Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: Highlights measurable accomplishments, such as increasing online engagement by 25% through multimedia storytelling, demonstrating the applicant’s impact and value.
- Uses action-oriented language: Uses action verbs such as produced, conducted, and edited, showcasing the applicant’s initiative and effectiveness.
- Showcases progression: Progressing from a volunteer staff writer to an editorial intern showcases the applicant’s increasing levels of responsibility and impact over time.
More College Student Resume Examples
Explore more college student resume examples to see how to highlight your education, skills, and internships. These student resume examples will guide you in crafting a resume that showcases your potential and readiness for the professional world.
Freshman
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: The applicant’s education section includes relevant coursework and special projects, emphasizing their commitment to learning and scholarly excellence early in their academic career.
- Shows digital literacy: Skills in AutoCAD and Microsoft Excel demonstrate strong computer skills and digital literacy, which are essential for modern workplaces.
- Effective use of keywords: Integrating keywords such as team collaboration and adaptability increases the resume’s chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS) and standing out to employers.
Internship
Why this resume works
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: Balancing technical skills like SEO fundamentals and Google Analytics basics with interpersonal skills, such as teamwork and time management, shows a capability to handle diverse internship responsibilities.
- Points to measurable outcomes: The applicant’s ability to improve event registration rates by 25% showcases their direct impact on marketing performance with measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrates marketing skills: Listing relevant coursework in marketing and consumer behavior and highlighting social media projects indicates the applicant’s readiness for marketing internships and roles.
First Job
Why this resume works
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: Quantifiable achievements, such as reducing food waste by 15% through efficient ingredient usage and portion control, showcase impactful results, reflecting high-level performance in an academic setting.
- Focuses on skills: Using a functional resume format, the applicant showcases relevant skill sets, including culinary techniques and food preparation, menu planning and development, and kitchen management and teamwork.
- Emphasizes leadership skills: Leadership initiatives such as coordinating prep tasks for a team of six during class events highlight key leadership skills that drive measurable team and organizational success.
College Student Resume Template (Text Version)
Emma Rodriguez
Los Angeles, CA 90089
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
WWW: Bold Profile
Resume Objective
Detail-oriented journalism student with hands-on experience in digital media, investigative reporting, and storytelling. Contributed to over 30 published stories and boosted audience engagement by 25% through internships with local outlets. Skilled in meeting deadlines, fact-checking, and creating cross-platform content. Eager to grow professionally in a fast-paced newsroom.
Professional Skills
Multimedia Storytelling
- Produced 12 multimedia pieces combining video, audio, and text, increasing online engagement by 25% for the student publication.
- Shot and edited weekly video segments for a local news internship, averaging over 1,000 views per video.
- Designed interactive web features that contributed to a 30% increase in average time spent on articles.
Investigative Research
- Conducted background research for five in-depth stories, leading to the uncovering of inconsistencies in two local government reports, for a local newspaper.
- Verified facts and sources for more than 20 published stories, maintaining a 100% accuracy rate during internship fact-checking audits.
- Interviewed over 30 sources, including public officials and local residents, to support credible, balanced reporting.
Editorial and Copyediting
- Edited over 60 peer articles for clarity, grammar, and AP Style compliance, reducing revision time by 40%.
- Led a peer-editing group that reviewed weekly submissions, improving turnaround time by 25%.
- Assisted in editing a 12-page special edition print issue, contributing to a 20% increase in reader satisfaction based on survey feedback.
Work History
Los Angeles Times – Editorial Intern
Los Angeles, CA
01/2025 – 05/2025
Los Angeles Tribune – Multimedia Reporting Intern
Los Angeles, CA
09/2024 – 12/2024
USC Daily Trojan – Staff Writer – Volunteer
Los Angeles, CA
01/2023 – 05/2024
Skills
- AP Style writing
- Interviewing
- Digital content creation
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- WordPress CMS
- Photography and photo editing
- Deadline management
- Strong communication
Education
Expected in 05/2026
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Arts: Journalism
- GPA: 3.78
- Special Project: “Voices”: Co-produced a 10-minute documentary, recognized in the university’s Media Showcase.
