Now that my time at COS is coming to an end, I feel the need to pause and reflect. Not just on what I’ve learned, but also on how I’ve learned it. One of the most unexpectedly valuable parts of the program has been the creation and maintenance of my portfolio. At the beginning, I saw it mostly as a formal requirement. But over time, it grew into something far more meaningful. The portfolio became a space for trying out ideas, documenting thoughts, and making progress visible. It gave me the chance to work through unfinished concepts, explore connections, and find my voice.
A Learning Curve Made Visible
What I really appreciated about working with a portfolio was how naturally it encouraged reflection. Each post marked a small checkpoint on my learning path. I could look back and see how my thinking had changed, how I was starting to ask better questions, and how I began connecting theory with practice in a more confident way. Writing about what I had learned made it easier to internalize concepts and apply them later. The portfolio wasn’t just a place for polished results, it was also a space where half-formed thoughts could take shape. That helped me stay more aware of how much I was actually growing, even during phases where progress felt slow.
Applying Theory in Real Work
This kind of reflective habit became especially valuable during my master thesis. I focused on developing a content strategy framework for the organization where I work. It was the first time I truly experienced how content strategy methods could have a direct impact in a real-world setting. Many of the tools and models we explored throughout the program turned out to be exactly what I needed. Whether it was mapping internal communication flows or thinking through governance structures, I felt well prepared. The earlier posts in my portfolio helped me trace back where I had encountered these ideas and reminded me how I had processed them before. That made it easier to use them with purpose and adapt them to the specific needs of my workplace.
A Shared Space for Learning
One of the most inspiring parts of the portfolio experience was seeing what others were working on. Reading posts from fellow students gave me new perspectives and ideas I wouldn’t have arrived at on my own. Sometimes I came across topics I hadn’t thought about yet, and sometimes a familiar concept appeared in an entirely new light. These different voices made the learning experience feel much more dynamic and personal. Even without constant direct feedback, just being able to read and relate to the thoughts of others created a feeling of connection. It also gave me the motivation to improve my own work, knowing that it might be read by someone who was on a similar path.
Looking Ahead
What will happen with this portfolio after COS? Honestly, I’m not entirely sure yet. I might keep writing, maybe even explore new formats or topics. Or I might let it rest for a while and come back to it when I feel the need to reflect again. What I do know is that I won’t delete it. This blog has become a kind of memory lane for me, filled with moments of curiosity, clarity, confusion, and growth. And I love being able to walk through those moments again.
So whether it continues to grow or stays just as it is, this space will remain, quietly documenting what I’ve learned and where I’ve been.
