• Career Development

How to List Education in Progress on Your Resume (+ Examples)

Marsha Hebert, professional resume writer

10 min read

A man sitting outside in front of some windows using his Apple laptop.

Are you unsure about how to list your in-progress education on your resume? Many people are, including current students, students taking online classes, and people taking a break from their degree programs.

Is it acceptable to include unfinished degrees on a resume?

ZipJob’s career experts agree that education in progress should usually be included on a resume. A degree in progress is still important to employers, as well as a degree that was started and holds relevance to a position. However, it needs to be included in an honest way so it’s an accurate reflection of your learning and accomplishments.

If you’re currently pursuing a degree, here is how you can list education in progress on your resume – plus some examples for you to use as templates on your own resume.

Key Takeaway

KEY TAKEAWAY: Are you working on a degree and want to tell prospective employers about your efforts? These tips can help you to list your in-progress education on your resume.

How to list education in progress on a resume

There are two things you need to learn if you want to know how to list education in progress on your resume. The first is how to provide that information in a way that clearly conveys your education status to an employer. The second is where to place that information in the body of your resume. With respect to the how, there are a few different ways to convey these details. There are only a couple of basic rules to follow when you list these education details:

Be as clear as possible. You don’t want to give the employer the wrong impression, after all. If you have completed one degree and are pursuing advanced education, be sure to clearly state that fact. If your degree is not yet complete, be clear about that as well.

Be honest. If you are in the process of withdrawing from school, don’t list that educational program. Don’t try to enhance your education section in any way. Just state the facts in an honest way.

Feel free to include in-progress university degrees , as well as online degrees that you may be pursuing. Both are popular in 2023/2024.

Resume degree in progress examples

When you include details indicating that you’re currently pursuing a degree on your resume, it’s important to provide clarity. The last thing you want is to inadvertently leave the impression that you’re trying to pretend like you’ve completed the degree. And while it might be tempting to just note that the degree is still a work-in-progress, we believe that you should be even more specific. The best way to do that is to include the anticipated graduation date.

Now, if you’re like many students, you may not be entirely sure that you’ll complete your degree by a set date. However, that shouldn’t stop you from providing an anticipated date of completion. In fact, it’s essential that you provide this information so that employers know that you’re serious about your studies. This is especially true in cases where the job you’re seeking requires that degree. Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy task to accomplish.

We wrote a good post here on how to include an MBA on a resume.

For example, check out this listing from a sample resume with a master’s degree in progress:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Human Resources Program

Dynamic University, Anytown, AnyState. Expected completion 2025

If you’re closer to graduation and are more certain about the date, you can use something like this:

Graduate Studies, Computer Engineering

XYZ University, MyCity, MyState, Graduation Date: Spring, 2024

What if I don't expect to finish the degree?

If you are taking a break from your education (or a permanent hiatus) you need to consider whether or not the coursework you did complete is relevant. Ask yourself:

Is this degree related to the job I'm applying for?

Is this degree more relevant to the job than my other relevant experience including jobs, volunteer work, or certifications?

Is this in-progress degree recent enough? (Can I still remember what I learned? Has a lot changed in the industry since I learned it?)

Is having a degree required for this job?

While you should never lie about having a degree you don't have, including any progress made toward a required degree may help you reach the interview stage. The trick is you have to be qualified for the job in every other aspect. If you don't have an MBA, but you do have 10+ years in the business field, you may still have a shot at landing the interview.

To accurately represent this on your resume, don't include a prospective graduation date. Instead, try including the number of credits and the years you attended.

University of California, Riverside (2019 to 2021) | Riverside, CA

36 units toward a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies

EXPERT TIP: View 200+ more professional resume samples for all industries, along with a guide to writing resumes from our career experts.

Should I include other information about my degree?

You may want to consider whether you should list relevant coursework and major projects on your resume. In general, work experience is more compelling than education, but either way, adding classes that you’ve taken or capstone-type projects can elevate your resume with more relevant keywords.

Relevant coursework

Adding relevant coursework to the education section of your resume can be a great idea, especially if you lack the professional experience needed to set you apart from other job seekers. The great thing about adding coursework is that you can include it whether you’ve finished your degree or not. Here’s what it would look like:

Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies | University of Chicago (GPA: 3.89) 

Relevant Coursework: Media Technology, Games Culture, Intercultural Communication, Web Design, Advanced Video Production, Multimedia Performance, and Strategic Social Media

Adding coursework isn’t a place to dump every class you took pursuing your degree. Rather, it’s a place to inject relevant keywords into your resume. So, if the job description calls for someone with experience in video production and you haven’t had a job that allowed you access to that but you did take a class in college, then you can add it to your Education section. 

Related read: Relevant Coursework on a Resume: Good or Bad?

Capstone or other major projects

Similar to adding coursework, you can talk about projects you’ve worked on. Remember that relevancy is critical. You should always be thinking about how your experience and education relate to what the prospective employer is looking for in a new hire. If you need to add something else on your resume that helps you demonstrate skills or knowledge, a project from school can be just the ticket. Write the project details in your Education section in the same way you’d write a job role – meaning, use bullet points to call attention to things you achieved as you worked on the project. Here’s what that looks like:

Notable project: Project title

Describe the project and goals along with how many team members were involved

Talk about what you did – your role – to achieve the project goals

Mention the skills you gained – “Honed skills in [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3]

If you won an award or earned some recognition for a project well done, write about it

Where to place education in progress on your resume

The second issue you need to address is placement. Where should you place these details when you’re trying to figure out how to list education in progress on a resume? There are two main possibilities, depending upon whether the degree is needed for the job you’re seeking.

If the job requirements include the degree that you’re pursuing, then you should try to emphasize that information in your resume. Position it near the beginning of your resume, after the summary section. That way, the employer will see that you’re close to completing that requirement before he or she delves any further into the document. This placement helps showcase your interest and suitability right away.

On the other hand, you should place this detail later in the resume if the degree isn’t needed for the position. In that instance, you can put your work history and skills higher up in the resume and leave your education for the end.

Tie it all together in your cover letter

Don’t forget about the power of your cover letter . Since your cover letter is meant to complement your resume, a degree in progress could give you another opportunity to sell the point that you are qualified for the role. Talking about education in progress or unfinished education in your cover letter can also allow you to explain any gaps on your resume that are related to pursuing education. 

Gaps can happen if you decide to go to school, and then change your mind. If you didn’t work while you were in school, then you’ll have a gap. It’s not something to fret about, gaps happen all the time. You just have to be ready to explain why it exists and being able to tell a story about how you were actively working to improve your qualifications and skills can go a long way in showing future employers your dedication to continuous improvement. 

As always, whether you bring up unfinished education in your cover letter depends on whether it’s relevant to the job you’re applying to. If it doesn’t add value to your job application, then leave it off. 

Here are some example statements you can use when mentioning a resume degree in progress on your cover letter:

I am currently pursuing a degree in [field or industry] to enhance my skills in [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3].

While my education journey is still ongoing, I’m excited to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to the [position name] role.

I am actively working toward completing my [degree name] to meet the educational requirements for this position.

A final note: grade point average

We should also address another common question that we encounter: do you need to include your grade point average ? There are different schools of thought on this, so it’s really up to you. As a rule, however, most experts agree that it’s generally unwise to include anything less than the best GPAs. That typically means leaving it out unless it’s at least 3.5. In most instances, however, you won’t need to include that detail unless the job description requires a certain grade point average or you’re seeking a job at a major firm.

For your resume, a degree in progress is one more tool for success!

As you can see, it is not difficult to enhance your resume with a degree in progress. Yes, you need to know the right format to use, and where to list that information. Still, it is a relatively simple thing to handle if you stick to the basic principles we’ve outlined here. So, be sure to include those educational details, to showcase your developing skills and help you stand out from the crowd!

Recommended reading:

7 Free Certifications To Enhance Your Resume

How to List Online Courses on a Resume (Examples and Tips)

200+ Resume Examples for Every Job & Industry

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

Person working on laptop outside. ZipJob Branded.

Our resume services get results.

We’ve helped change over 30,000 careers.

Get a free resume review today

Our experts will review your resume’s grammar, layout, and ability to pass ATS — all free and delivered straight to your inbox.

PROTECT YOUR DATA

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our   Privacy Policy. You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

Easy Resume Logo

How to List Education on a Resume in 2024 (With Examples & Tips)

Not sure what degree to list? If you should include a GPA? It just so happens that there's a variety of ways to effectively list your eduction.

Ed Moss

The education section of a resume may not always be the star of the document but knowing how to properly list your education can be essential for advancing into the next phase of the hiring process.

In this guide, we will cover all the ins and outs of crafting an education section for your resume. 

We'll cover the following:

  • What to Include in an Education Section?

Tips for Listing Degrees (College, High-School, GED)

Listing incomplete education.

