A Combined E-Portfolio and Microcredentialing Tool for Engineering Identities and Career Pathways

Abstract

This work in progress paper describes a study of student use of e-portfolio and micro-credentialing resources for identifying academic and professional pathways. Micro-credentials and e-portfolios are popular resources for students and engineering industry professionals to demonstrate and verify one's skills and experiences beyond the classroom. A study was conducted at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and found students lack support in identifying and developing their career pathways. This study indicates that a combined e-portfolio and micro-credentialing platform could benefit students by a) providing students with a tool to reflect on and showcase their experiences, b) matching students with upper-class and alumni mentors in career pathways they are interested in, and c) providing them with curated lists of on-campus and experiential opportunities and micro-credentials that would support their career pathways.