Students can write a portfolio or thesis about their career and life experiences. This option works well for both onsite and online courses because drafts can be submitted and reviewed in person or through the online learning portal. Writing the portfolio can be an independent learning or group-writing project, where students review classmates’ papers and give constructive feedback.
Papers should identify areas of life experiences in pursued degrees. A portfolio may be 50 to 150 pages or more depending on the amount of credits the student is applying for. Students should create outlines and share them with their professors before writing to ensure they are on the right track.
Students may create a mock business plan to demonstrate diverse skills they have utilized in their careers. A plan should be comprised of all aspects of the company and might include a financial analysis, development action plan, organization chart, management tiers, job descriptions and annual budget and goals. Onsite students should give a presentation using a slide show, pie charts and handouts while they discuss their projections for the mock company. Distant learners should create a slideshow presentation in a program like PowerPoint, Photodex or Keynote and record a voiceover to simulate a classroom presentation. Projects should be based on past corporate or non-profit work experience and include potential problems, strategies and solutions.
A video compilation will show work and life experiences in action and may be shown in a classroom or uploaded online for distant learners. The video might include interviews of coworkers and clients, fieldwork, special events and fundraisers and how-to steps for hands-on work. It also can include life experience like family routines and vacations, if applicable.
For students pursuing degrees in specialized trades, a how-to presentation in front of the classroom can qualify as an adult experience project. For example, a carpenter may bring in a finished piece, show the complete process with a slideshow or video and give a demonstration by building a miniature-sized replica or partial model if there is not enough time or available tools to create a whole piece. Distant learners may videotape their how-to presentations and upload online or perform live through a video streaming application.