What is a professional portfolio?

A professional portfolio is a collection of work samples that showcases an individual's skills, accomplishments, and experiences. It typically includes a variety of documents such as reports, presentations, project summaries, writing samples, and other relevant materials that illustrate a person's abilities and professional growth. This compilation provides potential employers or clients with tangible evidence of what the individual has achieved and what they are capable of doing, making it a crucial tool in the job search process or professional development.

In contrast, a list of personal references only provides contacts who can speak to a person's qualifications but does not illustrate the individual's work or skills directly. A summary of education and certifications may outline a person's academic background but lacks the depth and range of evidence found in a portfolio. Lastly, a book of company policies is unrelated to an individual's personal achievements or capabilities and serves a different purpose entirely within an organizational context. Thus, the comprehensive nature of a professional portfolio in demonstrating varied competencies and achievements makes it the correct answer.