WatCV ePortfolio: For Students | Centre for Teaching Excellence

WatCV (“UWaterloo curriculum vitae”) is designed for students. To complement and extend their resumes, students can use the WatCV ePortfolio to show employers evidence of their university-based skills.

During the 2016-2017 school year, 1700 UWaterloo students created WatCV ePortfolios as part of their coursework. Our research showed that after writing three WatCV ePortfolio reflections, all students -- co-op and non co-op, first to final year, from all six UWaterloo Faculties -- articulated their skills more accurately and completely, and could explain how these their skills could transfer to new situations. Almost all students improved their grades with each ePortfolio submission.

Many students have used WatCV reflections as models for how to answer behaviour-based interview questions during employment interviews.

View on Vimeo

Check out Erik’s video to see how he handled his interview to get the job he wanted.

The resource buttons on the right-hand side of this page provide students with a link to examples of WatCV, and to a zip file of materials to create a WatCV ePortfolio (WatCV assignment, table of professionals skills, STAR answer format, student model reflections, and a feedback guide). WatCV Example ePortfolios links to model student WatCV ePortfolios, to illustrate excellent student work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's in the WatCV Assignment?

The WatCV Assignment tells you what the purpose of this assignment is, why you are creating a WatCV ePortfolio, who it’s for (employers), what employers want to know from you, and how to write the STAR answer they want to hear.

What will I find in the Table of Professional Skills and Behaviours?

The Table of Professional Skills and Behaviours gives you the 10 most common skills employers want to know you have. To help you understand them better, they are grouped into 4 categories (Personal, Interpersonal, Communication, and Thinking Skills). As well, each skill is further described by more detailed ‘behaviours,’ which are components of the skills. For example, when you exercise the skill of conflict management, you might have “listened carefully to the arguments of both parties” OR “used tact and diplomacy to defuse tensions.”

For your WatCV reflection, you need to choose ONE skill, only ONE behaviour, and describe all the Actions you took to show the behaviour.

Where can I find out how to write a Reflection using the STAR Format?

The STAR Format document guides you through each part of the STAR reflection you will write, including a model answer for each section.

What does a STAR reflection look like?

Check out two STAR model reflections that students have written, with comments to show you why they are A-level work.

How do I create my WatCV ePortfolio?

“How to Build your ePortfolio” shows you, step-by-step, how to build your WatCV ePortfolio using the free Wix.com website builder (chosen by 95% of UWaterloo students who want a drag-and-drop builder). You can choose another tool if you wish. This guide also includes advice on choosing digital artifacts, banner images, and personal slogans.

How do I use my rubric feedback to improve my next ePortfolio entry?

This one-page document helps you understand how the rubric is laid out, what the green versus grey buttons mean, and what you can do to improve your next entry.