Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

Due to the fact that all business students will be required to complie a portfolio project, there is the possibility for conflicts of interest on the part of the consultants and the students.

• The student requests to look at your portfolio project for examples - If you are unapposed to this request, then you may show them your portfolio. Keep in mind, however, that there is always a chance the student will copy your ideas. You can possibly avoid this problem by keeping some sample portfolios from previous years or even other schools on hand to use as examples. This way, you can still aid the student without potentially sacrificing the origionality of your own work.
• You see an interesting idea in a student's portfolio that you wish to copy - While this idea may seem tempting, remember that origionality is an important component of this project. Your portfolio should stand out for its uniqueness. If there is something that you particularly like, you could ask the student if they would mind you using it. If it isn't aything major, chances are they won't mind. In the case of graphics or artwork, perhaps they can give you the address of the cite where theyobtained the files. That way, you could find something that better suits the needs of your individual work..
  

 

Information contained in this section comes from Todd Ferrante's "Notes to Portfolio Consultants," presented at a workshop held at the University of Richmond on Nov. 22, 1998.

 

Return to: Proper Ettiquette | Table of Contents | Consultant Handbook

---