In a job market that’s grown increasingly competitive, finding employment after graduation can be extremely challenging for students. To give yourself the best chance of landing interviews, you need an engaging resume that illustrates how the formal knowledge you’ve gained during your college career can translate to real-world business settings. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips to help you craft an accomplishment-driven resume to maximize your chances of success during the job hunt.

Key takeaways

  • Highlight academic achievements: Feature your most compelling academic projects to show the hiring manager how you’ve cultivated and applied your industry skills.
  • Feature internships and extracurricular activities: Highlight the industry experience you’ve garnered during your internships to show potential employers you can succeed in fast-paced, professional environments.
  • Optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS): Incorporate keywords from the job description to ensure compliance with ATS requirements. For instance, if you’re pursuing a career as a software developer, include programming languages that match the posting.

Student Resume Examples and Templates [Download in App]

High School Student Resume Example

Why this high school student resume example is strong:

This resume effectively highlights the candidate’s part-time work, extracurricular activities, and volunteer experience, showing a strong work ethic and transferable skills. The layout is clean, and the skills section is well-organized, making it easy for hiring managers to see relevant qualifications.

Key tip:

If you lack work experience, emphasize leadership roles, school projects, or community involvement. Learn how to present your background effectively in this guide.


Resume Example for Students With No Experience

Why this student resume example is strong:

This resume showcases academic achievements and extracurricular activities to compensate for the lack of work experience. Including relevant coursework and volunteer roles demonstrates the candidate’s skills and potential.

Key tip:

Even if you have no formal work experience, highlight projects, coursework, or volunteer efforts that show your abilities. Get additional tips in this guide.


Engineering Student Resume Example

Why this engineering student resume example is strong:

This resume highlights hands-on experience from internships, academic projects, and technical skills relevant to engineering roles. The clear structure and quantifiable achievements demonstrate the candidate’s problem-solving abilities.

Key tip:

Include internships, projects, and relevant technical skills to showcase your engineering expertise. Learn more about structuring your resume in this guide.


Cosmetology Student Resume Example

Why this cosmetology student resume example is strong:

This resume effectively showcases hands-on experience through salon internships and customer service roles. It also highlights relevant skills like hair styling, skincare, and product recommendations.

Key tip:

Mention any relevant certifications or licenses to strengthen your resume. Learn more about highlighting qualifications in this guide.


Law Student Resume Example

Why this law student resume example is strong:

This resume highlights legal internships, research experience, and analytical skills. The clear format ensures hiring managers quickly identify relevant qualifications.

Key tip:

Showcase internships and research projects that demonstrate your legal knowledge. Learn more about resume formatting in this guide.


Student Athlete Resume Example

Why this student athlete resume example is strong:

This resume highlights the candidate’s time management, teamwork, and leadership skills gained through sports. It also emphasizes relevant academic achievements and work experience.

Key tip:

Use your sports experience to showcase transferable skills like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. For more insights, check out this guide.


Student Teaching Resume Example

Why this student teaching resume example is strong:

This resume highlights hands-on teaching experience, lesson planning skills, and the ability to manage a classroom effectively. The candidate also includes relevant coursework and certifications.

Key tip:

Showcase practical teaching experience and classroom management skills. Learn more in this guide.


Medical Student Resume Example

Why this medical student resume example is strong:

This resume emphasizes clinical experience, research, and technical skills essential for medical students. The candidate also highlights patient care experience and academic excellence.

Key tip:

Include hands-on clinical experiences and research to strengthen your resume. Learn more in this guide.


Accounting Student Resume Example

Why this accounting student resume example is strong:

This resume highlights accounting internships, financial analysis skills, and relevant coursework. The candidate effectively presents their ability to handle financial records and support business operations.

Key tip:

Showcase relevant coursework and certifications to strengthen your accounting resume. Get more insights in this guide.


Computer Science Student Resume Example

Why this computer science student resume example is strong:

This resume highlights coding skills, software development projects, and technical certifications. It effectively showcases practical experience through internships and academic projects.

Key tip:

Highlight relevant technical skills and coding projects to stand out. Learn more in this guide.


Psychology Student Resume Example

Why this psychology student resume example is strong:

This resume effectively highlights research experience, counseling skills, and relevant coursework. The candidate showcases transferable skills like communication and data analysis.

Key tip:

Emphasize research experience and practical applications of psychology concepts. Learn how to structure your resume effectively in this guide.


Graphic Design Student Resume Example

Why this graphic design student resume example is strong:

This resume showcases hands-on design experience through internships, freelance work, and software proficiency. It also includes a strong portfolio link.

Key tip:

Provide a portfolio link to showcase your design work. Learn more about building a standout resume in this guide.


Journalism Student Resume Example

Why this journalism student resume example is strong:

This resume highlights writing, research, and reporting experience, as well as editorial internships. The candidate demonstrates strong communication skills.

