You’re about to write a college student resume. Whether you’re looking for a college internship in your field or a part-time job to help pay tuition, you’re ready to balance work and school. However—
To get your college job, you’ll need a resume for college student that’s damn compelling and dressed to the nines. But don’t worry.
One of our users, Brittanya, had this to say:
Zety really helped me create the best resume possible. It pointed out how things could be better on my existing resume and suggested many things to be re-worded or removed.
College Student Resume Example Clarice Zelmaski
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
123-456-7890
claricezelmask@example.com
linkedin.com/in/clarice.zelmaski
Resume Objective
Motivated college student with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Montana State University, Bozeman, seeking an internship opportunity with Synthex Inc. to use interpersonal and communication skills to help create effective social campaigns. Experienced in project planning, time management, and problem-solving, with notable achievements in research projects and the workplace.
Experience
Research Intern
Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
June 2019–August 2019
Conducted research on the effects of media on society using SPSS and Excel to analyze data drawn from primary sources. Developed survey forms for data collection while collaborating with professors and other interns on assigned project tasks. Assisted professor in teaching sociology classes, including setting up classroom materials and preparing lectures. Graded papers and provided feedback to students. Key Achievement:
Drafted an independent research paper that was published at an academic journal conference held at Stanford University in May 2020. Hospitality Intern
The Baxter Hotel, Bozeman, MT
July 2017–August 2017
Assisted guests during their stay by answering questions, providing directions, and resolving complaints in a professional manner. Provided customer service support for hotel amenities such as restaurant reservations, laundry services, transportation arrangements, etc. Collaborated with front desk staff to fulfill requests quickly while maintaining accuracy of records according to established procedures. Key Achievement:
Received an Employee of the Month award from The Baxter Hotel for excellent customer service satisfaction ratings throughout the summer season of 2017. Education
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Montana State University Bozeman, MT
September 2016–May 2020
Relevant Extracurricular Activities
Student Ambassador Program – Montana State University (September 2018–March 2020)
Represented the university at various career fairs while delivering presentations about academic programs and campus life events. Hosted community outreach events where students had the opportunity to give back by providing donations or volunteering their time. Academic Achievement
Dean’s List Honor every semester since Fall 2016. Skills
Interpersonal & Communication Project Planning & Time Management Data Analysis & Problem-Solving Research Methods & Writing Flexible & Detail-Oriented Teamwork & Organizational Skills Customer Service & Computer Literacy Certifications
First Aid Certification American Red Cross - 2015 Awards
Best Student Paper Award – Stanford Academic Conference - May 2020 Most Outstanding Student Volunteer – MSU Community Outreach Program – December 2019 Membership
Member of the National Honors Society since 2018 Language
English (Native) Spanish (Fluent) Interests
Cooking (Culinary Certificate from Le Cordon Bleu Institute) Drawing (Awarded 1st place in sketching competition at a local art festival) Create your resume now
College Student Resume Example With Internship Experience Internships are a great way to gain professional work experience. Here’s how to include internships on a college student's resume:
Aiden J. Martinez
Mechanical Engineering Student
aiden.martinez@mail.com
(789) 012-3456
linkedin.com/in/aidenjmartinez
github.com/aidenjmartinez
Resume Objective
Enthusiastic and detail-oriented mechanical engineering student with 1 year of internship experience designing and testing mechanical systems. Strong foundation in CAD software, thermal analysis, and project management. Successfully completed a design project for an automated assembly line, reducing production time by 20%. Eager to apply practical knowledge to enhance production at Deep Rock Galactic.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Expected Graduation: June 2023
GPA: 3.8Relevant Coursework: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Machine Design, Control Systems, Materials ScienceSenior Project: Developed a renewable energy-based cooling system, achieving a 15% increase in energy efficiency.Dean's List: Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2022Engineering Club: Organized workshops and participated in robotics competitions, enhancing practical engineering skills.Work Experience
Mechanical Engineering Intern
June 2021–June 2022
Innovative Engineering Solutions, San Francisco, CA
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:
Assisted in the design and development of mechanical components and systems. Conducted simulations and analyses using CAD software to evaluate design performance. Collaborated with senior engineers on project planning and implementation. Performed testing and troubleshooting of mechanical systems to ensure optimal functionality. Prepared technical documentation, including CAD drawings and engineering reports. Key Achievements:
Successfully completed a design project for an automated assembly line, reducing production time by 20%. Received commendation for excellent performance and attention to detail during the internship. Skills
Technical Documentation Project Management Thermal and Structural Analysis Problem-Solving Team Collaboration Communication Attention to Detail Time Management Adaptability Technical Skills
CAD Software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA Simulation Tools: ANSYS, MATLAB, Simulink Programming Languages: Python, C++ Hobbies & Interests
Robotics: Passionate about building and programming robots for competitions and personal projects.3D Printing: Enjoy designing and creating prototypes using 3D printing technology.Languages
English: Native Proficiency Japanese: Limited Working Proficiency Create your resume now
College Student Resume Example With Freelancing Experience It’s not uncommon for students to do odd jobs and freelancing. But many people don’t know how to show them as work experience effectively. See this college student resume sample:
Alex B. Anderson
IT College Student & Freelance Programmer
alex.anderson@mail.com
(123) 456-7890
linkedin.com/in/alexbanderson
github.com/alexbanderson
Resume Summary
Motivated and innovative IT college student with 2 years of freelancing experience as a programmer. Proficient in JavaScript, Python, and SQL programming languages with a strong foundation in software development, web development, and database management. Developed an e-commerce website for a small business, increasing their online sales by 25%. Expected to graduate in June 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.