  • Where to Include Education on a Resume?

What Employers Look for in an Education Section

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job.

Accountant

What to Include in an Education Section

As we've covered, different formats of resumes may require different information to be included within an education section.

In general, there is some basic information that should be included within the education section of a resume:

  • The name of the school — "e.g. Georgia Institute of Technology"
  • The location of the school
  • Your degree ( high-school diploma, GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, etc. )
  • Graduation year ( if applicable )
  • Major field or department of study (if applicable )
  • Minor field or department of study (if applicable and relevant )
  • GPA ( If you're a student or graduates who held lower GPAs, this bit of information may be good to omit unless specifically requested by the employer )

Here's what that looks like for and university grad:

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA B.S. in Computer Engineering, 2006 - 2010 GPA: 3.9/4.0

For high-school students, you can do something like the following:

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA High School Diploma, Graduated in 2010 GPA: 3.9/4.0

Remember, including a GPA  is optional. Only add it if it's required by the job listing or it's relatively high. If your GPA is low (under 3.5), it's better to just leave it out.

Listing Education with Limited Work Experience

In resumes that have limited or no work experience , as may be the case with college students or recent graduates, the education section may be a good opportunity to show off educational achievements instead.

Additional information that can be included in longer education sections can include:

  • Internships completed as part of a curriculum 
  • Academic awards or sponsorships
  • Relevant coursework
  • Academic assistantships with professors or other academic professionals

As covered, in documents such as CVs the education section could be fairly lengthy.

However, the education section for most resumes will be one of the shortest sections.

This is mostly because standard resumes will be used for entry-level or mid-level positions, while longer-form resumes like the CV will only come into play for more prestigious or hard to obtain positions. 

It is much more important to show either a robust work history or detail relevant and transferable skills, using your education as support rather than the main point of interest. 

Here are some quick tips for deciding what educational information to include in a resume:

1) When including professional hobbies and extra curricular activities, it is important to keep relevance in mind

Incorrect: Do not include information about sports clubs or other clubs that cannot be connected back to your qualifications for a job.
Correct: If you held leadership positions in clubs or other extra-curricular activities, this can be useful information to include to highlight non-paid leadership or management experience.

Keep your descriptions simple and concise

Incorrect: Including long-winded and wordy paragraphs explaining the relevance of a certain piece of information. If a piece of information is relevant, it should be easily explained in one, simple sentence.
Correct: Use bullet points to separate bits of information to keep your resume easy to read or skim.

The readability of a resume can be the defining factor of whether or not a job recruiter or potential employer moves the candidate into the next phase of the hiring process.

As such, using clear and concise wording and formatting is essential for not just the education section, but for all sections. 

Here are a few tips for different formatting options depending on the level and type of education you have completed.

1) Adding High School and GED on Resume

  • If your highest level of education is a high school diploma or a GED, this should still be included as there are many jobs that are open to high school graduates as well as college graduates.
  • Generally, this type of education section should be kept short and sweet. Listing that you have received either a diploma or a GED should be sufficient.
  • If you have recently graduated high school or received your GED, including additional high school-related achievements may be beneficial (such as leadership positions, honor roll awards, athletics, etc.)

2) Adding Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees on Resume

  • When listing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree on a resume, always include the name and location of the institution, as well as the date or expected date of graduation.
  • While the education section should still be kept short, inclusion of any collegiate level academic achievements, such as honor societies or dean’s lists, can be useful to include.
  • Don’t go too crazy including coursework of extracurricular information – stick to including the most relevant information. 

3) Adding Graduate School or Doctoral Programs on Resume

  • Graduate and doctoral students may feel inclined to always include this information; however, it is important to be wary of including too much academic information in scenarios where it may render you overqualified for the position.
  • Graduate and doctoral information is more likely to come into play for candidates seeking higher level positions at the management level. 
  • For candidates seeking jobs in academic or scientific fields, a CV-style resume and longer-form education section providing higher level of details regarding graduate or doctoral programs may be necessary.

4) Adding Certifications on Resume

  • In some cases, a candidate may not have attended college but may have completed a trade school or other program that resulted in various certifications. These certifications should be included when relevant.
  • Certifications such as CPR or First Aid can be useful to include in most resumes, although they should perhaps be saved for a separate certifications section .

5) Listing Incomplete Education on Resume

Incomplete education can be tricky to include in a way that sounds positive — as such, if you have incomplete education, be wary of your wording and avoid words such as “incomplete” or “unfinished.” Instead try to do the following:

  • Include relevant coursework or credits earned during your duration of education before the point of departure from the institution.
  • Omit any wordy or lengthy explanations of why the education is incomplete. 

However, we've seen this be a common problem that many candidates have. Continue reading below to see how to effectively list education that is left incomplete. ‍

In some cases, a job applicant may have a partially-complete or incomplete educational credential they want to list on their resume.

Incomplete education can result from a variety of circumstances, including:

  • A person who is still in the process of earning their diploma, GED, or degree, but has not yet earned the credential or graduated.
  • A person who started a degree and completed relevant coursework, but ultimately did not finish the degree program.
  • A person who chose a different career path than what they studied for, but still has relevant coursework for the new career path.

When listing incomplete education on a resume, it is important to stay highly mindful of how you are wording your limited educational credentials — as words such as “ unfinished ” or “ incomplete ” are not ideal to include within a resume. 

Here are some quick examples on how to properly list incomplete education in the education section of a resume:

For applicants who are in the process of completing a degree, it is important to note the expected timeframe of completion.

Incorrect: ‍ B.S. in Communications University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Not yet complete
Correct: B.S. in Communications University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Expected graduation May 2021

For applicants who began a degree, but ultimately did not complete the degree, it is key to be mindful of how you frame the education you did receive. 

Incorrect: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC

Why is this incorrect? Sure, this example indicates you, at some point, attended a university.

However, it provides no insight as to what relevant coursework or studies you may have completed.

Here's the correct way to describe your educational experience instead:

Correct: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC Completed 20 credits towards a BS in Communications

Alternatively: This could be a good opportunity to include a bulleted list of relevant coursework.

For applicants who did not complete high school, it is important to note if you either earned a GED or are in the process of earning a GED.

Incorrect: ‍ Watauga County High School Boone, NC Incomplete
Correct: General Educational Development Diploma Earned May 2021 — OR — Expected to earn May 2021

Generally speaking, the majority of jobs will require applicants to have earned at minimum a GED certification in order to qualify.

In some cases, an applicant may lack a degree but may be certified by a trade school.

For instance, a beautician would want to include any beauty and health related certifications or licenses earned under the education section. 

Take a look at this resume example of a college student below to see how to do this.

College Student

Where to Include Education on a Resume

When it comes to placing your educational credentials on a resume, there are many considerations to make.

Resumes can serve a variety of purposes and, as a general rule of thumb, should be tailored for specific jobs . 

It is also important to take into consideration the level of education you have completed, as this will impact how it should be presented as well.

For instance, a job applicant seeking a position in academia would have a much heavier emphasis on education and academic-related achievements — than someone seeking a job in a corporate environment.

Ultimately, not all resumes are the same, so the placement of the education section will differ depending on the type of resume being used and the intention behind its structuring. 

Choosing the right resume format

There are several different types of resume formats to choose from, but the main ones that are used are as follows:

1) Reverse-Chronological

‍ Emphasis is placed on the most relevant work experience, listing jobs from most recent to oldest. Education can be placed before or after the work experience section. However higher degrees that qualify a candidate for the position may be beneficial to mention sooner rather than later. 

2) Functional

‍ Functional resumes place a much heavier emphasis on skillsets and areas of expertise. This format of resume is typically used by job applicants lacking the relevant work experience or educational credentials. In this format, the education section may lead if the applicant has educational credentials but limited work experience but should follow after the skills section if education is limited. 

‍ Hybrid resumes combine the reverse-chronological work experience ordering with the emphasizing of skills. This can help to supplement resumes of applicants who may have some relevant work experience but still need to beef up their resumes with a skills section . The placement of the education section will depend on how applicable or high level the credentials are and should generally be kept brief. 

4) Curriculum Vitae (CV)

‍ CVs are a type of long-form and multi-page resume used most commonly by applicants seeking positions in either academic or scientific fields. In a CV, the education section will be a prominent component and should appear early in the document. This type of education section should include all credentials, published works, projects, awards, or other academic achievements — no details should be spared. 

The below example of a Physician Assistant's resume is listing education in the bottom-right corner as it's using a reverse-chronological resume format to shine on it's work history.

Data Analyst

Employers can gather a variety of information about a job candidate from an education section, including:

  • A job applicant’s work ethic, reflected through GPAs or other grade-related information
  • Relevant skills or training an applicant has received through their schooling
  • Name recognition of specific universities, such as ivy leagues, that may give a candidate a leg up on the competition
  • Insight into a candidate’s interests or talents based on academic-related extracurricular activities included 

Understanding what employers are looking for in an education section included on a resume is key to understand how much or how little information to include.

