Did you bring a portfolio / attache case to the interview?

[ychoi81]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey all. I got my first interview at EVMS coming up next week, so I'm freaking out!

One of many questions I had about the interview was whether to bring a portfolio or an attache case to the interview. I have a rather professional looking leather laptop bag, but I think it might be too big to chug around the whole day.

Did you guys bring anything to the interview? would I need to write anything down?

Thanks in advance and wish me luck! 😀

 

[HunterGatherer]

I've been on 2 interviews and I was one of the few people that had a portfolio/briefcase. You may need to write down notes such as fin aid info or emails of people who don't have business cards. Most places will supply you a pen and you can write on anything from your interview packet. I don't think a portfolio/briefcase is entirely necessary but I like having one.

Don't bring a laptop bag.

 

[tacrum43]

Hey all. I got my first interview at EVMS coming up next week, so I'm freaking out!

One of many questions I had about the interview was whether to bring a portfolio or an attache case to the interview. I have a rather professional looking leather laptop bag, but I think it might be too big to chug around the whole day.

Did you guys bring anything to the interview? would I need to write anything down?

Thanks in advance and wish me luck! 😀

Yay for EVMS. 🙂

I interviewed there in November. I did bring a leather portfolio thing, and so did a few others, but many did not. I think it's your choice. I did write down a few things during the info session, and it gives you something to stash the handouts they give you in. A laptop bad might be kind of big though, but it's your call.

 

[mln]

I carried a black leather folder. I thought it looked more professional than carrying around a stack of handouts.

 

[Its_MurDAH]

just go empty handed...that's what i did.

 

[Risa]

I carried a portfolio for several of my interviews, and its main function was making my arm more tired than it needed to be. I never once needed to use it in any way, as each school has given out an interview day folder of their own. I'd say, have a pen and you'll be good.

Good luck!

 

[etf]

mine came in handy for absorbing all of the sweat from my palms...seriously

 

[zero2hero]

I had a portfolio thing, good way to keep things organized.

 

[contulusa]

I didn't take anything to my interview but in hindsight I would have. It looks more professional...plus you can act like you are writing down bogus notes and that you seem interested.

 

[63768]

i brought one to my interview and it came in handy just to be able to throw things into it quickly and to write stuff down when i needed. it was not essential but i found it helpful.

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

I've brought a portfolio to all the schools I've interviewed at, and I've never needed it. Every school has provided a folder, pen, and notepad.

 

[odrade1]

I have always thought the portfolios look a little silly. I carry a small black leather moleskine (a little journal-type book) to make notes in if I need to. It fits in my suit coat, and looks dignified but less pretentious than a portfolio (you are not business or law students, btw.). Don't forget to bring a pen. Some people are peeved if you don't bring something to write with.

 

[lexy10]

I brought one to keep an extra copy of my essay and such...was told at some schools there is an issue with interviewers not getting your information before the interview..so it could be helpful..in truth I never really needed it... more of a security blanket

 

[ychoi81]

thanks for the info guys!

i think i will go get one from officedepot or something.
when you have the interview, do they usually give you some kind of contact information (in the handouts, business card, etc) so that I can send them a thank you card?

Again, thanks for all the inputs!! 👍 👍 👍

 

[tacrum43]

thanks for the info guys!

i think i will go get one from officedepot or something.
when you have the interview, do they usually give you some kind of contact information (in the handouts, business card, etc) so that I can send them a thank you card?

Again, thanks for all the inputs!! 👍 👍 👍

Some schools do, EVMS didn't. I went and asked someone in the admissions office for the info though, and they were happy to give it.

 

[ghostchild]

When I was at that same interview I didn't bring anything. I kind of felt out of place because everyone else brough a folder or small portfolio thing. I would definitely bring the small portfolio thing if I were you because they'll give you several handouts during the day. Plus, it gives you something to jot down the names of your interviewers and a place to hold your application so you can review it before your interview (if you're into that kind of thing).

 

[ND2005]

Hey all. I got my first interview at EVMS coming up next week, so I'm freaking out!

One of many questions I had about the interview was whether to bring a portfolio or an attache case to the interview. I have a rather professional looking leather laptop bag, but I think it might be too big to chug around the whole day.

Did you guys bring anything to the interview? would I need to write anything down?

Thanks in advance and wish me luck! 😀

I bring a leather portfolio from my school bookstore. Inside is an ND pen, and ND paper.

It was a gift. But I like it.

At each school I've been to, I've taken about 2 pages of notes. Some of it is informational stuff from the presentations, some of it is just random reactions or things I thought about that I liked/disliked about the school. I want to have something to refer to down the road if I am deciding between a couple of programs -- and my thoughts from the interview day may serve me well then.

 

[Dr Trek 1]

It's personal preference. I was so paranoid on my first interview that I had a paper copy of all my transcripts, essays, and completed applications with me PLUS a CD-ROM with all the info as well (I guess I figured the papers may fly out and get lost, haha). I never needed any of it, of course, just a security blanket.

But in my later interviews, I didn't bring it- you really don't need it. I wouldn't bother to bring one. Just bring a pen and hide a mini-lint picker-upper thing in your coat pocket so you can use it in the bathroom when you first arrive.

 

[potato51]

I brought nothing with me to all my interviews, and things worked out fine. especially since each school has a handout folder to interviewees.