Part of gaining hands-on experience is a meaningful On-the-Job Training (OJT) program for students, particularly those already in their final year in college. We had ours last year, and we're not the ones who've chosen where we got deployed. However, it was ensured that the place where we conducted our OJT was near our address. Honestly, it was one of my best experiences, and I included everything I learned and experienced in my portfolio in a very special way.
OJT provides practical insights to students about real-life workplaces, allowing us to apply our theoretical knowledge in realistic scenarios. After these valuable experiences, developing an outstanding OJT portfolio is not just another task to cram but a narrative of the skills and knowledge acquired during the meaningful term. As such, I made descriptions and explained how I made each part of my portfolio.
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Writing the Brief History or Background of the Company
Understanding the historical background and profile of the company where your training took place, in addition to what you have actually experienced, is crucial.
When writing the first paragraph, include the company's origin, values, mission, and vision. Do not also forget to highlight the achievements of the company over the years.
Note that it doesn't have to be lengthy. Be concise and on point because quality is better than quantity. When you are sure enough that you've already included what's relevant, do not add more sentences that do not have a connection with what you've written. Lastly, avoid using wordy or highfalutin sentences.
Presenting the Summary of OJT Experience
First thing first, write this portion to express, not mainly to impress. If you can make it concise but already delivers what you've experienced, that's good. But if you need more to explain, you can do it to cover the entirety of your training experience just don't make it very long.
Remember that this page is a snapshot of your exposure to various departments, projects, and responsibilities during the training. Your portfolio might be checked first by your supervisor because we had ours checked before submitting it to our instructor. Therefore, provide a clear overview with all your valuable insights into the profoundness and scope of your experience.
Assessment of the OJT/Practicum Program
To write this portion, list down some thoughtful assessments first about how your OJT went. Note that you must be serious in this section, and you should think carefully about it because it will serve as valuable feedback to the company or institution.
Your ability to critically analyze and reflect on their experience should applied here. Don't add unrealistic comments. Just be honest and express what areas need improvement if there is. Otherwise, explain how it helped you grow and develop your skills.
New Knowledge, Attitudes, and Skills Acquired
To determine whether it enhanced your knowledge, attitude, and skill set, you should also highlight in your portfolio those specific areas in which you have grown and improved.
You can mention technical skills or interpersonal competencies you've developed. If it significantly develops your flexibility and problem-solving abilities, mention that in a humble way that can leave a lasting impression on your supervisors. Who knows, they'll hire you someday.
Theories Actually Seen in Practice
Since you experienced and witnessed how the actual workplace works, you should explain how you applied the different theories you've learned in the academic setting.
You may choose one or more theories and discuss how they are applied in your training. It doesn't need to be too technical. Just write what you've learned in a manner that you can comfortably discuss.
Feedback that can be given to the Company or Institution
One mistake about this portion is trying to make it sound perfect. Just be natural and write your feedback with full honesty. But you may refine it; just don't make it sound very ingenuine.
Use your own experience to come up with a comment you may write here. Do not just copy what you see online. Remember that being genuine and being open to growth and development is much better than just making improvised statements.
Benefits Gained
It sounds easy to write this page but it may also be complicated. But to give you an idea, you should convey here the advantages that was brought to you during your training.
It encompasses your personal, professional, and academic gains. If it helped you boost your confidence and adaptability, mention that together with a specific scenario depicting how it actually helped you. In addition, you may also say that you developed the ability to work effectively in a team if that's the case.
Remember that by highlighting these things, you are showcasing your readiness and willingness to contribute meaningful work in a professional setting.
Problem Encountered
The arising of certain issues or problems is inevitable. Thus, explain here a particular problem you have faced during the training and how you handled it. You can mention the skills or attributes you apply to resolve such conflicts.
If ever you faced no difficulties or problems, still write that you are always prepared in case a conflict may arise.
Documentation and Other Relevant Documents
At the end of your portfolio, do not also forget to add some photos for documentation. Just write brief descriptions of what the photos are all about.
In my case, I also included a copy of my daily time record (DTR), signed by my supervisor. Other documents also include certification that I have accomplished the required hours of my OJT. If there are other things that are necessary too, remember to attach them.
Conclusion
There, you have a guide on making an outstanding OJT portfolio. While it's true that it requires thorough attention to detail and a thoughtful approach to making it, keep in mind that you shouldn't be writing it for perfection.
Anyway, after making all the essential parts, just reread it and ensure you have showcased your accomplishments and reflected your personal growth and dedication to learning. Such things would help you grow your potential to excel in your chosen field.
Senior High School Files