What an employer is looking for will vary depending on the nature of the job being offered. 

For instance, an entry-level communications job at a corporation is likely to require a bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.

Comparatively, a job in the welding industry may require the completion of a trade school program but not require a four-year degree. 

It is of the utmost importance when you are applying to various jobs that you read the job descriptions provided carefully, as this is where you will find the necessary information regarding what educational credentials are required of eligible candidates.

This will also help you to tailor your education section according to what credentials or qualifications you have that meet the requirements of the job. 

In general, what an employer is mostly looking for is simply that an education section exists on a resume.

The majority of employers will want candidates who have shown a commitment to their education, reflected through the inclusion of an education section.

For candidates lacking a completed education, it is still considered best practice to include some information regarding what level of education was reached before the point of incompletion, as well as the inclusion of any relevant coursework and knowledge gained from the time the candidate spent pursuing further education. 

Here is a quick rundown of a few key factors to consider for applicants who may be unsure how much information to provide in an education section for a specific employer or position:

  • The education section should prove that you have the credentials necessary to complete the job at hand.
  • Oversharing of education can be detrimental in some situations, as overqualified candidates may not be considered by employers.
  • Job descriptions will always be the best place to look for indicators regarding how much educational background information an employer is looking for.
  • Never lie or over-exaggerate — while not all employers double-check applicants’ educational histories, many still do, and dishonesty can cost you the position in the long run.

Physician Assistant

Final Thoughts

Unless you are crafting a longer-form resume, such as a CV, the education section will generally be a fairly short summary of your academic credentials and achievements.

Education sections can be longer in some cases where job applicants may have hefty academic backgrounds but limited work experience.

Ultimately, the key to making a strong education section is to include only the most relevant information.

Always avoid deceptive wording, as employers can fairly easily run academic background checks if need be. 

Check out our resume templates to get your creativity flowing and get started on your ideal resume today. 

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Ed Moss is an author for Easy Resume

Get inspired with more resume examples

Read our how-to guides on making your resume perfect, how to correctly list certifications on a resume in 2024 (with examples).

Follow our step-by-step guide and resume examples to learn how to correctly include certifications on your resume. Make your candidacy stand out and land the interview.

How to Write Your Resume in Reverse-Chronological Order

When setting out to write the perfect resume, choosing a format is an important decision. Reverse-chronological resumes are the standard format, so knowing how to craft one is key! This guide will teach you how to write the best reverse chronological resumes.

How to Include Hobbies on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Learn when and how to professionally list your hobbies on your resume.

How to Choose The Correct Resume Format in 2024 (With Examples)

Choosing the best resume format will be the first step you'll need to get right in order to lay the groundwork for your entire resume.

More advice that will accelerate your career path

The right way to list job titles on your resume in 2024.

Listing your jobs correctly on your resume is a must. In this guide, you will learn how to appropriately list your job title and catch the eye of the recruiter.

20+ Key Computer Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

With the world becoming more digitally focused, having strong computer skills is more important than ever. In this guide, we will cover what computer skills are and which ones are best to include on your resume.

How Long Should A Resume Be in 2024? (With Tips to Fit on One Page)

Keeping your resume on a single page keeps it focused and straight to the point. But sometimes it might not be easy to fit it all on one page. When should you use two pages versus trying to fit it all on a single page?

350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective in 2024

Bring your resume and work experience to life by making it more actionable using these powerful verbs.

Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

Riverdale

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

current study in resume

Resumehead

  • Career Blog

Education in Progress on Your Resume: How to List it

current study in resume

As job markets become increasingly competitive, it’s essential to have an impressive resume that stands out from the crowd. One key element of a strong resume is education. Employers seek candidates who combine practical experience with a solid learning background. But what if you’re still pursuing your degree or professional development courses? How do you include that education in progress on your resume effectively? This article discusses the importance of education on a resume and provides practical tips on how to present ongoing education.

Importance of education in a resume

Listing your education on a resume is essential as it demonstrates your commitment to learning, a strong work ethic, and a desire to fill knowledge gaps that enhance your skills. Formal education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, is crucial for some professions, while others demand additional training and certification.

Education information gives employers insight into your skills, which leads them to measure your potential for learning, reasoning, and critical thinking. Even if you don’t have completed education, highlighting the courses you’re currently taking or training you’re participating in can showcase your willingness to learn and your dedication to personal development.

How to present education in progress on a resume

If you’re still in school or taking courses, be sure to list the degree or certification you’re pursuing and include the expected date of completion. You can also provide details on relevant course work and academic achievements. If you’re taking courses for career development, mention the name of the course, the issuing institution, and the expected completion date. Remember to include any certifications you’ve earned from those courses or training programs.

Another way to showcase education in progress is to include the phrase “in progress,” “anticipated completion date,” or “expected graduation date” next to the corresponding certification or degree. These phrases help recruiters understand your current status in your academic journey.

The benefits of highlighting ongoing education on your resume

There are several advantages to highlighting education in progress on your resume. First, it demonstrates your commitment to your profession, your desire to learn, and your willingness to grow professionally. Additionally, it highlights the fact that you’re not resting on your past laurels.

Moreover, showing relevant courses and training programs can also help employers see that you have the necessary skills to handle the job’s requirements. This demonstrates that you have taken the initiative to develop those skills proactively.

Including relevant education in progress on your resume can enhance your credibility, and it’s an excellent strategy to differentiate yourself in a highly competitive job market. When done well, your resume can be your ticket to a more prosperous future.

Types of Education in Progress

If you’re still pursuing a new degree or certification, it’s important to list that information on your resume. Employers love to see that you’re working towards improving yourself and staying up-to-date in your field. Here are several types of education in progress that you may want to include:

Traditional College or University Degree

If you’re working towards a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at a traditional college or university, make sure to list your degree, major, and expected graduation date. You can also include any relevant coursework or projects that highlight your skills and knowledge. Employers want to see that you have a clear plan for completing your degree and are committed to your education.

Online Courses and Certifications

In today’s digital age, many people are turning to online courses and certifications to further their education. This option is great for those who may not have the time or resources to attend a traditional college or university. List any online courses or certifications you are currently taking or plan to take in the near future. Be specific about the course or certification title, the date you expect to complete it, and any relevant skills or knowledge gained.

Boot Camp Programs

Boot camp programs are intensive, short-term educational courses designed to teach specific technical skills. If you’re enrolled in a boot camp program, make sure to list the program title, start and end dates, and any relevant projects or skills learned. Boot camps are highly focused on practical skills that are in demand by employers, so highlighting your participation in one can be a major selling point on your resume.

Apprenticeships and Internships

If you’re gaining practical experience through an apprenticeship or internship, it’s important to include this on your resume. List the company name, your position or title, the dates of your apprenticeship or internship, and any relevant projects or achievements. Employers love to see that you’ve gained real-world experience and are actively working towards developing your skills.

Education in progress can be a major asset on your resume. Whether you’re pursuing a traditional degree, taking online courses, participating in a boot camp, or gaining practical experience through an apprenticeship or internship, make sure to list these education endeavors to showcase your commitment to personal and professional growth.

Choosing the Right Section for Ongoing Education

The education section of a resume is a crucial aspect that indicates the level of education and academic achievements. However, ongoing education and training also play a critical role in demonstrating the candidate’s continuous learning and career growth.

When it comes to highlighting ongoing education on your resume, several sections can showcase your dedication to growth and development. Here are the four main sections that you can consider:

Education Section

The education section is the most common section to showcase ongoing education, as it is the primary place where academic qualifications are listed. This section should include your formal education, such as degree or diploma programs, and mention any ongoing studies, coursework, or current enrollment in a degree program.

If you’re currently pursuing a degree or certificate program, it’s essential to mention the program’s name, educational institution, start and anticipated completion date, and degree or certification name.

Certifications Section

Another section to consider including your ongoing education is the certification section. This section focuses on industry-specific certifications and credentials that demonstrate your skills and expertise. Listing your certifications highlights your commitment to your field and indicates that you’re up-to-date with current practices and trends.

If you’re pursuing additional certifications, list them in this section, and mention the certification body, date of completion, and certification name.

Professional Development Section

The professional development section is an excellent place to highlight any non-degree programs or courses that you’re currently enrolled in or completed. This section can include workshops, webinars, conferences, or training programs that you attend to enhance your skills and knowledge.

It’s essential to list these programs according to the level of relevance to your career goals and industry. Also, mention the event or program name, the institution or organization providing the learning experience, and the date of completion.

Relevant Experience Section

Lastly, you can incorporate your ongoing education and training by emphasizing the skills gained from your education and professional development sections in your relevant experience section. This section should include a summary of your work experience, skills, and accomplishments relevant to your career goals.