Key tip:

Include links to published work or a writing portfolio. Get more resume tips in this guide.


Marketing Student Resume Example

Why this marketing student resume example is strong:

This resume highlights digital marketing experience, social media management, and data-driven campaign results. The candidate effectively demonstrates creativity and analytical skills.

Key tip:

Use data to showcase your marketing impact. Learn how to optimize your resume in this guide.


Environmental Science Student Resume Example

Why this environmental science student resume example is strong:

This resume showcases lab research, sustainability projects, and field experience, demonstrating a strong foundation in environmental science.

Key tip:

Include any fieldwork or research experience to stand out. Find more resume strategies in this guide.


Business Administration Student Resume Example

Why this business administration student resume example is strong:

This resume effectively highlights leadership roles, business coursework, and internship experience. The candidate demonstrates strong analytical and organizational skills.

Key tip:

Highlight leadership and project management experience to showcase your business acumen. Learn how to structure your resume in this guide.


Film Production Student Resume Example

Why this film production student resume example is strong:

This resume highlights hands-on film production experience, technical skills, and independent projects. The candidate also showcases strong teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Key tip:

Include links to your film portfolio or projects to showcase your work. Find more resume tips in this guide.


Nursing Student Resume Example

Why this nursing student resume example is strong:

This resume effectively highlights clinical experience, patient care skills, and relevant coursework. The candidate also includes important certifications.

Key tip:

Include hands-on clinical experiences to strengthen your resume. Learn more in this guide.


Political Science Student Resume Example

Why this political science student resume example is strong:

This resume highlights research, policy analysis, and public service experience, making it ideal for law or government-related careers.

Key tip:

Showcase any legislative internships or political involvement to make your resume stand out. Find more resume-building tips in this guide.


Hospitality Management Student Resume Example

Why this hospitality management student resume example is strong:

This resume showcases customer service experience, event planning, and hospitality-related coursework, making it ideal for careers in hotels, tourism, or event management.

Key tip:

Include customer service and event management experience to highlight your industry knowledge. Learn more in this guide.


Student Text-Only Resume Examples

  • High School Student
  • Engineering Student
  • Cosmetology Student
  • Law Student
  • Student Athlete
  • Student Teaching
  • Medical Student
  • Accounting Student
  • Computer Science Student
  • Psychology Student
  • Graphic Design Student
  • Journalism Student
  • Marketing Student
  • Environmental Science Student
  • Business Administration Student
  • Film Production Student
  • Nursing Student
  • Political Science Student
  • Hospitality Management Student

Michael Lee
City, ST | [email protected] | (555) 222-3333 | LinkedIn URL

Engineering student with a passion for innovation and problem-solving
Mechanical engineering student with internship experience optimizing CAD designs, improving part efficiency by 18%.

Key Skills

  • AutoCAD and SolidWorks
  • MATLAB and Python
  • Data analysis
  • Solution-seeking
  • Team collaboration

Professional Experience

Engineering Intern – ABC Manufacturing, City, ST | June 2024 – August 2025

  • Assisted in designing mechanical components using AutoCAD, improving efficiency by 15%
  • Conducted data analysis to optimize production processes

Research Assistant – University Engineering Lab, City, ST | January 2024 – present

  • Analyzed materials for a sustainability project, reducing costs by 10%

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering (Expected May 2026)
University of City, City, ST

Certifications

  • SolidWorks Certified Associate
  • Python for Engineers Certificate

How To Write a Student Resume

1. Select a suitable layout and design for your student resume

Selecting the ideal layout for your student resume is crucial. One of the primary challenges for recent graduates is compensating for a limited work history. A traditional resume template might not always be the most effective option, especially if it features a reverse chronological format. At the entry level, consider choosing a clean, hybrid resume template that allows you to prioritize academic achievements, industry skills, certifications, and internships.

2. Write an engaging profile summarizing your student qualifications

During the hiring process, first impressions are everything. In a crowded job market, you need to immediately grab the reader’s attention with a compelling opening summary that emphasizes how your qualifications align with the organization’s needs. Start with a sentence that features your field of study and three to four skills that match the job description. Use the remainder of the paragraph to highlight unique and engaging aspects of who you are as an industry professional.

For example, if you excel in developing innovative mobile applications in Python, briefly describe one of your most impressive projects in the profile. If you’ve had the opportunity to apply your skills as a financial analyst in an internship at a large firm, mention this in your summary.

Strong summary example for a student:

Motivated business student with strong analytical skills and leadership experience, seeking an internship in marketing. Skilled in data analysis, content creation, and social media management. Led a campus organization, increasing membership by 40%.

Weak summary example for a student:

I am a student studying business. I am looking for a job or internship where I can gain experience. I have taken marketing courses and enjoy working with people.

