Do not get "cute."
Format - VHS (should also have 3/4" available on request)

* Audio: 5 to 15 minutes - same as above, also D.J. air check (if you have one).
Format - audiocassette.

* Note: Not everyone will have both audio & videotapes. Have at least on of the two. Concentrate on your strengths.
* Also: for convenience, audio examples can be included on the videotape. Simply have some pleasant neutral video (maybe a graphic or freeze-frame) on the screen during the audio segments.

Scripts & Storyboards from classes, internships, jobs, etc. Only the student's best work should be included.

Other items to make your portfolio diversified & unique. (i.e. still photography, graphic illustrations, computer software, etc.) Show off your own individual strengths.

All of this should be organized in one professional, self-contained unit. Loose and/or unlabeled material will get lost. Nice leather or vinyl portfolios & cases that zip or otherwise fasten are excellent. The tape cases might be attached to the inside walls with Velcro.

For more information about this web site contact Dr. Steve Anderson at The University of Oklahoma (standers@ou.edu).