Emphasize how your continual learning and ongoing education contribute to your skill set and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. For example, mention any responsibilities, tasks, or projects that showcase the skills acquired from your current and previous education and training experiences.

Carefully choosing the right section for ongoing education on your resume is crucial to reflect your career’s progression and dedication to growth and development. Consider all the above sections and highlight your ongoing education and learning commitment to the best of your ability.

Where to List Education in Progress on Your Resume

When it comes to listing education in progress on your resume, there are a few different options for placement. Depending on the details of your education and professional experience, you may want to consider one or more of the following methods:

Top of the Resume

One common option is to include any education in progress at the very top of your resume. This can be especially effective if your education is relevant to your desired job or career path. By highlighting your ongoing education right away, you can demonstrate your commitment to learning and professional development.

After Completed Education

Another option is to list any completed education first, followed by any education in progress. This may make the most sense if you’ve already achieved a degree or certification that is relevant to your field. By showing your completed education first, you can establish your qualifications and expertise before highlighting your ongoing education.

In the Professional Development Section

If you have a section on your resume that is specifically dedicated to professional development or continued education, you can include your education in progress there. This can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and staying up-to-date in your field.

In Description of Relevant Experience

Finally, if you have relevant experience that is directly tied to your ongoing education, you can mention your education in progress in the description of that experience. For example, if you’re currently pursuing a degree in marketing and you have hands-on experience working on marketing campaigns, you could mention your degree program in the bullet points describing your marketing experience. This can help to demonstrate how your education and experience are working together to make you a strong candidate for the job.

There is no one “right” way to list education in progress on your resume – you’ll need to consider your own background and goals in order to determine the best approach for you. By thinking carefully about where to include your education in progress, however, you can create a resume that showcases your skills, knowledge, and dedication to personal and professional growth.

How to Format Education in Progress

When you’re still in the process of completing your education, it’s important to format it correctly on your resume. Here are some key elements to include:

Name of the Program or Degree

Clearly state the name of the program or degree you’re pursuing. This will help recruiters and hiring managers understand your area of focus and level of expertise.

Institution or Provider

Include the name of the institution or provider where you are pursuing your education. This can help give insight into the rigor and quality of the program you’re taking.

Expected Completion Date

Indicate when you expect to complete your program or degree. This can be helpful for recruiters and hiring managers who are trying to assess your availability and qualifications.

Relevant Coursework and Projects

Highlight any relevant coursework or projects you’ve completed that relate to the field you’re pursuing. This can demonstrate not only your knowledge but also your initiative and ingenuity.

GPA or Grade Point Average

Include your GPA or grade point average if it is reasonably high. This can indicate that you’ve maintained good academic standing and that you are serious about your education.

Education in progress can be a valuable asset to include on your resume. By following these key formatting guidelines, you can help ensure that potential employers understand your qualifications and accomplishments in the best light possible.

How to Highlight Education in Progress in Your Work Experience

If you’re currently pursuing a degree or additional education while working, it’s important to showcase this ongoing education in your work experience section of your resume. Here are some techniques to effectively highlight your education in progress:

Including ongoing education in job titles

One way to display your education in progress is by adding it in your job titles. For example, if you’re currently pursuing a Masters in Marketing, you could list your job title as “Marketing Coordinator (Masters in Marketing in Progress)”. This will grab the employer’s attention and showcase your eagerness for continued learning and professional development.

Listing completed coursework in job descriptions

If you’re in the midst of completing your education, it can be helpful to list relevant coursework in your job descriptions. This not only highlights your education in progress, but it also demonstrates your knowledge and skills gained through your courses. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in finance and have completed several finance courses, mention them in your job description to show your expertise in that area.

Highlighting relevant projects

Finally, you can highlight your education in progress by showcasing relevant projects you’ve worked on that directly relate to your ongoing education. Choose projects that demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through your coursework. Include a brief description of the project, your role, and how it showcases your education in progress.

By implementing these techniques, you can effectively highlight your education in progress in your work experience section of your resume. This not only shows your eagerness for continued learning, but also demonstrates to potential employers that you have value to bring to their organization.

Example of Listing Education in Progress

When it comes to your resume, it’s important to showcase your ongoing learning and development. Listing education in progress can demonstrate your dedication to self-improvement and an eagerness to stay up-to-date in your field. Here are some examples of how to list different types of education in progress on your resume.

Traditional Degrees in Progress

If you’re currently working towards a traditional degree, such as a bachelor’s or master’s, you can list it on your resume in a few different ways. One option is to simply include the degree program and expected graduation date under your education section. For example:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, XYZ University   Expected Graduation: May 2022

Alternatively, you can include any relevant coursework or special projects you’ve completed within the degree program, as well as any notable achievements. Here’s an example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, ABC University

  • Relevant coursework: Data Structures and Algorithms, Operating Systems, Database Systems
  • Special project: Developed a chatbot using Python and TensorFlow
  • Dean’s List (GPA above 3.5)

Online Courses and Certifications in Progress

With the rise of online learning, many people are pursuing courses and certifications outside of traditional degree programs. If you’re currently taking an online course or working towards a certification, you can list it on your resume like this:

Google Analytics Certification, Google   In progress

Make sure to include the name of the course or certification, the organization offering it, and the fact that it’s in progress. If you’ve already completed some coursework or modules, you can mention that as well.

Boot Camp Programs in Progress

Boot camps are intensive programs that provide hands-on training in specific skills, such as coding, UX design, or digital marketing. If you’re currently enrolled in a boot camp program, you can list it on your resume like this:

Full Stack Web Development Boot Camp, Coding School   Expected Completion: December 2021

Be sure to include the name of the program, the organization offering it, and the expected completion date.

Apprenticeships and Internships in Progress

If you’re gaining on-the-job experience through an apprenticeship or internship, you can list it on your resume to showcase your practical skills and industry-specific knowledge. Here’s an example:

Marketing Intern, Company X   Expected Completion: August 2021

Include the title of your role, the company you’re interning with, and the expected completion date. You can also mention any specific projects or tasks you’ve worked on during your internship.

Listing education in progress on your resume can demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and development. Whether you’re pursuing a traditional degree, online certification, boot camp program, or on-the-job training, make sure to highlight your education and experience in a way that showcases your skills and expertise.

How Education in Progress Enhances Your Skills

Continuous learning is essential in today’s fast-paced world. It is not enough to have a degree, as the skills and knowledge required in most professions are constantly evolving. Therefore, it is paramount for individuals to seek out and take advantage of educational opportunities throughout their careers.

Acquiring new skills and knowledge through education in progress demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and resilience, all of which are highly valued by employers. Learning a new skill or gaining knowledge in a particular area shows that you are investing in yourself and your career development, making you a more valuable asset to any company.

Moreover, education in progress highlights your dedication and commitment to a specific field or profession. It is evidence of your willingness to take responsibility for your professional development and, in turn, demonstrates your motivation to succeed in your chosen career.

Education in progress enhances your skills by keeping you up to date with the latest industry trends and advancements. It also shows that you are constantly seeking to improve and learn, which can only be a benefit to you and any company you work for. Demonstrating motivation and commitment is crucial when looking for employment or career advancement, and education in progress is an excellent way to showcase these traits.

Listing your education in progress on your resume is a simple yet effective way to demonstrate your commitment to professional development and increase your employability. By continuing to learn and develop your skills, you increase your value to employers and set yourself up for long-term career success.

Tips for Presenting Education in Progress on Your Resume

When it comes to listing education in progress on your resume, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your education section sets you up for success and highlights your achievements and progress:

Emphasize achievements and progress:  Rather than simply listing the courses you are currently taking, focus on the accomplishments and progress you’ve made thus far. This could include stellar grades, completed projects, or any other noteworthy achievements.

Avoid exaggeration and misrepresentation:  While you want to highlight your accomplishments, it’s important to be truthful and avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting your education. This includes being honest about the courses you’ve taken and the grades you’ve earned.

Tailor the presentation to the position and industry:  Depending on the position and industry you’re applying to, the way you present your education in progress may differ. For example, if you’re applying to a job in a highly technical field, you may want to include more specific details about the coursework you’ve completed. On the other hand, if you’re applying to a job in a more creative field, you may want to focus on the projects you’ve completed or the skills you’ve developed.

The key to presenting education in progress on your resume is to focus on your achievements and progress, while also being truthful and tailoring your presentation to the position and industry you’re applying to. By following these tips, you can create a compelling education section that helps you stand out from the competition.

Common Mistakes When Listing Education in Progress

When including ongoing education in your resume, there are some common mistakes to avoid. Here are three of the most significant:

1. Listing Too Many Programs

While it’s great to have a broad range of skills, listing too many ongoing education programs can give the impression that you’re indecisive or jack-of-all-trades. Instead of overwhelming your potential employer with many programs, focus on the ones that are the most relevant to the job or industry you’re applying for.

