College Student Resume Examples & Templates
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Writing a resume as a college student involves showcasing your academic achievements and extracurricular involvement to position yourself as a promising candidate in the job market.
In this guide, we’ll provide college student resume examples and tips for crafting a resume that effectively showcases your relevant skills and potential.
You can edit the college student resume template below in our Resume Builder for expert insights and professionally written content suggestions.
Start by editing this example resume for a college student, or explore our library of professional resume templates for additional layout options.
Resume template for college students (text)
MARION JONES
SAN DIEGO, CA 92116
(555) 555-5555 | example@example.com | Bold Profile
RESUME OBJECTIVE
Dedicated and resourceful college student with a strong work ethic and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to education. Equipped with comprehensive knowledge of pedagogical practices and classroom management techniques. Eager to learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable insights into the industry. Seeking a teaching intern position where I can positively impact students’ academic and personal growth.
SKILLS
- Interdisciplinary teaching
- Early Intervention Program (EIP)
- Safety awareness
- Common Curriculum
- MS Office
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Research and Analysis
- Conducted in-depth research for 10 academic projects, resulting in a 90% average grade on research papers.
- Analyzed data from various sources to support arguments in essays and presentations, contributing to a 20% increase in assignment accuracy.
- Utilized advanced statistical software to interpret data, improving the quality of research findings by 15%.
Communication
- Delivered over 12 presentations to classes and at academic conferences, receiving an average score of 4.8/5 from peers and professors.
- Wrote and edited articles for the college newspaper, enhancing readership by 30% with compelling content.
- Actively participated in class discussions, contributing to a 50% increase in class participation rates.
Technology Proficiency
- Mastered various software applications, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite and specialized academic software, boosting productivity by 25%.
- Created and maintained a personal academic blog, attracting over 1,000 monthly visitors and demonstrating practical content management skills.
- Developed a database management system for a student organization, improving data retrieval and accuracy by 40%.
WORK HISTORY
UC SAN DIEGO
Teacher Assistant | San Diego, CA | June 2024 – Current
SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Teacher Intern | San Diego, CA | January 2024 – May 2024
EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA | Expected in June 2025
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
- GPA: 3.8
- Relevant coursework: Educational Psychology, Curriculum Development, Classroom Management, Educational Technology.
- College Student Education Association
Important resume sections
Contact details
Add your contact information to the top of your resume so that hiring managers can reach you to schedule an interview.
Include your full name, city, state and ZIP code, followed by your phone number and professional email address.
Add your LinkedIn profile and professional website (if you have them) last. See how to write a resume for additional guidance while crafting your college student resume.
Professional summary
Your resume summary is where you introduce yourself to the hiring manager and highlight your top qualifications for the job in three to five sentences.
Your college student resume should include a professional summary with job-relevant skills and one or two measurable accomplishments from your academic career or work experience.
Here is an example college student resume summary:
Resourceful and detail-oriented economics major at the University of Chicago. Proven track record of leadership in student government and analytical skills demonstrated through a successful internship with a leading financial consultancy. Skilled in data analysis, project management, and strategic planning. Adept at building collaborative relationships to drive projects forward and achieve goals. Eager to leverage academic knowledge and real-world experience in an entry-level analyst position.
See our student resume examples for more resume summary samples and guidance on articulating career aspirations and qualifications to potential employers.
Skills
An effective college student resume will feature a mixture of hard skills and soft skills related to the internship or role you are applying for.
It’s important to list skills that are both relevant to the job you’re applying for and reflective of your capabilities. Here are some examples of skills that can make your resume stand out:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Time management
If you have limited work experience, you can list skills that you developed during your academic career. Scan the job description closely for required skills that align with your abilities.
Work history
For college students, a variety of experiences can be relevant and valuable when listed as work experience on a resume. Here are some common types of experiences you could mention:
- Internships: Paid or unpaid positions that relate to your field of study or career interests provide practical skills and are often highly valued by employers.
- Part-time jobs: Jobs held during the school year or over summer breaks that demonstrate work ethic and time management.
- Volunteer work: Positions in non-profits, community organizations or events that highlight your commitment to community service.
