applying for internship resume

How to write an internship resume (+ an example)

Your resume is an important part of securing your dream internship. See how to write an amazing internship resume with an example below.

How to write an internship resume (with an example)

Are you ready to bridge the gap between what you’ve learned in school and the real world? Do you want to learn new skills, build connections, and make your mark in your chosen industry? Internships serve as stepping stones during your professional journey and provide opportunities for personal and career growth.

Securing a great internship starts with a killer resume. Your professional resume is your ticket to the interview and your chance to impress potential employers from the get-go. That's why we've put together this helpful intern resume writing guide with six simple steps to help you create an internship resume that stands out.

From organizing your resume's structure to highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we'll even provide an example resume to guide and inspire you along the way.

Whether you're a college student eager to land your first internship or a recent graduate ready to make your mark, an effective internship resume is a game-changer. Let's jump right in and start crafting a resume that opens doors to exciting internship experiences.

How to write an internship resume in 6 steps

When it comes to internships, recruiters know that you might not have years of experience under your belt. But don't worry! The key is to highlight your potential, eagerness to learn, and genuine enthusiasm for the internship. Use each resume section to show how your qualifications and skills make you a valuable asset to the organization.

Step 1: Resume heading

Kick things off with a clear and professional header at the top of your resume, including all the essential contact information (full name, phone number, and email address). Ensure your email address sounds professional — avoid any wacky or unprofessional aliases — and consider adding a link to relevant social media accounts (like your LinkedIn profile).

Step 2: Objective or summary statement (optional)

A resume objective or resume summary statement gives hiring managers a sneak peek into your career goals by highlighting specific skills that make you perfect for the internship. Tailor this section to the internship you're after. Show them how your objectives align with the organization's goals.

Step 3: Education

The education section is your chance to show off your college or university experience. Tell them your major or area of study and consider including your GPA. Don't forget to mention any cool coursework that's relevant to the internship. If you're still in the process of getting your degree, give them a heads up on when you'll be crossing that graduation finish line.

Step 4: Work experience

In the experience section, include any internships, volunteer work (a great resume builder!), or any other relevant work history. Describe the tasks you handled and any achievements you rocked in each role. Focus on those transferable skills that make you a superstar — things like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and organization. Highlight how your previous professional experiences have set you up for success in this internship and contributed to your personal growth.

Step 5: Certifications/special projects/skills

This skills section showcases the professional certifications and specific soft skills (personal skills and abilities that can help in any job) or hard skills (technical or job-specific skills) that make you stand out from the crowd. Include any special projects or extracurricular activities that show your passion for the field, too. This is your chance to spotlight those unique skill sets and experiences that make you a true rockstar candidate.

Step 6: Awards & honors (optional)

If you've been lucky enough to receive any awards, honors, scholarships, or recognition for your academic or professional prowess, this is the perfect spot to showcase them. Highlighting your accomplishments shows your dedication and excellence and lets potential employers know you're a true go-getter.

Resume formatting tips

Let's talk about some other ways to make your internship resume shine. First off, keep it to a single page. Internships usually involve limited experience, so a concise resume works best. Be selective and focus on highlighting the most relevant information that showcases your qualifications.

When it comes to spacing, give your text some room to breathe. Leave enough white space between sections and paragraphs to make it visually appealing and easy to read. Break up the content using bullet points, headings, and subheadings to make it more organized and reader-friendly.

Stick to a legible font throughout your resume so it's easy on the eyes (aim for a font size of 10 or 11 points for the main content). You can make headings and section titles a bit larger (around 12 or 14 points) to create visual emphasis and hierarchy.

Margins matter, too! Ensure you have enough space on all sides of your resume. A margin size of 0.5 to 1 inch is standard and gives your resume a clean, professional look.

Lastly, don't forget to proofread for any grammar or spelling errors. A polished and error-free document shows your attention to detail and professionalism.

Following these tips to craft a well-organized, visually pleasing internship resume will make a memorable impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing that dream internship.

You can also get help with formatting your resume by downloading our free internship resume template .

Internship resume example

Use this resume sample as a guide to create a resume that will dazzle hiring managers. Customize your resume based on the specific job description you are applying for.

[Your full name]

[City, state, ZIP code]

[Phone number]

[Email address]

[LinkedIn profile link]

Motivated and dedicated individual seeking an internship opportunity to gain practical experience and further develop skills in [specific field]. Committed to contributing to an organization’s success through a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a passion for learning.

Bachelor of [Degree], [Major]

[University Name], [City, State]

[Year of graduation]

Relevant coursework

• [Course 1]: [Course description]
• [Course 2]: [Course description]
• [Course 3]: [Course description]
• Technical skills: [List relevant technical skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency)]
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated through [specific examples, such as presentations or publications]
• Problem-solving: Ability to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions
• Teamwork: Collaborative approach to working with diverse teams to achieve common goals
• Adaptability: Quick learner with the ability to thrive in fast-paced and changing environments
• Organization: Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

Relevant work experience

[Company/Organization name], [Location]

[Position title], [Dates]

• [Responsibility 1]: [Describe your key responsibilities and achievements]
• [Responsibility 2]: [Describe your key responsibilities and achievements]

[Company/Organization Name], [Location]

[Position Title], [Dates]

[Project Name], [University/Company], [Dates]

• [Describe the project, your role, and the skills utilized or developed]
• [Highlight any notable achievements or outcomes]

Leadership and extracurricular activities

• [Describe your responsibilities and contributions]

Certifications

• [Certification 1]: [Certifying authority], [Year]
• [Certification 2]: [Certifying authority], [Year]

What about an internship cover letter?

When it comes to internship applications, a cover letter may not always be required (check the internship description for requirements) but it can make a world of difference. A carefully crafted cover letter has the power to make you shine amidst a sea of candidates and increase your chances of landing that coveted internship.