2. Disregarding Previous Education

Just because you’re still working on obtaining further education doesn’t mean that previous education has lost its value. It’s important to highlight previous educational experiences in your resume and show how they have prepared you for your current education.

3. Overemphasizing Ongoing Education

Of course, ongoing education is essential, but overemphasizing it can make it look like you don’t have any real-world job experience. Instead, find a balance between emphasizing your ongoing education while also drawing attention to your job experience.

By avoiding these common mistakes, your resume will showcase the value that your ongoing education brings to the table without losing sight of your previous experience.

Related Articles

  • 40+ Modern Resume Templates to Stand Out
  • Managing a Career Gap on Your Resume
  • Intern Pharmacist Resume: Examples
  • The Camp Counselor Resume Sample & Writing Tips
  • Navigating Career Decisions: Tips for the Undecided

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

current study in resume

free executive resume template ipad paper mockup

Get a FREE Executive Resume Template to help you improve your resume.

Great Resumes Fast resume writing service

Resume Writing Tips

What do you put on your resume when you haven’t finished your degree – yet, what should you include on your resume when you haven’t finished your degree.

( Updated November 2020)

What do you include on your resume when you haven't finished your degree yet?

How do you address your incomplete education on your resume in a way that looks positive to potential employers?

If you’re still pursuing your degree or certification, then you should absolutely include this information on your resume.

Especially if the position requires whatever degree or certification you’re pursuing. There are two great ways to handle including this information on your resume:

1. State the college you’re attending

2. The degree you’re pursuing

3. Your area of study

4. Current GPA (if 3.0 or higher)

5. Include your anticipated graduation date; this is very important if your graduation date is within the next 12 months.

It could look something like this:

University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL Bachelors of Science Degree, Communications/Public Relations GPA 4.0 Anticipated graduation date: May 2021

Here’s another option:

1. List the university you’re attending

4. Current GPA (If 3.0 or higher) and the words In Prog ress . This works well if you’re still going to be in school for a couple of years.

It might look like this on your resume:

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Bachelors of Arts Degree, Business Management – In Progress Current GPA 4.0

Need a quick-start guide for using more impactful words on your resume? This freebie PDF includes 178 action verbs and high-impact phrases you can use to improve your resume right now. Click below to download:

178 Resume Power Words FREE PDF

One more important note about including education on your resume:

I always recommend listing education at the top of the resume if the degree or certification is a requirement for the opportunity and it has been recently obtained or will soon be completed.

If the degree or education you have isn’t required or directly related to the position, put it at the end of the resume. This is also the case if you want to share with the employer that you have some education but you don’t want to advertise that you didn’t complete your education.

If you are not planning on finishing the degree or certification program that you started for whatever reason then check out yesterday’s article on how to include education information when you didn’t finish your degree and don’t plan to complete it.

Writing a resume that will pass through applicant tracking systems and interest employers isn’t easy, I get it. We create resumes that break through complicated screening systems and generate an abundance of interest from employers.

You can review our executive resume writing service here .

Share this post:

Explore more like this:.

3 Executive Resume Strategies to Fast-Track A Stalled Job Search

3 Executive Resume Strategies to Fast-Track A Stalled Job Search

Write your executive resume like a pro

Write Your Executive Resume Like A Pro

Halt constant rejection with these 5 smart resume tweaks

Halt Constant Rejections with These 5 Smart Resume Tweaks

About Great Resumes Fast Product Templates MRP-3882

About the author

Jessica hernandez, president, ceo & founder of great resumes fast.

Hi, I’m Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.

What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? I’ve kept that.

You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!

I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!

30 Comments

' src=

Great points here. It’s so important to know someone is working on their degree and has an anticipated completion date. for mid level and higher positions and for advanced degrees, the GPA may not be as important. It’s usually something we look at for entry level positions, so if it’s not great or GPA doesn’t really apply, no worries to omit it. I’ve never had a hiring manager ask for someone’s GPA for more senior level positions and/or advanced degrees.

[…] Do You Put on Your Resume When You Haven’t Finished Your Degree Yet? Very similar to number 5, this popular article explains what you can do with that incomplete degree on your […]

' src=

Regardless of what style you prefer, the quality is something that really counts when keeping your home safe and secure. It often comes in two varieties one with dual flexible sides and one that has a hard side and a flexible side that looks a lot like wood molding. If your garage door is old and worn out, a new one can do a lot to improve the look of your home.

' src=

I am curious to find out what blog platform you have been utilizing? I’m having some minor security issues with my latest blog and I’d like to find something more secure. Do you have any solutions?

' src=

hello my name is wepaly im from turkmenistan lets to be friends !

' src=

constantly i used to read smaller articles or reviews that also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading at this time.

' src=

GooԀ blog post. І absolutely love this site. Ҝeep it up!

' src=

Lenders may have to provide financial information, information regarding the number of loans they currently make and a copy of the underwriting criteria. The second type will be the repayment mortgage loan exactly where the monthly installments consist of a portion of the richesse cost and also the curiosity. Borrowers can apply for a secured loan in order to pay off debt and repair bad credit. This weighs closely when you’re just establishing your credit score history. Article Source: Scott has done extensive research on how to rent apartments for bad credit.

' src=

In sone countries beer with 1% alcohol content are served for children in school instead of soft drinks. As we started our journey back down Reading Rooad no one said a word. After our work iin Germany, we had 12 days to wander the countryside inn a rented car.

' src=

What you typed was very reasonable. However, what about this? what if you added a little information? I am not suggesting your content isn’t solid, however suppose you added a headline to possibly grab a person’s attention? I mean What Should You Include On Your Resume When You Haven’t Finished Your Degree Yet? is kinda plain. You ought to look at Yahoo’s front page and note how they create article headlines to get people interested. You might try adding a video or a related pic or two to grab readers excited about everything’ve got to say. Just my opinion, it would bring your website a little livelier.

' src=

Link exchange is nothing else but it is just placing the other person’s weblog link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do same in favor of you.

' src=

I am not positive the place you are getting your information, however great topic. I needs to spend some time finding out much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I use to be searching foor this information for my mission.

' src=

Who are the legal representatives who work with tech startups in Maine?

' src=

Hi there, I desire to subscribe for this weblog to take latest updates, so where can i do it please help.

' src=

You actually make it appear so easy together with your presentation however I to find this matter to be actually one thing which I think I might never understand. It sort of feels too complex and very vast for me. I’m having a look ahead in your next post, I’ll attempt to get the dangle of it!

' src=

La Luna controla siempre la hora de la marea alta y de la marea baja, al paso que el Sol altera el grado de ascenso de descenso del nivel del agua sensiblemente en diferentes épocas del mes sinódico.

' src=

I am truly pleased to read this webpage posts which includes lots of valuable information, thanks for providing these kinds of information.

' src=

If you want to grow your knowledge simply keep visiting this web site and be updated with the hottest news posted here.

' src=

wonderful way of doing things.

' src=

Iam constantly looking online for stories that can facilitate me. Thx!

' src=

I just like the valuable info you provide to your articles. I will bookmark your blog and take a look at again right here regularly. I am somewhat sure I’ll be told lots of new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the following!

' src=

This site truly has all the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

' src=

I in addition to my friends have already been examining the nice thoughts located on your website and then then developed a terrible suspicion I never expressed respect to the website owner for those strategies. All of the ladies appeared to be consequently very interested to read through them and have in effect absolutely been having fun with them. I appreciate you for truly being really considerate and then for utilizing some useful things most people are really desirous to understand about. My very own honest apologies for not expressing gratitude to sooner.

http://Doubledubs.com/

What Should You Include On Your Resume When You Haven't Finished Your Degree Yet?

' src=

I go to see everyday a few web sites and sites to read content, except this webpage offers feature based posts.

' src=

Hello i am still studying bsc what should I mention in my resume pls tell me about this

' src=

Very well written article! Can’t wait to read more of your amazing work.

' src=

Really nice article and helpful me.I highly recommend you RKDEMY for diploma engineering coaching classes .

' src=

thanks admin for the post

… [Trackback]

[…] Read More: greatresumesfast.com/blog/what-do-you-put-on-your-resume-when-you-havent-finished-your-degree-yet/ […]

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Improve Your Resume: Download Your Free Executive Resume Template Today

Are you struggling to create an executive resume that will impress employers? Download this free executive resume template and receive a series of 10 emails with expert guidance on how to write resume content that resonates with employers so you get more interviews.

It's everything you need to stand out, make an impression, and accelerate your job search.

Work with Us

Great Resumes Fast LinkedIn

College Freshman Resume [W/ Example & Writing Tips for 2024]

Background Image

Whether you’re a college freshman looking for a part-time job, internship, or exchange program, you’re faced with tough competition.