- Relevant Coursework: Investigative Reporting, Multimedia Journalism, News Writing and Editing, Data Journalism.
- Clubs and Extracurriculars: Member, UT Society of Professional Journalists; Editor, UT Latinx Student Media; Volunteer, Longhorn Community Radio
Portfolio
www.example.com
Advice for Writing Your College Student Resume
Explore expert advice on how to write a resume as a college student. Discover how to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and internships to stand out in your field. Whether you’re aiming for a part-time role or an entry-level position post-graduation, we’ll provide tips customized just for you.
Highlight relevant certifications and training
Certifications and training are important for college students as they highlight specific knowledge and skills. Including certifications on your resume can help you stand out in academic settings or research roles, showcasing your commitment to learning while opening doors to internships or jobs after graduation. Here are a few examples of certifications you might include on your resume:
- State Teaching License (K-12)
- National Board Certification (NBPTS)
- TESOL/TEFL Certification
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
- Google Certified Educator
These credentials highlight your dedication to your field and readiness to take on specialized tasks. By including a certifications and training section, students ensure these achievements are noticed by potential employers or faculty.
Example of a certifications & training section
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Issued by: Coursera
Completed 2023
First Aid and CPR Certification
Issued by: American Red Cross
Expires 2024
Adobe Certified Associate in Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator
Issued by: Adobe
Issued 2022
AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials
Issued by: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Completed 2021
Introduction to Programming with Python
Issued by: EdX/MITx
(Completed 2023)
For additional inspiration, explore our collection of professional resume examples to see how different jobs and skills can be showcased to potential employers.
List your most relevant skills
As a college student, showcasing both technical and soft skills is key to standing out. Technical skills, like using software such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop, can highlight your ability to handle practical tasks efficiently.
If you have artistic abilities—such as graphic design, writing, or photography—these can set you apart in creative projects or team collaborations. Adding these skills to a dedicated skills section on your resume ensures they’re easy for employers to spot.
Soft skills are just as important because they show how you work with others and approach challenges. Skills like time management, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability demonstrate that you’re ready for the demands of academic life and work environments.
Pairing these qualities with examples from your experience can make them even stronger. For instance, mentioning how teamwork helped finish a group project on time mixes your skill into an accomplishment.
To make your resume more impactful, weave these skills into bullet points under the “Experience” section instead of relying only on lists. For example, “Used Canva to design marketing flyers for campus events” combines technical knowledge with real-world application.
Bringing together technical and soft skills in different sections lets potential employers see your well-rounded capabilities clearly without needing extra explanation.
For college students, a resume format that highlights education, skills, and relevant experience is ideal for showcasing academic achievements and relevant abilities.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is an introduction section on a resume that helps hiring managers quickly understand who you are. It’s key to decide whether to use a summary or an objective based on your experience level and what you want to communicate.
A professional summary consists of three to four sentences showcasing your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s best for those with some work experience as it highlights your professional accomplishments and the value you bring.
In contrast, a resume objective is a statement about your career goals. It’s ideal for entry-level applicants, career changers, or those with employment gaps. Unlike summaries, objectives focus on “what I aim to contribute,” helping employers see your future potential.
We’ll provide examples of both summaries and objectives tailored to different fields, giving you ideas on how to present yourself effectively as a college student entering the job market.
College student resume summary examples
Computer science
Recent Bachelor of Science in computer science graduate with foundational skills in programming languages such as Java and Python. Completed internships focused on software development and database management, improving knowledge in coding practices and teamwork dynamics. Eager to contribute to agile projects and apply analytical skills in a tech-driven environment.
Marketing
Motivated marketing student with hands-on experience in digital advertising and brand strategy through academic projects and internships. Proven ability to boost online engagement using targeted social media campaigns. Familiar with Google Ads and skilled in market research, competitor analysis, and collaborating across teams to enhance brand presence.
Information technology
Detail-oriented college student with academic and internship experience in project coordination and IT systems. Skilled in organizing tasks, supporting cross-functional teams, and managing timelines for group projects and tech initiatives. Familiar with project management principles and tools, with a strong interest in strategic planning, risk assessment, and team collaboration to drive successful outcomes.
