Eugene to PDX and Back..all Before Noon!

David R.

March 5, 2011 - 3:32 PM

Well, after four hours of driving and 220 miles traveled my portfolio review is complete and I feel like it went well for the most part. The reviews were held at the University of Oregon campus in Portland, which I didn't event know existed until a few days ago. The Portland campus is apparently only for the journalism program and is used extensively by students who participate in the Portland Experience (term-long internship program in Portland).

The facility itself is very nice and up to date, which was actually kind of surprising because the building is located in old town Portland, which is supposed to be an older, more run down part of town. The building was clearly renovated on the inside and it was a splendid setup for a portfolio review.

Each student presented their portfolio to a panel of three reviewers at the beginning of each hour. I went in, introduced myself and left my portfolio with the reviewers before I exited the room. The purpose of this was to give the reviewers time to look through the portfolio and become familiar with it. After this ten minute period I went back in the room and spent about 20 minutes explaining each piece of my portfolio to the panel, including what each piece was a part of and the goal of each piece was. After this I left the room again and gave the panel members 10 more minutes to fill out their reviews. After this I went back in for a final time, received feedback from the panel and then left after leaving each member with a leave-behind that included my resume and a few writing samples.

I'm glad that I had my portfolio looked at because now I have a few things that I can change to make it even more appealing and a better representation of myself. Even though I had to wake up at 5:30 in the morning, it was fun to visit Portland for a brief period of time, and I think it was a great experience in terms of preparing me for what an actual job interview may be like. I had to leave shortly after my review ended to get back down to Eugene in time for my office hours, and surprisingly I made it before noon!

Tomorrow is officially the last basketball game that will take place at Matthew Knight Arena for the rest of the 2010-11 season. The women's team takes on the Wildcats from Arizona as it looks to end the home season with a win after losing a close one to Arizona State last night. I'm relieved but also kind of sad that the games are ending. Not only does it mean that I am moving closer to the end of my UO career, but I enjoy being a part of the games and playing an important role as more than just a fan.

The "Clash of Champions" is already upon us and will be taking place this coming Tuesday. It will be interesting to see Matthew Knight Arena make the transition from a basketball hoop to a tennis court, but I can't wait to take a front row seat to watch the best tennis players from around the globe!