Freelancing Experience
Freelance Programmer
January 2021–March 2023
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:
Developed and maintained websites and web applications for various clients. Designed and implemented database solutions to support web and software applications. Collaborated with clients to gather requirements and provide regular progress updates. Conducted testing and debugging to ensure optimal performance and user experience. Utilized version control systems (Git) to manage code and track project changes. Key Achievements:
Successfully completed 15+ freelance projects, receiving positive feedback from all clients. Improved client satisfaction by delivering projects 10% ahead of schedule on average. Developed an e-commerce website for a small business, increasing their online sales by 25%. Education
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Expected Graduation: June 2023
GPA: 3.6Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development, Database Systems, Cybersecurity, Software EngineeringSenior Project: Developed a web-based project management tool, enhancing team collaboration and productivity.Dean's List: Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2022Tech Club: Organized coding bootcamps and hackathons, fostering a collaborative learning environment.Technical Skills
Programming Languages: JavaScript, Python, HTML, CSS, SQL, PHP Frameworks & Libraries: React, Node.js, Django, Bootstrap Database Management: MySQL, MongoDB Web Development: Front-end and Back-end Development Version Control: Git, GitHub Software Development: Agile Methodologies, Debugging, Testing Projects
Web-Based Project Management Tool
Designed and developed a web-based project management tool for a senior project. Implemented features for task tracking, team collaboration, and progress visualization. Conducted user testing to gather feedback and improve the tool’s usability. E-Commerce Website Development
Developed a custom e-commerce website for a small business client. Implemented payment gateway integration, product management, and user authentication. Optimized website performance, resulting in a 25% increase in online sales. Soft Skills
Problem-Solving Team Collaboration Communication Time Management Adaptability Attention to Detail Create your resume now
College Student Resume Example With Full-Time Work Experience Working full-time while studying is tough as nails, but if you’re one of these tough college students, you’re at a massive advantage. Provided you write your college student resume like this sample:
Emily R. Johnson
Hospitality Management Student
emily.johnson@mail.com
(345) 678-9012
linkedin.com/in/emilyrjohnson
Resume Summary
Dedicated and customer-focused hospitality management student with 4 years of work experience in hotel settings. Proven ability to manage front desk operations, enhance guest satisfaction, and oversee event coordination. Developed a comprehensive guest satisfaction program, resulting in a 15% increase in positive feedback for a local hotel. Implemented a new check-in process, reducing guest wait times by 20%.
Work Experience
Front Desk Supervisor
June 2021–July 2022
Luxury Stay Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:
Supervised front desk staff, ensuring excellent customer service and efficient operations. Handled guest check-ins and check-outs, addressing any issues or special requests. Managed reservations, ensuring accurate bookings and availability. Trained new front desk employees on hotel procedures and customer service standards. Assisted in coordinating events and functions hosted by the hotel. Key Achievements:
Implemented a new check-in process, reducing guest wait times by 20%. Received the "Employee of the Month" award twice for outstanding performance and dedication. Enhanced guest satisfaction scores by 15% through personalized service and attention to detail. Guest Services Associate
June 2019–June 2021
Comfort Inn, Los Angeles, CA
Key Qualifications:
Consistently received positive feedback from guests for exceptional customer service. Played a key role in achieving a 10% increase in repeat bookings through effective guest relationship management. Developed a guest feedback system, leading to a 12% improvement in service quality. Education
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Expected Graduation: June 2023
Relevant Coursework: Hotel Operations, Event Planning, Customer Service Management, Hospitality Marketing, Financial Management Senior Project: Developed a comprehensive guest satisfaction program, resulting in a 15% increase in positive feedback for a local hotel. Dean's List: Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2022 Hospitality Club: Organized industry networking events and workshops, enhancing practical knowledge and professional connections. Skills
Hotel Management Software: Opera, RoomKeyPMS, Cloudbeds Event Planning Tools: Cvent, Social Tables Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint Point of Sale (POS) Systems Customer Service Excellence Team Collaboration Problem-Solving Time Management Communication Certifications
Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS), April 2022 Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP), January 2021 Projects
Guest Satisfaction Program
Designed and implemented a comprehensive guest satisfaction program for a local hotel. Conducted surveys and analyzed feedback to identify areas for improvement. Implemented changes based on feedback, resulting in a 15% increase in positive guest reviews. Languages
English: Native Proficiency Spanish: Full Working Proficiency French: Conversational Proficiency Create your resume now
Resume Templates for College Students Based on the analysis of 11 million resumes made in the Zety Resume Builder, college students choose these 3 student resume templates the most.