Read our tips for writing an internship cover letter , where we spill the secrets of how to write a killer cover letter that perfectly complements your resume and sets you up for success.

Which companies are hiring for internships on Handshake?

Land an amazing internship.

As you wrap up crafting your winning internship resume, remember that it's not just about the length or the formatting — it's also about showcasing your potential, passion, and unique qualities that make you a perfect fit for the internship. Tailor each section to align with the internship position and emphasize your relevant skills and experiences. With this resume as your tool, you're ready to make a lasting impression and land that dream internship.

Need help finding the perfect internship? Head over to Handshake , download our app, and create your profile. You’ll have access to the most opportunities of any job platform for students and new college grads, as well as tons of helpful advice and tips for launching your career.

Now go out there and get that internship!

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

Related stories, most recent stories.

5 Steps to Writing the Perfect Resume for an Internship (Plus an Example!)

Let’s say you’re looking to land that ideal summer internship . You’re browsing job boards looking for open roles, and what looks like a dream opportunity pops up. You nod your head at every bullet on the posting, getting excited about what responsibilities you’ll get to take on—shadowing a senator! Writing columns for a local newspaper! Working with an engineering team to build a rocket for launch!—and fantasizing about one heck of a summer you’re going to have.

Then you look at the application: Please submit a resume.

OK, you have an idea what a resume is—a list of your professional skills and experiences. But from what you can gather, you don’t have much to offer in this realm. Maybe a couple summer jobs working as a server or camp counselor? A few relevant courses or class projects? A general understanding of Excel?

Don’t panic—first of all, it’s completely normal, and common, to find yourself with little to put on your resume as a student or recent graduate. Secondly, even the bit you have can make for a great resume! Here’s how to go about crafting yours from scratch—from coming up with what to put on it to organizing and editing it in a way that’ll impress a hiring manager.

Step 1: Brainstorm

The first thing you should do, once you’ve found a role (or several) you’d like to apply for, is to dig into the requirements and responsibilities. “Use the job description for the internship as your guide” to figure out what to include on your resume, advises Chelsea C. Williams , Founder and CEO of College Code and a career coach on The Muse. What skills are they highlighting—both hard skills, like Excel or Wordpress, or soft skills , like time management or written communication? What words are they using to describe the ideal candidate? What experiences, work history, or general background or interests are they looking for?

Then, separately, jot down what you bring to the table. A few things to consider including are:

• Your educational history (your major, your GPA, classes, research work, big projects, study abroad programs, honors, or awards)
• Summer, part-time, or on-campus jobs
• Volunteer work
• Student organizations, clubs, or sports

Start by creating a master list of everything you’ve done that could be relevant to a job—any job. Then, once you have that list, narrow down the items that feel most relevant and applicable.

The idea isn’t to nix stuff that is a far cry from what you’d like to do in a professional setting. Being a waitress, for example, may not seem relevant to a marketing internship at first glance. But if the role calls for someone who can multitask or be a team player, you may find that a lot of your experience in the service industry does apply.

“One time a student—an English major—I was working with got a paid remote internship in New York because the hiring manager was impressed she was a crew trainer at McDonald’s; they valued her leadership ability and hard work ethic,” says Muse career coach Eilis Wasserman .

The same thing goes for being an athlete or running the debate team—again, it’s not technically a “job,” but a lot of the soft skills you’ve developed could easily factor into an internship.

The key is to make sure whatever you’re including shows some sense of “involvement, work ethic, and accomplishments,” explains Wasserman. What wouldn’t fit into this category? Things like: vacations, non-educational school trips, or social events that were purely for fun. If they show a bit of your personality or come with a unique story related to your career ambitions, save sharing them for your cover letter instead.

Step 2: Create Your Sections

At the very top (and preferably in a bigger, bolder font) you’ll need to add your contact information —which should include your name, your phone number, your email address, and any relevant links , like your LinkedIn profile or personal website , if applicable.

“If you’re a student, include your .edu email instead of other emails,” Wasserman recommends. “School emails are often seen more favorably among employers.” Plus, it tends to be a more professional address than your personal one ([email protected]? Probably not ideal).

Wasserman suggests that anyone who’s still in school or recently graduated should have their education at the top of the page. You’ll likely organize your resume in this order:

• Education and Awards
• Work and Leadership Experience
• Skills and Interests

You have the option to remove or add sections of your own, too. If a lot of your past is filled with volunteer work , you might decide to break that out into its own category titled “Volunteer Experience.” Or maybe you aren’t involved in clubs and don’t need an entire section on “Activities.” Go ahead and cut or condense if it feels natural or saves you from going on to another page—no one will hold it against you.

By the way, templates will be your best friend in getting organized. Check out some of our favorite Google Docs resume templates that you can copy and start personalizing instantly.

Step 3: Fill in Your Information

When you start adding jobs and activities to your resume, you’ll want to put them in reverse chronological order—most recent to least recent. If some happened at the same time, put the most relevant one first.

Wasserman adds that “if you are beyond your first year in college, I would recommend not including any high school information unless [it’s] very relevant to the internship position” and boosts your reputation as a hard worker. Your high school grades? Not as relevant. Your senior summer job as a retail salesperson? Might be.

Let’s break down what to write in each section:

Your Education

Besides the obvious—your school, your major, your degree, your graduation year, and your current GPA (note: if your GPA isn’t great, you may want to leave it off )—there are several other things you can add to your education, if you decide not to make them their own section.

Like, for example, your Dean’s list awards, or your study abroad program, or any other honors or honorable mentions you’ve received as a student. If you’re scraping the barrel for ideas, you could even add a bullet listing “Relevant Coursework,” where you provide the titles of classes you’ve taken or are taking that could be applicable to the internship. This is also a great option if you’re pursuing a role outside your major and want to highlight relevant skills.