On one hand, student debt can be crippling, so many college students are searching for opportunities to make it at least less painful.

On the other hand, most college freshmen wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to study abroad or partake in exciting options their university may offer. 

Whichever the case might be, with so much competition, landing a job or a paid internship as a college freshman can be hard, especially if you’re just entering the workforce and have little to no job experience.

This is exactly why you need a rock-solid college freshman resume that will give you an edge over your competitors.

And we’re here to help!

With our step-by-step guide and a top-notch college freshman resume example, you’ll learn how to write an impressive college freshman resume that will help you land an interview for the job, internship, or any other opportunity you’re after even if you have no previous work experience.

So, let’s dive in!

College Freshman Resume 

Here’s what this college freshman resume example does right:

  • Reverse-chronological format. The college freshman resume example above uses the reverse-chronological resume format , which is the most popular resume format among recruiters throughout the world.
  • Relevant contact information. The college freshman resume example above mentions key contact details, including the candidate’s full name, phone number, email address, and location.
  • Eye-catching resume objective. This college freshman resume example includes an effective resume objective that puts the candidate’s language skills in the spotlight and attracts recruiters’ attention from the get-go.
  • Focus on achievements. Whenever possible, the candidate in the college freshman resume example above lists their achievements and makes them quantifiable to drive the point home.
  • Organized skills section. In the college freshman example above, the candidate doesn’t include just the skills that are relevant for the position but also lists his soft and hard skills separately.
  • Bullet points. Reading large chunks of text is difficult, so this candidate uses bullet points to organize the information on his college freshman resume.
  • Additional sections. This college freshman resume example makes use of relevant additional sections by including the candidate’s language proficiency and hobbies.

Write Your College Freshman Resume With This Step-By-Step Guide 

So, you want to learn how to write a college freshman resume no less impressive than the example above?

Read along and we’ll show you exactly how to do it with our step-by-step guide:

#1. Format Your College Freshman Resume the Right Way 

You don’t want your college freshman resume to look like a mess, and that’s why you first need to pick the right resume format to structure it and make it easy to follow.

Basically, these are the three most common resume formats:

  • Reverse-chronological resume format
  • Functional resume format
  • Combination (hybrid) resume format

But, as we mentioned above, the reverse-chronological resume format is hands down your best option.

Whether you have work experience or not, the reverse-chronological format will bring your skills and achievements to the foreground (not to mention, hiring managers love it!).

Here’s what that looks like:

reverse chronological resume example

Now that you got the formatting part for your college freshman resume out of the way, let’s talk about your resume layout , which includes:

  • Font. Sure, you might’ve just left high school, but your college freshman resume has to look professional, and that means saying goodbye to fonts like Comic Sans. Instead, pick a simple font that is easy to read. 
  • Font size. You don’t want your college freshman resume to spill over to page #2 or be hard to read, so keep your headings at 14-16 pts and the body of your resume at 11-12 pts. 
  • Length. Hiring managers are busy people, which means they don’t have the time to read multiple-page resumes (unless the candidate’s professional background is really impressive). So, just keep your college freshman resume one page long. 
  • Bullet points. Whenever possible, use bullet points to organize the information in your college freshman resume. This way, your resume will look clean and well-structured.
  • Format. Unless specifically asked otherwise, make sure to save your college freshman resume as a PDF file . Otherwise, your resume might look messed up once opened on a different device or OS.

Times New Roman is the most common resume font.

Find it too dated or bland for your taste?

Make your college freshman resume stand out with a modern font that is also easy to read, such as Ubuntu or Overpass.

Or Pick a College Freshman Resume Template 

Let’s face it - making a resume from scratch can take ages.

After all, you have tons of college assignments, so tweaking the margins of your college freshman resume, or making sure it doesn’t spill over to the next page is the last thing you want to do in your free time.

So, chances are you’re procrastinating and we can’t blame you!

Well, what if we told you there’s a way to kiss this problem goodbye?

Yeap! With our resume templates , you can make your college freshman resume in a matter of minutes. All you have to do is pick a plug-and-play template and fill in all the contents - the formatting and layout are already taken care of. 

That means you don’t have to choose between starting your job search and going to a college party this weekend - you can do both!

Not just that - our resume templates are free, look professional, AND they’re much more visually appealing than basic resumes.

Check it out yourself:

college freshman resume examples

#2. Add Your Contact Details 

Once you’re done with the formatting of your college freshman resume, you can start filling in the contents, which start with your contact details .

Here’s what you need to include:

  • Your first and last name
  • Your phone number
  • Your email address
  • Your city and state

Optionally, you can also include any relevant social media handles (e.g. if you’re applying for a job at a bakery and have an Instagram profile dedicated to desserts, write it down).

Sounds simple, right?

And it is! Just make sure you don’t make any typos and you’re good to go.

Here’s an example of the contact information section:

Paula Brown

012-345-6789 [email protected]  Albuquerque, New Mexico

#3. Write a College Freshman Resume Objective 

To catch the hiring manager’s attention and get them to read your college freshman resume, you need an effective resume objective. 

Simply put, a resume objective is a 2-3 sentence introduction that highlights your skills and professional goals.

As such, a well-written resume objective lets recruiters quickly see whether you’re a relevant candidate and what you can offer to the company.

Here’s how to write a resume objective that will get the hiring manager to read the rest of your resume:

  • Mention what you’re currently studying (or planning to study during the upcoming years of university)
  • Include any relevant background (skills, work experience, etc.) that makes you a good fit for the position
  • Mention your motivation for working in that particular field/company

And here’s an example of a powerful college freshman resume objective:

Energetic and cooperative undergraduate student majoring in Psychology looking for a part-time sales associate job in Company X. Eager to learn more about organic skincare products and looking to apply my excellent active listening and persuasion skills to assist your customers and drive more sales to your store.

#4. Prioritize Your Education 

As a college freshman, it’s only natural that you don’t have much (or any) work experience.

That’s why you should first list your ongoing education on your college freshman resume, along with any relevant education details (your major, your minor, research projects, relevant courses, etc.).

For starters, format your education the right way:

  • Start by writing down your major.
  • List your college/university name and, optionally, location.
  • Include the expected year of graduation.
  • Add relevant additional information, such as your minor or relevant courses.

Since you’re still in the progress of getting your degree, you can also write down your high school education (and, particularly, don’t forget to mention your high school achievements, if any).

And here’s a great example of the education section if let’s say, you’re applying for an internship or a part-time job at a news media company:

Majoring in Journalism (Bachelor of Arts) Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY Expected graduation date: 2024

Minor: Public Relations

Relevant Courses:

  • Introduction to News Writing
  • Press Law and Ethics
  • Intermediate Reporting
  • Feature Writing
  • Fundamentals of Public Relations
  • Public Relations Writing and Production

#5. Describe Your Work Experience (The Smart Way)

Once you’re done polishing your education section, it’s time to describe any work experience you may have.

Let’s start with the basics - here’s how to format your work experience section on your college freshman resume the right way:

  • List your most recent job first. From there, move back in time and add your older positions. This way, you will have a well-organized work experience section.
  • Add your job title. Make sure that the job title accurately describes your role, so avoid any eccentric job titles (e.g. use ‘Lifeguard’ instead of ‘Ocean Attendant’, ‘Barista’ instead of ‘Coffee Wizard’, etc.).
  • Include the company name and location. Feel free to add a brief company description if the company you worked for isn’t well-known.
  • Add the employment date. Use the mm/yyyy format so that the hiring manager can see how long you’ve worked in the company.
  • Add your responsibilities and achievements. If you have had several jobs in the past, add 5-6 bullet points to your more recent jobs (if possible) and just a couple for your older roles.

And here’s an example of an effective work experience section on a college freshman resume:

Company X  

05/2020 - 09/2020

  • Welcomed and served 80+ customers daily.
  • Prepared and served hot drinks and light snacks.
  • Operated Point of Sale systems.
  • Kept the work area, coffee machines, and other equipment clean and organized.
  • Awarded Employee of the Month in July and August 2020 for efficiency and providing excellent customer service.

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience? 

Now, as a college freshman, you probably don’t have much work experience, and that’s okay - hiring managers don’t expect you to have lots of relevant work experience anyway.

In fact, according to Jobvite, the importance of previous job experience for choosing a candidate has dropped by 30% in the last 4 years.

Truth is, even with no work experience , you can still write a job-landing college freshman resume.

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your work experience section as a college freshman:

  • List any work experience you have. Any work experience is better than nothing, so add any jobs you’ve had (even if they aren’t relevant for the position you’re applying for) to help you stand out among other candidates, many of whom might have no work experience at all.
  • Make use of any other experience you have. If your work experience section is lacking, present your internships, volunteer jobs , etc. as work experience on your college freshman resume (especially if they’re related to the job you’re applying for or your major).
  • Highlight your achievements. Your achievements make you stand out from the rest of the candidates who had similar responsibilities, so make sure to focus on them. And, if possible, make your achievements quantifiable to show the impact you had in your previous workplace.
  • Take advantage of action verbs . They sound more impressive and make your responsibilities and achievements stand out (e.g. aided, supported, achieved, etc.).