- Research projects: Independent or supervised research, often connected to your academic field.
- Work-study positions: Jobs offered through college work-study programs that provide financial aid while you work part-time, often on campus.
- Leadership roles in clubs: Positions such as president, treasurer or committee head in student organizations highlight leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Teaching assistantships: Roles assisting professors or teachers, often involving leading discussion sections, grading or tutoring.
Learn how to write work experience on a resume for additional guidance on detailing your academic or professional experience.
Education
A strong resume education section is crucial for college students as it highlights your academic background and credentials, which are often your primary qualifications at this career stage.
Begin with the name of the university or college you are attending, including the city and state. Specify the degree you are pursuing and list your major, minor and relevant coursework.
Highlight scholarships, awards and honors such as Dean’s List, cum laude distinctions or scholarships. Mention any significant academic projects or research relevant to your target job.
Include leadership roles or involvement in campus organizations if they are related to the job or demonstrate transferable skills. For guidance, see our resume example for a college student.
See why My Perfect Resume is a 5-star resume builder
Action words for your resume
Strong action verbs are crucial for making your resume more engaging and dynamic. Here are a few examples for your college student resume:
- Achieved
- Adapted
- Analyzed
- Communicated
- Completed
- Contributed
- Created
- Demonstrated
- Developed
- Implemented
- Improved
- Led
- Organized
- Participated
- Researched
- Resolved
- Supported
See our Harvard resume guide for tips on crafting a compelling resume that features powerful action verbs, essential skills and key qualifications.
Best skills for your resume
Make sure the resume skills you include on your college student resume are relevant to the job description and what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Below are a few examples.
- Empathy and active listening
- Networking and relationship-building
- Adaptability and cultural awareness
- Customer service and client management
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Familiarity with programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++)
- Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata)
- Knowledge of graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Data collection and analysis
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Experience conducting academic research
- Ability to synthesize information
- Time management and ability to meet deadlines
- Project management and planning
- Event coordination and management
- Detail-oriented and efficient in managing tasks
Browse our 800+ resume examples for professional resume samples for different job titles and industries to get inspired.
Certifications for your resume
Including certifications on a college resume can greatly enhance your candidacy by demonstrating specific skills and expertise that are relevant to the job you’re targeting.
Here are some common types of certifications that are valuable for college students to include:
Industry-specific certifications:
- Finance: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I for those who have started the certification process.
- IT and Cybersecurity: CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
- Engineering: AutoCAD certification, Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA).
Technical certifications:
- Software Development: Certifications in programming languages like Python, Java or platforms like AWS Certified Developer.
- Graphic Design: Adobe Certified Expert (ACE).
- Data Analysis: Data Analyst Associate, certifications in statistical tools like SAS Certified Base Programmer.
Language Proficiency Certifications:
- TOEFL/IELTS: For non-native English speakers.
- DELE: Spanish language proficiency.
- DELF/DALF: French language proficiency.
Pair your resume with a matching cover letter
FAQ
What is the best format for a college student resume?
The best resume format for a college student depends on the level of work experience you have and the job you are applying for. Here are a few tips to consider:
- The chronological resume format is best for students with a solid track record of relevant work experiences, internships or part-time jobs.
- The functional resume format is best for students with limited work experience, gaps in their work history or who are changing fields.
- The combination resume format is best for students with some relevant work experience and specific skills that are highly relevant to the jobs they are applying for.
It is important to choose the format that best showcases your strengths and aligns with your career goals and the job you are applying for.
How do you write a resume as a college student with no experience?
Writing a resume as a college student with no formal work experience requires focusing on academic achievements, skills extracurricular activities and volunteer experiences.
As your major selling point, list your educational background prominently. Highlight the skills you’ve developed through your coursework, projects or hobbies that are relevant to the job.
Include involvement in clubs, organizations or sports, especially where you held leadership roles or contributed significantly.
List any relevant certifications or online courses that supplement your education. For additional guidance, see how to write a resume without experience.
How long should a college student’s resume be?
For college students, the ideal length for a resume is typically one page. This length is sufficient to showcase your education, skills, relevant projects and extracurricular activities.