Read More: How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume

Your Experience

“Having an experience section does not only mean ‘paid experience’—that is a common misconception among students,” says Wasserman. She explains that when you don’t have a lot of actual jobs to include, you can fill this section with anything from service opportunities to community or club involvement to independent studies. If you played a crucial role in an organization or initiative—maybe you had a leadership title or organized a bunch of events—that’s definitely worth including in this section versus in your activities section, because it’s more like a job than a hobby.

Don’t worry too much about how relevant your experience is—like I said earlier, paid jobs that are outside your dream field are almost always worth including, especially when applying for an internship. Whether you babysat for a professor, served drinks at a local bar, or swiped people into the library, just doing work for a paycheck shows work ethic, drive, and plenty of understanding of the working world and the soft skills needed to be successful.

Read More: How to Spin Typical College Side Jobs Into Legitimate Work Experiences on Your Resume

Your Activities

A lot of school clubs and outside activities make for great resume material, and just as many don’t. It all depends on what’s already on your resume up until this point, what exactly your role was in these activities and what you got from them, and the kinds of internships or industries you’re looking to break into.

If a club or activity was a major part of your college experience (but you weren’t a leader in it), it’s important to include in this section not just to showcase your personality but to show commitment. Same goes for activities where you made a big impact or earned some sort of award or recognition. For example, being a member of a singing group for four years in a row says a lot about you, your values, and how you spend your time. Spending one semester on the intramural frisbee team doesn’t.

Also consider adding in activities that could help you relate to the company or team. If you’re involved with the theater scene, and you’re applying to a role where the hiring manager is a graduate of your school and also did theater, keeping that fact on your resume could spark conversation when you go to interview .

Your Skills and Interests

When you’re still in school, this part of your resume probably won’t be all that long. That’s OK! The hiring manager merely wants to see if you bring any skills to the table that aren’t highlighted or clear in the rest of your resume.

Do you speak a second (or third) language? Did you teach yourself to code? Are you surprisingly good at a specific application? It’s important to be honest about what skills you’re actually proficient in and could contribute effectively to an internship—taking one semester of Spanish doesn’t exactly qualify you to talk to clients in Madrid.

I’m also a fan of including a short “Interests” or “Hobbies” section if you have room. This is the place where you list the things that aren’t job-related experiences (things like crafting, hiking, or reading) but tell the hiring manager more about you and your personality.

Read More: Every Question You Have About Putting Skills on Your Resume, Answered

Step 4: Put It All Together

What does all this look like? Take this sample resume for an internship and use it as an example for how you could write your own (or view it here ). Tina Ford, hypothetically, is a sophomore applying for internships at nonprofit organizations.

Step 5: Edit and Refine It

Now that you’ve dumped everything onto paper, it’s time to look it over and make sure it’s in tip-top shape. First, is it truly tailored to the internship you’re applying for? “Try to look at your resume through their eyes—what information will be most relevant to a hiring manager? What will convince them that you are the best qualified candidate to fill their position?” says Wasserman.

Make sure everything fits on one page —it’s cleaner and neater this way, and realistically, you’re not experienced enough to have a lengthy resume.

Finally, give it one last review to clean up any stray errors. Proofread, spell check, ask a friend to read it through. Because yes, spelling a company’s name wrong or including the incorrect phone number can affect how a hiring manager reads your resume (not to mention whether they can properly contact you).

At the end of the day, you’re just starting out in your career, and hiring managers know that—so they don’t expect your resume to be gleaming with accomplishments or robust skills. If yours is well-organized, shows initiative and work ethic, and demonstrates some sort of passion for your desired industry, you’ll easily convince an employer to bring you in for an interview.

“While resumes are important and they should be flawless and professional, they are just one piece of the equation when it comes to internship hiring,” adds Wasserman. “It is the person behind the resume that matters the most.”

Internship Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Internship Resume Templates and Examples (Downloadable)

Most popular internship resumes.

• College Student
• Accountant Intern
• Software Engineer Intern
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write an Internship Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

College Student Resume Example

Accountant Intern Resume Example

Software Engineer Intern Resume Example

HR Intern Resume Example

Internship Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

John Bergsen  Detroit, MI 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/example

Dedicated accounting student with a 4.0 GPA to date. Completed 32 credit hours, including classes in auditing, cost accounting, and managerial accounting. Recent work experience in small business bookkeeping. Well-versed in accounting software such as QuickBooks and ProSeries. Naturally curious and eager to learn new finance systems and procedures.

• Accounting principles
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Client relations
• Data gathering and entry
• Financial statements analysis
• General ledger
• Workflow documentation
• Writing and editing

Work Experience

Bookkeeper, Small Accounting Corp, Detroit, MI | May 2022 to September 2022

• Made journal entries corresponding with revenue and expenses
• Tracked accounts payable and receivable to support billing for general company expenses
• Supported monthly close by closing out accounts, reconciling entries, and running financial statements
• Prepared client and supplier invoices
• Worked with treasury to manage cash flows and bank account balances

Administrative Intern, Tax Prep LLC, Detroit, MI | May 2021 to September 2021

• Gained and applied strong service skills such as answering phones, greeting clients, and preparing for client meetings
• Replied to new client emails with information on the firm’s services and price schedules
• Received, scanned, and cataloged clients’ tax records
• Supported tax preparation by entering client data and organizing written communications

Candidate: Bachelor of Science (BS) – Accounting, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | expected May 2023 | 4.0 GPA to date

Relevant coursework includes:

• Accounting and economic principles
• Audit and assurance
• Business law
• Corporate finance
• Cost and managerial accounting

Skyler Thompson  Minneapolis, MN 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/example

Writing and editing professional with strong recent academic and work experience. Currently completing Bachelor’s Degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