College student resume objective examples
Software development
Diligent college student with a strong background in computer science and hands-on experience in coding and software development projects. Seeking an entry-level software developer role to apply technical skills and collaborate with innovative teams to create impactful solutions.
Business
Motivated business student seeking an internship or entry-level opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Eager to contribute strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills to support team goals and gain hands-on experience in business operations, marketing, or finance.
Psychology
Goal-oriented recent psychology graduate aiming to use research knowledge and communication expertise in an entry-level human resources position. Committed to improving organizational culture by supporting talent acquisition processes and fostering employee well-being.
Need help making your resume? Try our Resume Builder to easily create a professional-looking resume that can help you get noticed by employers.
Showcase your accomplishments and publications
Listing publications, conference presentations, and research accomplishments is a strong way for college students to showcase their academic skills and experience. Adding a publications and presentations section highlights your work and illustrates your ability to contribute to your field.
When you list peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference papers, it helps others appreciate the depth of your knowledge. Format these entries properly by including citation details like journal name, volume, issue, and year using guides such as APA or MLA.
Including major awards, grants, and fellowships in this section further strengthens your resume by showing your research credibility. It indicates to employers or academic institutions that your work is recognized in the field. If you’ve received any research support or accolades, mention them clearly under this section.
Consider adding links to online research profiles like Google Scholar or ORCID if you have them; these provide easy access to your complete body of work and make it simple for others to verify what you’ve accomplished. By organizing these elements well, you’ll create a compelling narrative about your academic journey as a college student.
Example of publications section
Publications
Smith, A. (2024). Sustainable Marketing Strategies for Gen Z Consumers. Undergraduate Research Journal, University of XYZ.
Doe, J. & Lee, M. (2023). Analyzing Consumer Behavior Using Social Media Data. Proceedings of the Student Research Symposium, ABC University.
Gonzalez, R. (2025). The Effects of Microfinance on Small Business Growth in Latin America. Business & Society Student Journal, Vol. 12(3), pp. 45–52.
Nguyen, T. (2023). Corporate Social Responsibility in the Tech Industry: A Comparative Study. Published in the Undergraduate Business Review, University of ABC.
Pick a clean and simple resume template with clear sections for easy reading, and steer clear of flashy fonts or cluttered designs that might distract from your skills and work history.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my college student resume?
Yes, adding a cover letter to your college student resume can help your application stand out. A cover letter lets you show your excitement for the role and link your academic achievements with the needed skills.
Use it to explain why you’re drawn to that specific company or industry, and how your studies or extracurriculars have prepared you for it.
For example, if you’re applying for an internship at a tech firm, talk about relevant projects or skills gained from classes or campus clubs.
Think about using online resources like our cover letter examples and Cover Letter Generator to create a personalized message that pairs well with your resume.
How long should a college student’s resume be?
For a college student, sticking to a one-page resume is ideal. With limited professional experience, focus on emphasizing your education, internships, part-time work, coursework that applies directly to the role, and any leadership roles or campus activities.
Highlight skills and accomplishments tied to the job or internship you’re aiming for. Keep your points clear with bullet formatting and concise descriptions.
If you’re unsure about formatting or whether a two-page resume might be better later in your career, check out our guide on how long a resume should be.
How do you write a college student resume with no experience?
When crafting a resume as a college student without professional experience, emphasize your education, extracurricular activities, and any relevant skills for employers. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Emphasize education: Start by listing your degree program, major, expected graduation date, and any academic honors. Include relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your knowledge in specific areas related to the field you’re interested in.
- Highlight extracurricular involvement: Mention clubs, organizations, or volunteer work where you’ve held leadership roles or contributed significantly. This shows initiative and teamwork skills, which are valuable in any role.
- Showcase transferable skills: Even without formal work experience, you likely have developed transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, or time management through schoolwork and activities.
- Include internships or part-time jobs: If you’ve had any internships or part-time positions—even if they’re not directly related to your desired career—these experiences can demonstrate responsibility and dedication.
Remember to tailor your resume for each opportunity by aligning your skills and experiences with the job description. Explore our guide on how to write a resume with no experience for additional tips and examples.
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Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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