Employers often prefer concise resumes that quickly highlight a candidate’s qualifications. A one-page resume helps you present your information in a clear, direct manner.
If you have an extensive array of highly relevant experiences and accomplishments that cannot be effectively condensed into one page, it may then be appropriate to extend to two pages.
Although it is generally rare for undergraduate students to require two pages, we recommend exploring how long a resume should be to determine the ideal length for your resume.
Should I put my GPA on my resume?
Whether to include your GPA on your resume as a college student depends on a few factors, primarily how strong it is and how relevant it is to the jobs you’re applying for.
If your GPA is high (typically 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale), including it can demonstrate your academic ability and dedication. It’s particularly useful if you lack extensive work experience.
If your GPA is not particularly strong (commonly considered below a 3.0), it might be best to leave it off. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills, projects and experiences.
Some employers, especially in fields like finance, consulting or engineering, may require applicants to list their GPA in the job posting. If so, ensure that you include it on your resume.
Should I put education at the top or bottom of my resume?
Education should typically be listed at the top of a college student’s resume. Many recruiters expect to see it listed near the top for students and recent graduates.
Relevant education demonstrates your knowledge and preparedness for the specific role you are applying for, even without extensive professional experience.
Always tailor the placement and content of your education section based on how relevant it is to the job for which you are applying.
As you gain more professional experience, reevaluate the placement of your education section. Over time, it may make sense to move it lower on the resume to focus on work experience.
Best practices
- Use measurable achievements to describe your abilities and academic experience.
- Use action verbs to make an impact on your resume.
- Tailor your resume to your target job. A customized resume is an excellent way to stand out to potential employers and land an interview.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume.
- Format your resume so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
- Don’t include irrelevant personal information such as age or hobbies unrelated to your goals.
- Don’t use a generic resume template. Instead, tailor your resume to each specific application and review our resume format guide.
- Don’t use unprofessional email addresses or inappropriate language in your resume.
- Don’t lie about your academic or professional experiences and skills.
- Don’t forget to proofread. Use our ATS Resume Checker to scan your resume for common errors.
Interview tips
Research before your interview
Before your job interview, do your due diligence and check the organization’s website. Read through their mission statement and vision and learn more about the following areas:
- History and culture: Understand the origins, mission, values and culture of the company. This can help you align your answers to reflect the company’s ethos.
- Products and services: Learn about the company, its key products or services and any new developments or launches.
- Leadership team: Know the top executives and their backgrounds, especially if you’re interviewing with one of them.
Researching thoroughly before a job interview is crucial for showing your preparedness, enthusiasm and fit for the position and the company.
Practice your answers
Put together a list of questions that the interviewer might ask and practice your answers with someone you trust or in front of a mirror.
Some commonly asked questions during job interviews include:
- Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
- Why did you choose this career?
- What motivates you to do a good job?
It’s always a good idea to prepare answers for some possible behavioral interview questions the hiring manager might ask, such as:
- How have you motivated others?
- Describe a time when you used written communication to make a point.
- Describe a time when you needed to cope with a stressful scenario.
Explore everything you need to know about the STAR method to practice for your interview.
Prepare questions to ask during the interview
Turn your interview into a conversation by asking the hiring manager questions about the organization, culture and expectations. Here are a few examples:
- Can you describe a typical day or week in this position?
- What are the immediate challenges of the role that need to be addressed?
- Can you describe the work culture in the department?
- How does this position contribute to the company’s goals and objectives?
- Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?
- How is performance typically measured and reviewed here?
It’s also important to tailor your questions based on what was discussed during the interview, as well as your specific interests and concerns.
Gather references
Have professional references ready during your interview. It comes in handy, especially if the hiring manager offers you the job on the spot.
As a college student, selecting the right references is crucial to supporting your job application. They can provide potential employers with insight into your character, skills and potential.
Consider asking professors, academic supervisors or coaches if they are willing to be your references. Keep your references informed about your job search progress and outcomes.
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Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches. She is passionate about delivering information that empowers job seekers to achieve their professional goals.
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