Here’s an example of how you could present your volunteering experience on your college freshman resume:

Special Needs Support Volunteer

06/2018 - 08/2018

  • Provided care for people with disabilities.
  • Initiated the ‘Conversational English’ teaching program.
  • Assisted in organizing educational games, board game evenings, and other socialization activities.

#6. Include Both Soft and Hard Skills

The skills section is one of the most important parts of your college freshman resume - even though you may not have much work experience, it doesn’t necessarily mean you lack relevant skills for the job.

So, no matter the job, you should make sure to perfect your skills section - and here’s how you can do it:

  • Tailor your skills section to the position. Sure, you may be an AutoCAD master, but it means nothing if you’re applying to be a bartender in a local craft beer bar. So, instead of wasting your time listing all of your skills, simply write down the skills that are relevant for the job. 
  • Write down your soft and hard skills separately. Whether you want to land a customer service representative or a lab assistant job, you’re expected to have an assortment of different skills. So, to have a well-structured college freshman resume, list your soft skills separately from your hard skills. 
  • List any skills from the job ad that you match. Are you unsure which skills to mention in your college freshman resume? Take a close look at the job listing and simply write down any skills you have that the company is looking for.

Need more inspiration? Check out our list of 101+ essential skills you can add to your college freshman resume!

#7. List These Additional Sections 

If you don’t have much work experience, you likely have some space left even after filling in all of the main parts of your college freshman resume.

So, to make the most out of your application, consider adding any of these additional sections to show off your unique abilities:

  • Languages. Foreign languages are valued in all job sectors, so knowing one or two languages can increase your chances of both finding a job and getting a higher salary . So, make sure to list any foreign languages you know on your college freshman resume (just remember to stay realistic and don’t overestimate your abilities!).
  • Personal projects. Whether you’ve done any projects in college or in your free time, make sure to include them on your college freshman resume to show the hiring managers you’re a passionate and enthusiastic candidate (and especially so if any of your projects are related to the position you’re applying for).
  • Certifications. Don’t let your certificates collect dust in your drawers - take advantage of them by listing any certifications you have on your college freshman resume.
  • Hobbies and interests. Your hobbies and interests can help you build rapport with the hiring manager and, in case they’re relevant for the job, strengthen your position (e.g. if you’re applying to be a receptionist at a yoga studio, an interest in mindfulness, meditation, Eastern philosophies, etc. can work in your favor). 

And here’s an example of how additional sections look on a college freshman resume:

  • English - Native or Bilingual Proficiency
  • Russian - Limited Working Proficiency

Personal Projects

Nomadic Maddie

04/2018 - Present

  • A travel blog with 5,000+ monthly readers.
  • Public speaking

#8. Attach a Cover Letter to Your Resume 

Now that you know how to write an impressive college freshman resume, there’s one final step left-  and it’s writing a compelling cover letter.

The same Jobvite study that found that work experience is much less important than 4 years ago also found that hiring managers value cover letters much more than before - in fact, their importance has increased from 8% to 26% since 2017 . 

So, to land the job, you have to attach an effective cover letter to your college freshman resume that explains to the recruiter that you’re the perfect candidate for the position as well as a great match for the company.

Not sure how to write a cover letter ?

Here’s exactly what you need to do:

  • Include your contact details (full name, phone number, e-mail address, location, and, optionally, links to any relevant social media profiles you may have) in the header to start your cover letter the right way . 
  • Greet the hiring manager directly by their name to show that you’ve researched the company and have an eye for detail.
  • Mention your 1-2 top achievements in the first paragraph to make a great first impression.
  • Use the body of your cover letter to describe any experience and the skills you have as well as explain why you want to work in this company specifically and how you would benefit their team. This is also where you can explain anything you couldn’t in your college freshman resume, such as the reason why you choose a specific major or add anything that didn’t make it on your resume.
  • To effectively end your cover letter , include a call to action (e.g. “Please let me know if you need anything else,” “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this internship in greater detail at your earliest convenience,” etc.).

Here’s an example of a top-notch college student cover letter :

college student cover letter

Use our professional cover letter templates to match your cover letter to your college freshman resume!

Key Takeaways 

And now you know how to write a job-winning college freshman resume!

Before you start working on it though, let’s go over the key points we’ve covered in this guide:

  • For your college freshman resume, pick the foolproof reverse-chronological resume format.
  • As a college freshman, you should mention your ongoing education first.
  • If you have little to no work experience, take advantage of any internships, volunteering, and other experiences you may have.
  • List your relevant soft and hard skills separately to keep your college freshman resume well-organized.
  • To help you secure the job, attach a convincing cover letter to your college freshman resume.

cookies image

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

RNZ

Navigation for News Categories

  • Scientific shark study resumes in New Caledonia

New Caledonia's Southern Province will tag 200 sharks with transmitting devices

New Caledonia's Southern Province will tag 200 sharks with transmitting devices Photo: IRD

A scientific study on shark presence and behaviour is to resume shortly in New Caledonia's Southern Province, where two incidents in February last year prompted an indiscriminate culling campaign .

A similar campaign initiated five years ago also focused on tiger sharks and bulldog sharks, but it was aborted.

The new project will be carried out in association with French Research Institute IRD.

It will be deployed on seven sites in New Caledonia's Southern province, including beaches in Nouméa.

French research institute IRD representative for New Caledonia France Bailly, Southern Province’s deputy Vice-President Gil Brial and French Commissioner Grégory Lecru sign an agreement for shark survey 29  April 2024

French research institute IRD representative for New Caledonia France Bailly, Southern Province's deputy Vice-President Gil Brial and French Commissioner Grégory Lecru sign an agreement for a shark survey, on 29 April. Photo: rrb

The study will involve tagging two hundred specimens of tiger and bulldog sharks so their movements and behaviours can be monitored thanks to transmitters implanted in their stomachs.

Another part of the study will rely on "environmental DNA", which involves seawater sample collection to detect traces of shark cells, IRD researcher Laurent Vigliola told a press conference.

"Using all these technologies, we'll try to establish a sort of mapping of places where (sharks) are more present on a seasonal basis", he said.

The study is scheduled to be carried out over a period of four years, for an estimated cost of about US $ 2-million, co-funded by France for 75 percent.

Danger shark no swimming sign on Nouméa beach in New Caledonia

A shark warning sign on Nouméa beach in New Caledonia Photo: Southern province New Caledonia

In January and February 2023, three shark attacks took place on Nouméa beaches and one Australian tourist died .

This prompted a systematic culling campaign in response, when an estimated 120 bulldog and tiger sharks were killed in Nouméa bay.

The culling was stopped by a series of court rulings nullifying the decision made by the Nouméa municipality.

The court justified its decision by pointing out there was not enough scientific knowledge to carry out this systematic culling, which also caused significant collateral damage to other non-shark species.

  • New Caledonia France

Copyright © 2024 , Radio New Zealand

Related Stories

No more shark culling off nouméa beaches, court orders.

Tiger_shark_culled_in_Noum_a_February_2023_

Nouméa's municipality and New Caledonia's Southern province have been ordered to cease "preventive" shark culling and to pay US$3,300 to local environmental organisation EPLP.

French Pacific news in brief

Fiji Airways flies over New Caledonia

A round-up of news from the French Pacific territories; New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna.

Pacific news in brief for August 22

FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Inauguration FCF HQ with New Caledonia Football Federation President Gilles Tavergeaux as part of his visit to Noumea.

Round-up of news from around the Pacific including criticism of FIFA boss's trip around the region

Protest over closure of Noumea beaches due to shark attacks

current study in resume

Beachgoers in New Caledonia have protested against the closure of Noumea's swimming beaches until the end of the year.

Unease over New Caledonia council's shark cull

Noumea beach closed until further notice.

Recent shark culling in New Caledonia is proving to be a controversial move in the French territory.

New Caledonia divided on shark culling

Recent Shark culling in New Caledonian has divided public opinion in the French territory. Three four-metre-long tiger sharks have been killed by local authorities after two recent attacks including… Audio

  • Download as Ogg
  • Download as MP3
  • Play Ogg in browser
  • Play MP3 in browser

Kanaks dismayed at changed New Caledonia shark policy

Bull shark.

New Caledonia's customary Senate has denounced last week's government decision to remove bull sharks and tiger sharks from the list of protected species.

New Caledonia beaches closed because of sharks

No caption

Fears of more shark attacks have prompted the closure of several beaches on New Caledonia's west coast.