3. Incorporate a results-focused work history section for your student resume

Depending on your situation, there are a few different ways to approach this section of the resume. If you have previous internships, highlight this information first, as it shows employers that you’ve already obtained valuable practical experience in an actual business environment. That said, not every student will have the same opportunities, so another strategy might be needed.

Without an internship, it’s best to highlight your academic projects and skill sets above the work history section. This isn’t to say that you should leave a part-time college job off your resume completely, but you do need to consider what qualifications are more likely to get you hired. If an organization is looking for an entry-level engineer, they’ll be far more interested in your academic achievements than your retail sales job.

Strong experience example for a student:

Marketing Intern | ABC Marketing Agency | Chicago, IL | May 2023 – August 2023

  • Managed social media accounts, increasing engagement by 25%
  • Assisted with market research, analyzing trends that informed campaign strategies
  • Created digital content, resulting in a 10% boost in website traffic

Weak experience example for a student:

Marketing Intern | ABC Marketing Agency | Chicago, IL | May 2023 – August 2023

  • Helped with social media posts
  • Conducted research for marketing campaigns
  • Created some digital content

4. List your education and any pertinent certifications for a student

Since students may not have extensive work experience, the education section plays a key role during the hiring process. Emphasize your degree, major, and relevant coursework that aligns with the job or internship you’re applying for. You can also feature academic awards or other recognitions from your college career. If you’ve completed any certifications, such as in programming, digital marketing, or project management, include them to strengthen your application.

Education example for a student:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Texas, Austin, TX

Relevant coursework:
Data Structures, Web Development, Machine Learning, Database Management

Certifications:

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification

5. Highlight your essential abilities and technical proficiencies for a student resume

Another way to compensate for a lack of hands-on experience in your field is to provide a comprehensive list of skills. This ensures that your document is properly optimized for AI screening tools and helps demonstrate that you have the industry knowledge to succeed in the position. In addition to featuring skill sets related to your field of study, emphasize interpersonal and leadership-oriented skills to show hiring managers that you’re a versatile candidate who can excel in cross-functional, team-based environments. Below, you’ll find examples of skills to consider adding to your student resume:

Over 20 hard and soft skills for student resumes
Adobe Creative Suite Budget management
Business strategy Communication
Content creation Customer service
Data analysis Engineering
Event planning Google Analytics
Graphic design Leadership
Marketing Microsoft Office Suite
Public speaking Research skills
Social media management SQL
Team collaboration Technical writing
User experience (UX)/user interface (UI) design Web development

How To Pick the Best Student Resume Template

Choosing the right resume template is essential to making a strong first impression. A student resume should be clean, easy to read, and structured to highlight academic achievements, internships, and skills. Avoid overly creative designs that may distract from your qualifications. Instead, focus on a layout that presents your experience clearly while ensuring readability for hiring managers and ATS.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Student Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for student resumes?

Incorporating powerful action verbs is a great way to enhance your bullet points. Using proactive language allows the hiring manager to fully visualize your accomplishments. For example, let’s review these two bullet points below:

  • Helped a team of financial analysts on projects and completed a variety of tasks for data visualization efforts for a new division
  • Supported a team of financial analysts and performed complex analysis to provide actionable insights and drive data visualization efforts for a new division

While the changes between the two bullets are subtle, notice the difference between the use of “helped” and “supported” as the opening verb. The second bullet point gives the impression that the intern provided valuable contributions to the team, while the first feels much less proactive.

Action Verbs
Achieved Analyzed
Assisted Collaborated
Communicated Conducted
Coordinated Created
Delivered Designed
Developed Drove
Edited Identified
Implemented Improved
Led Managed
Organized Performed
Provided Researched

How do you align your resume with a job posting?

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics presents a complicated picture of the current job market. While nonfarm payroll employment is up as of April 2025, the unemployment rate is still 4.2%. Certain industries, such as health care and technology, are expected to grow over the next decade, while others may stagnate. No matter your long-term goals or occupation, aligning your resume with the job description is essential for differentiating yourself during the job search.

For example, if an organization is looking for an entry-level programmer with an expertise in Java, emphasize academic projects where you used this programming language to build a unique software application. If a company is targeting a junior financial analyst with a strong grasp on data visualization, emphasize your experience using tools such as Tableau and PowerBI to translate findings into actionable insights.

What is the best student resume format?

The best format for your student resume depends on how much experience you’ve garnered up to this point. If you’ve completed multiple internships, featuring your professional experience in reverse chronological order is the right idea. For others, a combination format is the better choice, as this allows you to prioritize certifications, skills, and academic projects to overcome a lack of formal, hands-on experience.

Irina Pichura

Career Coach

Irina Pichura, founder of Resumeology, is a renowned career coach with over 10 years of recruiting experience at Fortune 500 companies like Goldman Sachs and ADP, as well as startups such as Investopedia. With a degree in Psychology from Fordham University in New York City, Irina offers a unique perspective on what it takes to stand out in a competitive job market.

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