• Customer service and relations
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Office administration
• Research and fact-checking
• Team collaboration
• Writing, editing and proofreading

Candidate: Bachelor of Arts (BA) – English, Creative Writing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis | expected May 2023

• Children’s fiction
• Fiction workshopping
• Poetry and drama
• Prose and nonfiction
• Short story writing

Honors and activities

Winner, University of Minnesota Campus Award for Long-Form Fiction | 2022

Runner-up, University of Minnesota Campus Award for Excellence in Poetry | 2021

Staff Writer, UMinn News [biweekly college newspaper] | 2021 to present

• Provide copy for various sections, including arts, athletics, and opinion
• Work with photo editors to determine placement with accompanying text

Receptionist, Regional Floral Magazine, Minneapolis, MN | December 2020 to August 2022

• Managed magazine’s main email account, responding to feedback and providing subscription information as needed
• Answered and forwarded calls to the appropriate department
• Maintained and updated subscription rolls
• Organized meetings and verified sources for reporters

Pizza Delivery Driver, Little Caesars, Minneapolis, MN | June 2019 to May 2020

• Member of a high-performing 10-person team
• Praised by manager for working with other drivers and team members to ensure the utmost efficiency and accuracy
• Gained and demonstrated strong organizational skills combining food deliveries based on customer location

Fluency in Spanish | Proficiency in Italian

Mina Sayed  New York, NY 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/example

Motivated student currently completing Bachelor’s degree with honors in Hospitality Management. Strong recent hospitality experience serving customers and training new hires at a large popular hotel. Adapt readily to new work challenges and industry conditions. Bilingual: Fluent in English and French.

• Data entry and updating
• Hospitality operations
• Inventory monitoring
• Reporting and documentation

Front Desk Clerk, Worldwide Hotels, New York, NY | January 2019 to May 2022

• Provided prompt, courteous service while helping guests check in and out of the hotel
• Answered calls and provided information on hotel pricing, services, amenities, and room availability
• Entered guest bookings into the tracking system based on email and phone registrations
• Made guests’ reservations at local tours, restaurants, museums, and movie theaters
• Offered directions and called taxis for on-site visitors as needed

Highlights:

• Ranked No. 3 on a 10-person team for efficient, error-free guest reservations
• Took on leadership role, helping train and mentor new hires

Candidate: Bachelor of Science (BS) – Hospitality Management, XYZ University, New York, NY | expected May 2023

• Dean’s list all semesters, with a 3.9 major GPA and 3.8 combined GPA to date
• Captain, Volleyball Team

Fluency in French

Internship experience can be crucial to getting your first job after graduation. The most effective way to land the perfect internship is to write a resume that includes your related work experience, schooling, and any other relevant life experiences you may have had so far.

Regardless of your career direction, you can write an effective resume for internships by showing your ability to quickly gain and use new knowledge in a real-world setting. The tips and examples below will help you capture this skill on your resume so it gets you interviews for a great internship opportunity.

1. Summarize your internship qualifications in a dynamic profile

Your resume profile should catch hiring managers’ interest by giving the top reasons they can expect you to apply your college studies successfully. Use this section to show you have the knowledge base and work ethic to excel as an intern.

If you have a high major GPA or other academic honors, consider mentioning those in your profile. Also, note any relevant work or internship experience you already have, which can help you stand out from other applicants. The best interns are often curious, resourceful, collaborative, and adaptable. Think about which traits describe you, then add a profile line on how you’d use them in a work environment.

Profile Example

2. add a compelling section featuring your internship experience.

With the experience section, you can show you’re a good intern candidate by giving examples of your success in building and using new work knowledge. If you have prior internship or related work experience, flesh out those descriptions so they’re the main focus of this section. Under each job, brainstorm and describe how you quickly learned new concepts and generated value in an unfamiliar environment.

For any jobs that don’t pertain to your target internship, keep the description short and focused on whatever transferable skills you gained. Say you’re applying to intern at a financial services firm, but your work experience so far is mostly summer jobs at coffee shops and restaurants. In this case, you could show the value of these experiences by describing the general customer relations skills you gained as a result.

Work Experience Example

3. include your internship-related education and certifications.

When you’re in school and pursuing an internship, your current degree program may be one of your top qualifications. So feel free to add any details about it that speak to your ideal internship. Consider listing any relevant courses or topics you’ve studied so far – this is often a great way to show hiring managers the knowledge base you’d apply in their internship program.

Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details. Note that optional template areas appear in [brackets].

Candidate: Degree Title [— Major, Minor], [Academic Department,] School Name,City, ST or online | expected graduation date

• [Dean’s list or other honors] | [#.# GPA] | [class rank]
• [Dissertation: “Name of Dissertation Paper”]
• [Relevant coursework includes: Topic, Topic, Topic]
• [Club or Sports Team]

Certification

• Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [date]
• Service Excellence Certificate, VCU Advanced Solutions | 2023

4. List your internship-related skills and proficiencies

Include a “Key Skills” section to show managers the various ways you could add value as an intern at their organization. These might range from general soft skills like teamwork to hard technical skills like Microsoft Excel. Make sure each one overlaps with your target role. By having a good mix of relevant skills in this section, you can emphasize your ability to build and harness new practical knowledge. Below are some common skills and keywords to consider for your internship resume:

How To Pick the Best Internship Resume Template

For internships, a clear and straightforward resume template is usually best. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your best career details. Select a traditional resume font , and avoid any template with an overly colorful or elaborate design. Also, consider whether the template is compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) employers use to screen resumes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Internship Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for internship resumes -.