Shark attacks kitesurfer in New Caledonia

A kitesurfer has been attacked by a shark at a popular kitesurfing spot in New Caledonia. The 42 year old man was bitten when he briefly fell into the waters...

  • Solomon Islands new PM Jeremiah Manele expected to finalise cabinet this weekend
  • Q and A: ANU's Stephen Howes on Australia's Pacific Engagement Visa quotas

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

current study in resume

Top New Zealand Stories

  • Waikato's severe midwife shortage tackled with new programme
  • 'Māori Seabed, For Shore!' - Two decades on from the largest hīkoi in a generation
  • Meats, bakery, dairy: The foods most recalled over safety concerns
  • Microsoft bans US police using AI for facial recognition on cloud service
  • Charges laid after bodies found in Mexico in search for missing Australian brothers

Pacific RSS

Follow RNZ News

current study in resume

IMAGES

  1. Best Resume Examples to Get You The Job in 2023

    current study in resume

  2. How to List Education on Resume in 2024 [Tips & Examples]

    current study in resume

  3. Research Resume Samples

    current study in resume

  4. Best Current College Student Resume with No Experience

    current study in resume

  5. Top 5 Resume Examples In 2021 Student Resume Student Resume Template

    current study in resume

  6. How to Include Research On A Resume (Examples and Tips)

    current study in resume

VIDEO

  1. Using AI to offer student's helpful studying alternatives

  2. resume writing introduction in hindi

  3. Daily Current Affairs

  4. Daily Current Affairs

  5. April 2024 Current Affairs|| Important current affairs|| Current Affairs in Hindi||@study

  6. Study Like a Pro: My Top Secrets for Academic Success!"#class12study @ANUSHKAgupta94

COMMENTS

  1. How to List Education in Progress on Your Resume (+ Examples)

    Here are some example statements you can use when mentioning a resume degree in progress on your cover letter: I am currently pursuing a degree in [field or industry] to enhance my skills in [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3].

  2. How To List Education on a Resume (With Examples)

    Listing your education on a resume should be strategic and concise. It's essential to highlight the most relevant and recent educational experiences that align with the job requirements. Focus on providing key details such as the degree earned, institution name and graduation year. Emphasize any honors, scholarships or academic achievements ...

  3. How to List Education on a Resume in 2024 (With Examples & Tips)

    In general, there is some basic information that should be included within the education section of a resume: The name of the school — "e.g. Georgia Institute of Technology". The location of the school. Your degree ( high-school diploma, GED, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, etc.)

  4. How to List Education on a Resume [+ Examples]

    Let's start with the basics— what to include in your resume education section: Your most recent degree (or education in progress) The name of your school. Location of your school. Dates attended and graduation date (or expected graduation date) Your GPA (only if it's above 3.5) Your field of study and degree major.

  5. How to List Education on a Resume [13+ Real-Life Examples]

    Use a (Free) Resume Template 16 Examples of Education on a Resume #1. High School Education #2. General Education Development #3. Associate Degree #4. Certificates #5. Undergraduate Degree #6. Graduate and Postgraduate Degrees #7. Unfinished Education FAQs Key Takeaways. Share this article.

  6. How to List Education on a Resume: Tips, Examples, and More

    Field of study (major and minors) GPA if it was above 3.5 Honors, achievements, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or study abroad programs. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you format this section of your resume: 1. List in reverse chronological order. Rank your highest degrees first and continue in reverse chronological order.

  7. Education in Progress on Your Resume: How to List it

    Another way to showcase education in progress is to include the phrase "in progress," "anticipated completion date," or "expected graduation date" next to the corresponding certification or degree. These phrases help recruiters understand your current status in your academic journey.

  8. How to List Education on Your Resume [Examples 2024]

    In terms of a layout, a resume's education section includes: Name of the institution. Degree. School location. Date of graduation. GPA (only when over 3.0) When wondering how to list education on resume: Start with your highest qualification and work your way back in reverse-chronological order.

  9. How to List Education on a Resume (Template and Example)

    Below, you can explore six steps on how to list education on a resume: 1. Discuss your education in your professional summary. Your professional summary is typically the first section on your resume showcasing your suitability as a candidate. If you're new to the workforce and have no work experience, your education might be your most ...

  10. How to List Education on a Resume in 2024 + Examples

    The degree or certificate earned. Name of the school that you attended. The city/state location of the school. The major (s) or focus of your study. Including the year you graduated and earned your degree is optional. Adding the year hints at how old you are, which can lead to hiring bias issues.

  11. How to List Education on Resume in 2024 [Tips & Examples]

    Add the degree earned if you completed it. Include the school name, city, and state. List the program or major if the schooling is yet unfinished. Add extras to make the education section soar, such as honors, awards, relevant coursework, and minors. Use a second educational entry if the first one is unfinished.

  12. How to List Education on Your Resume (With Examples)

    There are specific details a hiring manager is looking for in your educational section that include: Your most recent degree, or education in progress. The name of the school. The location of the school. Your field of study or degree major. Graduation year or expected graduation date. Your GPA, if above 3.5.

  13. How to List an Unfinished Degree on a Resume (With Examples)

    Here's an example of how to list an unfinished degree on your resume: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY - Syracuse, NY. 2017-2019. If you took some courses related to the job, include those under your university information. You can list them by individual courses taken or by number of credits earned in a certain area of study.

  14. How To List Education On Your Resume (With Examples)

    Here is a guideline of how to list education on a resume: 1. List your professional degrees. The degree is a vital piece of information as it helps recruiters assess if you have the essential qualifications for the role. Start by listing your latest degree. You can either mention the complete name or shorten it. 2.

  15. Recent College Graduate Resume Examples (Plus Writing Tips)

    Here are three expert tips for assembling the perfect job application as a recent college graduate: 1. Highlight your experience as a student. As a fresh graduate, your college education is your biggest asset in entering the job market. Employers understand that earning a degree requires a variety of marketable skills.

  16. Student Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

    Include a Cover Letter 5 Student Resume Examples #1. Recent Graduate Resume #2. Experienced Student Resume #3. Internship Student Resume #4. College Freshman Resume #5. High School Student Resume Key Takeaways. Share this article. Whether you just graduated college or you're taking a gap year before continuing your studies, one thing is for ...

  17. How to Make the Perfect Resume (With Examples!)

    5. Don't Forget Your Education. If you're still in school or just graduated, your education can go at the top of your resume, but for pretty much everyone else, this goes near the bottom. Most people include their school, graduation year (for folks less up to about a decade out of school), major, and degree.

  18. College Student Resume Example (With Tips And Template)

    Enthusiastic college student majoring in education seeking a teaching assistant internship. Skilled at instructing small groups and passionate about student development. Eager to gain classroom experience and work collaboratively with faculty. 3. Swap out "Work History" for "Relevant Experience".

  19. Student Resume Examples & Templates for 2024

    To create an effective high-school student resume, follow these steps: Add your name, surname, and contact details at the top of the resume. Write a career objective or a resume summary that can catch the recruiter's attention. Mention any relevant work experience, such as part-time jobs, tutoring, babysitting, etc.

  20. 9 Resume Tips for College Students (With Examples)

    9 college resume tips. When writing a resume for a job application as a college student or recent graduate, consider these tips: 1. Choose the right resume format. Potential employers spend a short amount of time looking at your resume—usually only several seconds. The easier your resume is to scan, the better you can hold their attention.

  21. What Should You Include On Your Resume When You Haven't Finished Your

    3. Your area of study. 4. Current GPA (If 3.0 or higher) and the words In Progress. This works well if you're still going to be in school for a couple of years. It might look like this on your resume: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Bachelors of Arts Degree, Business Management - In Progress Current GPA 4.0

  22. College Freshman Resume [W/ Example & Writing Tips for 2024]

    Top ↑ College Freshman Resume Write Your College Freshman Resume With This Step-By-Step Guide #1. Format Your College Freshman Resume the Right Way #2. Add Your Contact Details #3. Write a College Freshman Resume Objective #4. Prioritize Your Education #5.

  23. Resume Trends 2021 (Analysis of 670,000 Documents)

    A 2021 study analyzing over 670,000 resumes to determine what candidates across all industries write about their job histories and skills as well as the keywords they use. ... A two-page resume is often preferred by recruiters, ... 10 Current Resume Trends & Forecasts You Should Be Thinking About;

  24. The Ultimate Guide To Writing A Career Change Resume

    Elements Of A Stand-Out Career Change Resume. The typical resume sections are still relevant: Skills, competencies, accolades, experience, volunteer work, education and training. For career ...

  25. Scientific shark study resumes in New Caledonia

    Patrick Decloitre, Correspondent French Pacific Desk. New Caledonia's Southern Province will tag 200 sharks with transmitting devices Photo: IRD. A scientific study on shark presence and behaviour is to resume shortly in New Caledonia's Southern Province, where two incidents in February last year prompted an indiscriminate culling campaign.