How to Write a Resume for Universities

Crafting a compelling resume as a student can feel daunting, especially if you have limited work experience. However, with the right approach, you can create a resume that highlights your strengths and catches the attention of employers. A well-structured student resume focuses on your education, skills, and any relevant experiences, even if they’re unpaid or extracurricular.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• How to Choose the Right Resume Format
• What to Include in Your Contact Information
• Writing a Strong Objective or Summary Statement
• Highlighting Your Education
• Showcasing Your Work Experience
• Listing Relevant Skills
• Proofreading Your Resume
• Student Resume Example

Why is a Student Resume Important?

A student resume is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers or internship coordinators. It’s a snapshot of your academic achievements, skills, and experiences that demonstrate your potential to contribute to their organization. Even if you don’t have extensive work experience, a well-crafted resume can showcase your transferable skills, enthusiasm, and readiness to learn.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Student Resume

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

For students, a one-page resume is ideal. Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings to make it easy for employers to scan. Focus on the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Objective or Summary Statement
• Education
• Work Experience
• Skills
• Additional Sections (e.g., Awards, Extracurricular Activities)

Avoid clutter and ensure there’s enough white space to make your resume visually appealing.

2. Include Your Contact Information

Start your resume with a header that includes:

• Full Name (Make it the largest text on the page)
• City and Province
• Phone Number
• Professional Email Address
• LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio Link (if applicable)

Example:

Emily Carter  
Toronto, Ontario  
(555) 123-4567  
emily.carter@email.com  
linkedin.com/in/emilycarter

3. Write a Strong Objective or Summary Statement

This is a brief statement (1–2 sentences) that highlights your career goals and what you bring to the table. Tailor it to the specific job or internship you’re applying for.

Example:

"Motivated third-year Business Administration student with a strong academic record and experience in customer service. Seeking an internship to apply my problem-solving and communication skills in a dynamic team environment."

4. Highlight Your Education

As a student, your education is one of your strongest assets. Include:

• School Name and Location
• Degree or Program
• Expected Graduation Date (or “Ongoing” if you’re still studying)
• GPA (if above 3.5)
• Relevant Coursework
• Academic Achievements (e.g., Dean’s List, Scholarships)

Example:

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario  
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Expected Graduation: May 2025  
GPA: 3.8 | Dean’s List (2022–2024)  
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development

5. Showcase Your Work Experience

Even if you don’t have formal work experience, include internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible.

Example:

Marketing Intern | XYZ Company, Toronto, Ontario | May–Aug 2023  
- Assisted in creating social media campaigns, increasing engagement by 25%.  
- Conducted market research to identify new customer segments.  
- Collaborated with a team to develop a content calendar for Instagram.

6. List Relevant Skills

Include a mix of hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (personal traits). Tailor this section to the job description.

Example:

Technical Skills: Python, Java, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop  
Soft Skills: Teamwork, Time Management, Problem Solving, Communication

7. Add Additional Sections

If you have space, include sections like:

• Awards and Achievements
• Extracurricular Activities
• Certifications
• Languages

Example:

Awards:  
- Dean’s List, University of Toronto (2022–2024)  
- Winner, 2023 Hackathon at TechFest  

Extracurricular Activities:  
- President, Computer Science Club  
- Volunteer Tutor, Local Community Center

8. Proofread Your Resume

Before submitting your resume:

• Check for spelling and grammar errors.
• Ensure consistent formatting (e.g., bullet points, font size).
• Ask a friend, mentor, or career advisor to review it.

Student Resume Example

Here’s an example of a well-structured student resume:

Toronto, Ontario | (555) 123-4567 | emily.carter@email.com | linkedin.com/in/emilycarter  

**Objective**  
Motivated third-year Business Administration student with a strong academic record and experience in customer service. Seeking an internship to apply my problem-solving and communication skills in a dynamic team environment.  

**Education**  
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario  
Bachelor of Business Administration | Expected Graduation: May 2025  
GPA: 3.8 | Dean’s List (2022–2024)  
Relevant Coursework: Marketing Principles, Financial Accounting, Business Communication  

**Experience**  
Marketing Intern | XYZ Company, Toronto, Ontario | May–Aug 2023  
- Assisted in creating social media campaigns, increasing engagement by 25%.  
- Conducted market research to identify new customer segments.  
- Collaborated with a team to develop a content calendar for Instagram.  

Volunteer Tutor | Local Community Center, Toronto, Ontario | Sept 2022–Present  
- Tutored high school students in math and science, improving their grades by an average of 15%.  
- Organized study groups and provided one-on-one support.  

**Skills**  
- Technical: Microsoft Office, Google Analytics, Canva  
- Soft: Communication, Teamwork, Time Management  

**Awards & Achievements**  
- Dean’s List, University of Toronto (2022–2024)  
- Winner, 2023 Case Competition at Business Symposium  

**Extracurricular Activities**  
- Vice President, Business Students’ Association  
- Member, University Debate Team

FAQs About Student Resumes

Q: How do I write a resume with no work experience?

A: Focus on your education, volunteer work, internships, and extracurricular activities. Highlight transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Q: Should I include my GPA on my resume?

A: Only include your GPA if it’s above 3.5 or if the job posting specifically asks for it.

Q: How long should my resume be?

A: As a student, keep your resume to one page. Only go to two pages if you have extensive relevant experience.

Q: Can I include high school achievements on my resume?

A: If you’re a first- or second-year student, you can include high school achievements. For upper-year students, focus on college or university experiences.

Q: What if I haven’t graduated yet?

A: List your expected graduation date and use “Ongoing” to indicate that you’re still studying.

Key Takeaways

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job or internship application.
• Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
• Keep It Concise: Stick to one page and include only the most relevant information.
• Proofread: Ensure your resume is error-free and professionally formatted.

Final Thoughts

Writing a student resume doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on your education, skills, and any relevant experiences, you can create a resume that stands out to employers. Remember, your resume is a reflection of your potential—so take the time to make it shine!