For internship candidates, the best resume verbs will show how you’ve quickly built and applied new knowledge – for example, “developed,” “gained,” or “implemented.” But there are various others you might use to describe your school and work experiences so far. The following list can help you find the right mix of action verbs for your internship resume:

How do you align your resume with a job posting? -

A quick and effective way to align your resume with each posting is through the Key Skills section. For any internship you’re drawn to, follow these steps:

1. Identify the most important skills required. These often appear toward the top of the job post and/or are cited repeatedly. Consider using an online tool like wordclouds.com to visualize which terms in the text are most frequent.

2. Among these required skills, highlight any you possess. For example, if one of the posting’s top skills is “teamwork,” consider how collaborative your experiences have or haven’t been, then highlight it if you feel it’s a strength you’ve gained.

3. Compare the skills you’ve highlighted to your resume’s Key Skills section and add any that are missing. Continuing the above example, say you’ve identified teamwork as one of your strengths. Is this reflected in your existing Key Skills section? If not, add a term like “Team collaboration” or “Cross-functional coordination.”

4. Finally, consider deleting any terms in your resume’s Key Skills section that don’t correspond with the skills cited in the internship posting.

This simple exercise gives each hiring manager a clear view of your relevant skill set, making your resume more relevant to the internship.

What is the best internship resume format? -

In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your pertinent skills and experience. It’s also easiest for you to modify based on your job goals.

With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your experience or work history section and an intro section. (This combination of work history and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should usually include a profile summary and Key Skills section, but you may also add a career highlights or awards section.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

To increase your chances of an interview, write and submit a strong cover letter. The key to an effective letter is customizing it based on each internship opening. Read our internship cover letter guide to learn how. For other related examples, see our high school and recent graduate cover letter guides.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

College Student Resume Examples and Templates

Graduate School Resume Examples and Templates

High School Teacher Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• Resume Length: Should Your Resume Be One Page? Learn More
• The Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview Learn More
• Tips on Writing the Education Section of Your Resume Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

How to Write a Resume for an Internship (With Template)

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Forage puts students first. Our blog articles are written independently by our editorial team. They have not been paid for or sponsored by our partners. See our full  editorial guidelines .

Writing a stellar resume for an internship is one of the best ways to stand out during the application process. Yet what do you put in your experience section if you’ve never worked in a professional setting? What skills do you include? What do employers expect to see from a student who’s applying for an internship ? This guide will help you craft a stand-out resume for an internship, even if you have no experience. We’ll cover:

What Are Employers Looking for on an Internship Resume?

How to write a resume for an internship with no experience.

• Resume for an Internship Template

On a typical resume , employers look at your work experience to see what impact you’ve had at your past companies. But resumes for an internship are different — employers know that you’re a student and don’t expect you to have the same breadth of experience. So, what do they want to see?

Show You Can Deliver Results

“Transparently, recruitment is expensive, and companies want to hire people who are going to come in and be focused on driving results, not just sitting there taking up a seat and being a yes person,” Jeremy Grunfeld, director of student success at Forage, says. “Companies want genuine thinkers that will hit ambitious goals set for them.”

To show you’re a results-oriented person, ensure that your resume shows the results you’ve driven, whether that’s an academic project, volunteer experience, extracurricular, or independent project. 

>>MORE: No Internship? Here Are 9 Ways to Get Work Experience This Summer

“You can blow recruiters away and prove your results focus by ensuring that each of your bullet points (particularly in your work experience section) covers the following: what you did, how you did it, and what impact it had (including a metric),” Grunfeld says.

Show You Can Learn New Skills

Recruiters also want to know that you’re competent at learning new skills, Grunfeld says. “Remember, you’re still a student. You’re not expected to know everything — you’re expected to want to learn.”

So, how can you show you’re good at learning new skills and have a growth mindset ? First, prioritize your academic work and independent learning on your resume. Include an education section, your GPA, awards and scholarships, independent projects, and outside coursework, such as Forage job simulations .

Write to the Job Description

Finally, employers are looking for resumes showing that applicants have the skills and experience they want. Before starting your resume for an internship, carefully read the internship description to identify what the employer is looking for from candidates.

Typically, the company will include this information in the internship description’s “requirements” or “responsibilities” section. Sometimes, an employer will list out specific skills, like programming languages or years of experience. Otherwise, a company might say it’s looking for a “team player” or “numbers whiz,” and you’ll have to do a little interpreting to get at what it’s looking for (hint: a good collaborator and someone with math skills). 

Now that you know the three main things employers are looking for on a resume for an internship — results, the ability to learn new skills, and qualifications — how should you start writing your resume?

Forage Resume Writing Masterclass

Learn how to craft a resume that will wow employers from start to finish.

Avg. Time: 5-6 hours

Skills you’ll build: Resume writing; identifying job titles, transferable skills, and industry keywords; professional brand

Start With Your Contact Information

The top of your resume is the place to list your most important contact information, including:

• Phone number
• Email address
• City and state (no need for full address)

You can also include a link to your website, online portfolio , or any other site demonstrating your work (if you have one — it’s not required!).

Include Your Education

Next, you’ll include where you go to school, your major, your expected graduation date, and your GPA on your resume .

“The most frequent thing that students fail to include on their resume is their GPA,” Grunfeld says. “It’s vitally important. As a rule of thumb, if a resume doesn’t contain a GPA, the recruiter will assume the GPA has been excluded because it isn’t strong. Recruiters will assume the GPA is less than 3.0. If your GPA is higher than 3.0 and isn’t on your resume, you’re doing yourself a massive disservice.”

You can include relevant course names for your major and the internship you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying for a software engineering internship, include your advanced programming courses. If you’ve made the Dean’s List, won any academic award, or studied abroad, you can include that in this section, too. 

Take Stock of Your Experience

Next, consider all relevant experiences you can include on your resume. As long as you don’t title this section “Professional Experience,” this doesn’t need to be formal work experience. 

