Running head: ARTIFACT H1

Artifact H1: Portfolio Process Assessment

Kari Berkas
SDAD Portfolio
Professor Thai-Huy Nguyen, PhD
Seattle University
April 8, 2016

ARTIFACT H1

2
Artifact H1: Portfolio Process Assessment

The portfolio process has been a time of significant reflection for me. In this reflection, I
can see how much I have grown in the program, but the lessons I have learned in this process
will also clarify my future direction. There are three major lessons I would like to highlight.
First, although I have a significant interest in international education, I do not want to
limit myself to any functional area. I learned that I can contribute to a variety of departments and
it is important for me to showcase and articulate that. An important takeaway as I conduct my
job search is that I am looking for ideal functions and not functional areas. First and foremost, I
want to be in a position where I can coach and mentor students. Other priorities include
supervision and program improvement.
Second, I have learned that my diverse professional history should be celebrated. When I
entered the program, I felt as if my lack of higher education knowledge was a major liability in
this field, and I considered myself entry level rather than relying on transferable skills. However,
in the portfolio process, I realized I have gained many competencies in past positions that are
relevant to higher education. After conversations with professionals and reflection on my past
positions, I now see that my past positions have enabled me to contribute to higher education
institutions with different perspectives. My work history is a part of me, and I need to be
intentional about framing it as an asset.
Finally, I have a strong interest in pursuing teaching in higher education, especially
through being a history professor. In our exercises of thinking about our strengths and our
passions, this goal of mine became harder to ignore, and I realize that although this will be
difficult, it is worth considering moving forward. I can pursue student affairs work while keeping
this as an interest, so I can eventually make the transition.