THE PROFESSIONAL EPORTFOLIO: A FACILITATING TOOL IN THE TRANSITION TO EMPLOYMENT FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN SOCIAL EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CORDOBA

This paper presents a qualitative research study in order to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the professional e-portfolio as a tool for active job search in the transition process to the labour market of future university graduates. In this process, the University plays a key role regarding the training and career guidance of these young people. In this task of advice and support, information, and communication technologies and, particularly, the e-portfolio, are becoming tools which facilitate, on the one hand, self-knowledge, and the design of a professional project and, on the other hand, the understanding of the work environment. This study originated from an educational innovation project within the compulsory course named Guidance, training, and socio-labour insertion, taught during the third year of the Degree in Social Education (University of Cordoba, Spain). Throughout the theoretical and practical sessions of this course, students have been designing and shaping their professional project, which has been finally reflected in their professional e-portfolio. The results show how the design of this tool by students has contributed to their self-knowledge and the definition of their professional interests and goals. Likewise, the e-portfolio favours lifelong learning and fosters digital skills acquisition among participating students. However, this same strength may become a threat if they lack the necessary digital competence or have no access to technological resources to develop it independently.