Consider including:

• Research: Academic work you’ve done for a professor, either for payment or academic credit
• Extracurriculars: Including sports teams, clubs, arts organizations, and academic societies
• Part-time work: Even if it seems unrelated to what you’re applying for, you may have transferable skills (for example, customer service skills from working at an ice cream shop)
• Volunteering: Including community service or work you’ve done to benefit an organization without pay

On your resume, include these experiences with your position, the name of the organization or employer, and the month(s) when you completed the experience. 

Quantify That Experience

Once you’ve written down all of these relevant experiences, you can narrow it down to 2-3 experiences that are relevant to the internship you’re applying for. Next, consider your role in each of them and the results you led to. Ask yourself:

• What responsibilities did I have? What tasks did I have to do?
• What did I do to fulfill those responsibilities or complete those tasks?
• What skills did I use? 
• Who did I work with? 
• What happened after I fulfilled those responsibilities or completed those tasks? What were the results of my action?  
• What did I learn from this experience? 

Asking these questions can help you quantify your experiences, giving you results-driven summaries to add to your “experience” job descriptions.

For example, you might write something like:

• Managed three students’ overlapping schedules to organize and complete a group project one week ahead of schedule
• Created targeted outreach email campaigns to raise over $1,000 in one month for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Designed four new posters for a student theater organization to increase audience attendance by 20%
• Reduced bug frequency by 30% by programming a testing system to identify bugs before software production 

Organize Your Skills

Now that you’ve gone through your experiences, it’s time to figure out what skills you have. 

Hard Skills

Hard skills are the quantifiable skills you’ve learned, including technical, analytical , and computer skills.

First, think about what you’ve learned in your classes. What skills have your teachers taught you or graded you on? For example, did you learn programming skills in a software engineering course? Writing skills in an English class? Data analysis in an analytics course? Conversational Spanish in an introductory class? 

You can list hard skills in a “skills” section of your resume , then provide examples of how you applied them in your experience descriptions.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are skills that describe how we work and interact with others in the workplace, like conflict resolution , adaptability , and verbal communication .

According to ZipRecruiter co-founder Ian Siegel, 93% of employers say soft skills are critical when they decide who to hire. Therefore, it’s crucial to include these skills on your resume. Unlike hard skills, you don’t necessarily put these in your “skills” section, but rather these should be infused into your experience descriptions. 

Putting Skills Into Your Experience Descriptions

The best way to demonstrate how you applied your skills is to put them in your experience section. 

You don’t always need to explicitly name the skill to show how you used it, but it should be clear what impact those skills had on the experience. So, for example, instead of saying, “I used leadership skills in a writing workshop,” you could say, “I led the workshop on X to train 30 new writing mentors in the process.” The second statement still shows leadership skills and demonstrates the impact of your skills.

If we take the examples from above:

• Managed three students’ overlapping schedules to organize and complete a group project one week ahead of schedule → demonstrates time management skills
• Created targeted outreach email campaigns to raise over $1,000 in one month for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society → demonstrates email writing skills
• Designed four new posters using Canva for student theater organization to increase audience attendance by 20% → demonstrates graphic design skills
• Reduced bug frequency by 30% by programming a testing system to identify bugs before software production → demonstrates programming skills  

Include Projects and Courses

Resumes for an internship often include projects and courses to give the employer a better idea of how you’ve gained skills outside of the classroom and other non-work experiences. 

For example, you may have a blog, graphic design side hustle, or an independent coding project. Maybe you’ve completed a Forage job simulation and learned valuable workplace skills.

In this section, you’ll list the name of the project or course, then put bullets of the skills you gained or what you did underneath.

• Skip the photo: It takes up valuable space on your resume.
• Submit the correct file type: “Always submit in PDF,” Grunfeld advises. “When you submit a ‘document,’ your formatting usually gets screwed and recruiters generally aren’t forgiving. They close the resume, hit reject, and move on to the next applicant. Brutal.”
• Check your spelling and grammar: Don’t be afraid to use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to proofread.  
• Use a simple font: Pick a font that’s clear and easy to read, especially on a computer. (Learn the best font for a resume .) 
• Keep it to a page: There’s no need to go over a page, especially for a resume for an internship when you have fewer years of experience.
• Match the aesthetic to the employer: When applying to a traditional company, like for an investment banking internship, keep your resume simple; if you’re applying to a more creative marketing company, you can add more style and color.
• Use ChatGPT as a resume guide , not a final draft: The chatbot can give you a good basic resume template, but you’ll need to customize and review it before submitting it.
• Share your interests: While it’s not required, some interns include a few of their interests at the bottom of their resume under a “skills and interests” section. Including interests can show a bit of your personality and help make a connection with the hiring manager . 

>>MORE: Find out what career is the best fit for your personality with a personality career quiz .

Resume for Internship: Template

View and download a free resume template that will help you stand out to the hiring manager.

Writing a Resume for an Internship: The Bottom Line

A resume for an internship differs from a typical one because you don’t have the same work experience as professionals, but employers aren’t looking for that experience. Instead, they’re looking for someone qualified for the role who’s results-driven and learns quickly. On your resume, quantify what you’ve worked on — even if it’s not a professional experience — and demonstrate the skills you’ve learned and how you’ve applied them. 

Finally, Grunfeld recommends only putting things on your resume that you’re genuinely proud of. 

“The content must highlight your best assets,” he says. “It isn’t a comprehensive record of everything you’ve ever done. If you don’t want to talk about it in an interview, don’t put it on the resume. ​​Your resume is a marketing document — it is marketing you.”

Looking for an internship? Learn everything you need to know to find and land one:

• How to Find Internships That’ll Jumpstart Your Career
• How to Ask for an Internship (Email Examples)
• How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship
• 25 Common Internship Interview Questions
• Ultimate Guide to Internship Application Deadlines and Open Dates

Image credit: Canva

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How to Write an Internship Resume [w/ Examples]

You put in the hours studying, and you're set on a field you want to grow in.