Concept The "Concept" eye-catching resume template available in our builder is an excellent choice for a student resume with no experience. The Skills and Expertise sections are prominently displayed, ensuring they capture the attention of every recruiter immediately!
Cascade Admire the clever bar graph of this unique resume template , which showcases your skills and language proficiencies and is complemented by a handy sidebar. The navy blue column features subtle shading for a refined look, and the text is extra readable in black on white.
Diamond It closely resembles a standard Word resume template but with a twist. The dark header area and small icons distinguishing each section make it both visually appealing and highly readable. This template is ideal for a college student's resume or an academic CV .
How to Write a College Student Resume: 1. Use the Right College Student Resume Format Remember double spacing and 12pt fonts from English Composition I? Formatting rules apply here, too. Here’s how to format college student resume template:
How many pages should a resume be ? One. Once you build up plenty of relevant experience , it can hit two pages or longer . For now, keep it brief. The purpose of a resume is to show recruiters that your application is relevant to the opening. Too much information can only backfire.
Make sure you include these resume parts :
Header: name plus contact information (include an optimized LinkedIn profile ).Introduction: either an objective or a summary of your qualifications.Education: include a lot of information about your academic achievements.Experience: if you have it, show your best accomplishments.Skills: include the ones the company asks for in their job ad.Other sections: volunteering, hobbies, certifications, or other things that enhance your college student resume.2. Highlight Education on a College Student Resume Would you listen to an English professor who constantly made grammatical errors? It’s similar here. The hiring manager will pass you by if you submit a college student resume with a poorly written education section. Listing your education correctly is crucial. What you need are:
Finally, at this stage of your life, your academic section is probably more impressive than your work history section, so put it on top below your resume heading statement.
Pro Tip: Instead of adding a date (“expected graduation : 2024”), you can try using credits (“Completed 50 credits toward BS in Science”).
3. Include Relevant Experience in a College Student Resume The NCES says employment rates for bachelor’s holders were higher in 2000 than in 2017. But there were 50% more bachelor’s students during that time. With more of you competing for employment and fewer jobs to go around, it’s an uphill battle.
So, if you have relevant experience , like an internship, write a work history section sure to put you at the head of the class. To customize your resume work experience section:
Always double or even triple-check what the job ad you’re targeting says about the expectations. Once you know what the employer wants, you’ll be able to target every resume keyword easily.
This is what responsibilities for a resume could look like for a college student with front desk supervision experience:
College Student Keywords for a Resume
Managed front desk operations efficiently, handling check-ins, reservations, and guest inquiries with professionalism and courtesy. Trained and supervised a team of student workers, ensuring adherence to hospitality standards and providing ongoing support and guidance. Utilized communication skills to liaise effectively with guests, resolving issues promptly and maintaining positive guest relations. Implemented organizational skills to maintain scheduling, oversee shift rotations, and ensure coverage during peak times. Demonstrated proficiency in using reservation and check-in software systems, optimizing efficiency and accuracy in guest management. Coordinated with other departments to facilitate seamless guest experiences, including housekeeping and maintenance teams. Implemented strategies to improve guest satisfaction scores, leading initiatives such as guest feedback collection and service enhancements. Also, remember to use action verbs to make your achievements shine much brighter. Here are some common action verbs for college student resumes:
College Student Resume Action Verbs
Managed Led Developed Implemented Supported Analyzed Created Improved Designed Collaborated Organized Resolved Executed 4. List Skills on a Resume for College Students You’ve got some mad skills. But guess what? So do all your college student competitors. Show them you’re the summa cum laude candidate while the others are subpar by listing the best skills to include on a resume . Which skills, though?