Now, you're eager to jump-start your career with an internship that puts your skills to the test.

But as thrilling as entering the professional world is, creating a resume that reflects your abilities and enthusiasm can make it daunting.

You might find yourself staring at a blank page with no idea where you should start. How can you show the hiring manager that you’re just the right person for this internship?

No need to worry; we're here to help.

In this article, we’re going to show you how to navigate the first steps of your career journey.

We’re going to cover:

• What a Great Internship Resume Looks Like
• 8 Steps to Writing the Perfect Internship Resume
• What to Include in Your Internship Resume

Let’s get started.

Internship Resume Example

Now that’s how you write a great resume for a business or marketing internship.

Here’s what it does right:

• Uses a reverse-chronological format. This is the best format to emphasize your most recent experience and achievements, and it’s a favorite for hiring managers around the world.
• Adds relevant contact details. This internship resume example makes sure to include the most necessary contact information, including the candidate's full name, professional email, phone number, Skype username, and a link to their LinkedIn.
• Includes a resume headline. The brief paragraph positioned at the top of the resume can show the hiring manager how the candidate’s education, skills, and motivation make them the right person for the job from the get-go.
• Expands on the education section. Since the candidate is just starting their career journey, their resume focuses more on their education and the relevant courses that show they know about the field they’re aiming for - in this case, business.
• Highlights relevant skills. This internship resume lists several sets of crucial business and marketing skills while keeping the hard skills and soft skills separate.
• Organizes content with bullet points. To keep their resume concise and easy to read, the candidate uses bullet points to list their achievements, courses, and qualifications.
• Leverages optional sections. This internship resume uses sections like volunteer experience, personal projects, and additional languages that show the hiring manager the candidate’s skills and achievements beyond their education.
• Keeps the resume on one page. The candidate makes sure to keep their resume under one page long and only list relevant information that shows the hiring manager why they’re perfect for the internship.

9 Steps for the Perfect Animator Resume

You saw for yourself what an internship-worthy resume looks like. Now, it’s time to write your own!

We’ve broken the process down into easy-to-follow steps, starting with:

#1. Choose the Best Format

Before you can begin writing your resume, you need to choose a format to work with.

There are three main resume formats you can choose from:

• Reverse-chronological (also called chronological)
• Functional (also called skill-based)
• Combination (a mix of the chronological and functional formats)

For 99% of candidates, we recommend sticking with the reverse-chronological resume format for your internship resume.

The reverse-chronological format is by far the most popular of all three, so it’s what hiring managers expect you to use.

Not to mention, this format highlights your most recent achievements first, so it’s the perfect choice to show the hiring manager what you’ve been up to lately.

Here’s an example of the reverse-chronological resume format:

#2. Tweak the Layout

Once you’ve decided on a format for your resume, it’s time to focus on your resume layout .

After all, before the hiring manager reads your resume, they’re going to look at it. And if what they see is a messy, cluttered document, or a half-empty page, they might decide it’s not worth reading at all.

So, let’s look at some resume layout tips you should follow to make sure the hiring manager likes what they see:

• Adjust the margins. Ideally, the margins should be one inch on all sides of the page. This way, your resume will look well-organized, not cluttered or empty.
• Set the line spacing. We recommend you stick to the standard line spacing, which is 1.0 between text and 1.15 between double lines and after subheadings.
• Choose a professional font. You want your resume font to be easy to read but not overused. Avoid fonts like Times New Roman and Comic Sans, and instead, use something like Lora, Roboto, Ubuntu, etc.
• Stick to one page. Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, so you want to make sure yours grabs their attention from the start. Keep it to one page of only relevant information.
• Save it to the correct file format. Unless the employer specifically requests otherwise, you should save your resume as a PDF file. As a PDF, your resume’s layout is going to stay the same across any device or operating system the hiring manager might use to open it.

Or Use a Professional Resume Template Instead

Creating a perfect internship resume from scratch takes time.

You have to work on the layout, adjust the margins, and make sure the font is set to the right size, all while minding that nothing spills over to page two.

Why not skip all the hassle?

Just use any of our free, tried-and-tested resume templates .

Each resume template is created in close collaboration with designers and leading HR pros, so your resume can be professional, easy to read, ATS-friendly, and stylish.

Take a look at how one of our templates looks compared to a standard text editor resume:

#3. Add Your Contact Information

Once you’ve got your resume’s layout in order, it’s time to start filling in its contents.

This is where your contact information comes in.

All you need to do in this section is make sure everything is factually correct and professional. You don’t want to miss any interview opportunities because of a typo in your email or phone number.

Here’s what this section should include:

• Full Name (e.g., John Doe)
• Professional Title. You can match this to the exact role you're after (e.g., Marketing Intern or Business Communications Intern) or with what you’re currently doing (e.g., Business Student).
• Phone Number. Include the country code if you're applying for an opportunity outside your home country. (e.g., the area code in the USA is +1 but for France, it’s +33.)
• Email Address. Use an email that's based on your name, and avoid any nicknames or quirky jokes. (e.g., [email protected], not [email protected])
• Links. You can include a link to your LinkedIn profile or an online portfolio where you can show any relevant projects or coursework.
• Location. The city and state/country where you’re based are enough information. If you’re open to working remotely or if you're prepared to move for the internship, mention that here. (e.g., You can add “Based in Sweden but willing to relocate to Krakow for the position.” at the end of your resume headline.)

Business Student

+1 228-833-4411

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/john.doe

Paris, France

Le Best Intern

[email protected]

#4. Write a Headline

On average, hiring managers spend less than six seconds skimming a resume before deciding if it’s worth reading. 

This is where your resume headline comes in.