Begin with a basic skills list, and include both hard skills and soft skills :
Hard skills are those you learn (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)Soft skills are those you develop throughout life (e.g., creative thinking skills).Here are the most popular college student resume skills:
College Student Resume Skills
Finally, play nice with the ATS. The applicant tracking system is software that allows larger companies, recruiters, and hiring agencies to manage the barrage of resumes they receive each day.
HR staff scan each resume into the program. Then, they ask it to find resumes that have specific resume keywords . In return, they get a score back based on each applicant’s match to the job description. To ensure your college student resume is ATS compatible , follow the wording in the job ad.
By reviewing 11 million resumes made in our builder, we discovered that:
College students typically include an average of 14 skills on their resumes. Among the top skills frequently listed by college students are digital media, Microsoft Office, faculty support, paper writing, and teamwork and collaboration. College students tend to create resumes spanning about 1.6 pages in length. 5. Add Other Sections to Your College Student Resume From your clothing to your car to your friendly smile, making yourself unique is easy to do in person on the university campus. But on a college student's resume, it’s a different story. Those last few sections were part of the core curriculum, meaning every college student included them on their resumes.
Stand out by adding a few electives—extra college student resume sections. Here are some great choices for you:
1. Certifications
Many employers give more weight to certificates than degrees, particularly in specialized fields. Include relevant certifications, such as the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) for finance or the ServSafe Food Handler Certification for food service professions.
2. Volunteer Experience
Volunteer experience always looks great on a college student resume. It allows you to highlight relevant skills and show you're a great person.
3. Language Skills
Proficiency in another language stands out like a beacon on a resume for a college student. Follow a standardized proficiency scale to ensure employers understand your knowledge.
4. Hobbies & Interests
Adding interests and hobbies on a resume for college students demonstrates soft skills like leadership and teamwork when simply listing them won’t do. The same thing goes for extracurricular activities that you engaged in as a student. It’s a great place to show rather than tell.
5. Professional Portfolio
Add your portfolio URL to the resume contact information section, which we’ll go over next. A portfolio is an awesome way to give concrete examples of your work—and bonus real estate as an addendum to your college student resume.
6. Personal Projects
Listing projects as part of your work experience section or in a separate category can beef up your resume with additional valuable information. If it's relevant, it goes on the resume. If this experience is irrelevant, leave it off your resume .
Don't list references on a resume . If employers need them, they'll ask or simply do some back-channeling.
Pro Tip: There are other sections to add to a college student resume template, such as licenses, publications, lectures, awards, etc. Choose the ones that will help you get to the college student job interview.
6. Write a Captivating College Student Resume Summary or Objective Have you ever nodded off during a lecture? Don’t let it happen here. Your college student resume introduction is the first thing they’ll see, so captivate them from the get-go.
Have you got some work experience already? Use a student resume summary . This brief paragraph provides key skills, experience, and a numbered achievement to bolster your candidacy.
But what if you have a resume for a college student with no experience? Use a resume objective . The objective informs the prospective company about your career goals. A quick glance at your education, skills, and quantifiable achievements strengthens your statement.
Here’s how to write a great resume profile :
Start with an adjective like enthusiastic or motivated . Add your title (mechanical engineering student, IT college student). List years of experience (1, 1+, 2). State your goal (apply practical knowledge to enhance production). Share your 1–2 biggest academic or work accomplishments. Remove any and all typos. Read more: Resume Introduction Examples and Tips
7. Supplement With a Matching College Student Cover Letter Sending a college student resume without a cover letter is like drinking a Red Bull before bedtime—not a bright idea.
Always submit a cover letter because more than half of all HR managers say a college student resume alone isn’t enough.
Here are several tips to ace the college student cover letter:
Start with a compelling cover letter introduction , as you did in your resume heading. Explain why you are the best candidate they could possibly hire. Prove to them how competent you are with some numbered accomplishments. Show them you want to be part of their team with enthusiasm. Close the cover letter with a powerful ending statement and strong call to action.Pro Tip: Before you send your college student resume and cover letter off, use Grammarly to check it for typos and errors. Then, ask a friend or family member to proofread your resume draft to make sure it reads well.
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
We've got more specific guides for students—check the list below to see if one applies to you:
About Zety’s Editorial Process This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.
Sources Whether you need to find a part-time job to pay for tuition or are ready to gain work experience while still studying, you need to write a college student resume.
![Cover Letter Outline as Suggested by Career Experts [+Tips]](https://cdn-images.zety.com/pages/cover_letter_outline_1.jpg?fit=crop&h=250&dpr=2)