This is a paragraph that acts as a summary of your resume’s highlights. So, the more engaging this paragraph is, the better your chances of getting the hiring manager’s attention from the start.

There are two ways you can go about this:

• Resume Summary. A resume summary is a three to four-sentence paragraph that briefly highlights your experience and achievements. This is a great choice if you already have some relevant experience in the field you’re aiming for.
• Resume Objective. If you’re new to the workforce, a resume objective is a great choice. This provides an overview of your career goals and aspirations, as well as any relevant skills or qualifications.

So, what do these paragraphs look like in action?

Let’s start with the resume summary.

Enthusiastic marketing intern with hands-on experience in content creation and social media management, looking to leverage skills at Digital Agency X. Successfully increased social media engagement by 30% at Company Y by implementing targeted content strategies. Proficient in Hootsuite and Google Analytics.

That’s pretty good! It tells the hiring manager what the candidate’s done, what they’re good at, and why they should keep reading.

Now, let’s look at the resume objective:

Detail-oriented economics student seeking an internship position at Financial Firm Y. Ready to apply academic knowledge to real-world financial analysis and eager to gain practical experience. Strong foundation in statistical analysis and econometric modeling from coursework and university projects. Proficient in Stata and Excel.

As you can see, even without any work experience , done right, your resume objective can make you stand out from the crowd.

#5. Focus on Your Work Experience

By far the most important section of your resume is your work experience .

However, if you’re applying for an internship, you probably don’t have a lot of work experience.

Here’s the good news - hiring managers don’t expect you to. Internships are usually aimed at students and entry-level workers who are just getting started in a field, so you don’t have to dazzle anyone with tons of relevant work experience.

That being said, if you do have some work experience, you need to know how to format the section properly.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use reverse chronological order. Start with your most recent experience and go backward.
• Use the right job title. If your last job had a quirky title like 'Digital Wizard', just use a straightforward job title like 'Digital Marketing Assistant' instead.
• Include company details. Add the name and location of your previous employers. If they’re a small business, you can also add a line describing what the company did.
• Specify the period. Use a month/year format throughout your resume to keep things consistent. There’s usually no need to specify exact dates.
• Describe your responsibilities and achievements. Use bullet points instead of paragraphs to list any relevant responsibilities and achievements. We recommend using up to six bullet points for your most recent role and fewer as you work your way back.

Those are the basics behind formatting the work experience on your internship resume.

But, if you want to stand out from the crowd, you want to go beyond the basics and make this section pop.

Here are a few more tips to take your work experience to the next level:

• Tailor to the internship you're applying for. Only include your most recent or relevant experiences. For example, don’t mention a part-time job as a pizza delivery person if you’re applying for an internship as a writer.
• Focus on achievements. Daily responsibilities don’t tell the employer anything new, but achievements can show your potential value. For example, saying you “Helped in social media campaigns” is fine, but when you “Increased social media engagement by 20% through targeted campaigns” the hiring manager can see the results.
• Quantify your achievements. Whenever possible, use numbers to show the impact you made. (e.g., “Helped increase newsletter subscribers by 300 over three months” )
• Use strong action verbs. Avoid passive phrases like “was responsible for” or “helped with” and replace them with action verbs like 'organized,' 'developed,' 'implemented,' or 'enhanced' to show initiative.

So, let’s see what these tips apply in real life:

Business Intern

Consulting Firm Y

06/2023 - 12/2023

• Completed market research and data analysis projects under tight deadlines.
• Supported the implementation of a new CRM tool that improved the efficiency of the team's data management.
• Helped onboard and train new interns, making sure they were familiar with office procedures and project tools.
• Participated in monthly client meetings and provided support in preparing presentation materials.
• Contributed to a major consulting project by collecting and analyzing customer feedback, which helped enhance the final report's insights.
• Recognized with a departmental commendation for teamwork and dedication during the quarterly review.

#6. Keep Your Education Section Relevant

Usually, we recommend keeping the education section on your resume short and sweet.

However, if you’re applying for an internship, there are a few exceptions to the rule, including:

• If you don’t have any work experience.
• If your education is directly related to the field you want to intern in.
• If you’re applying for an internship while you’re currently a student .
• If you’re in the midst of a career change and your education is more relevant than your work experience.

In each of these cases, we recommend that you expand on your education a bit more. This means you can list any relevant courses, awards, and honors – and even your GPA if it’s good.

Here’s how to list the education details on your resume:

• Degree Name. E.g. Creative Writing and Journalism
• University Name. E.g. Du Monfort University
• Location (optional). E.g. Leicester, UK
• Years Attended. E.g. 2020 - 2024

Here’s an example of how it could look on your resume:

BS in Business Administration, Minor in Marketing

University of Miami

Miami, Florida, USA

09/2019 - 05/2023

• Courses: Strategic Management, Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing Strategies, Financial Accounting
• Awards and Honors: Dean’s List (Fall 2020, Spring 2021), Business Leadership Award 2022

#7. Include In-Demand Soft and Hard Skills

Another important section on your internship resume is the skills section.

In fact, over 40% of hiring managers look at the skills listed on your resume first.

Your skills tell the hiring manager about what you can do, which tools you’re proficient with, and how much training you might need.

So, this section is a great way to show why you are a standout candidate for the internship you want.

The way to do that, though, is not by listing every skill under the sun. Instead, you want to focus on the ones that are most relevant for the internship you're applying for.

For example, if you're applying for a marketing internship, you probably don’t need to talk about your advanced Excel skills. Instead, focus on your experience with social media management tools, content creation software like Adobe Photoshop, or even data analysis tools that are relevant to marketing.

Here are a few tips on how to get this section just right:

• Highlight what the company is looking for. Carefully read the job description and look for any of the specific skills it mentions. If you have any of those skills, make sure to include them on your resume.
• Keep up with industry trends. Being an intern often means you get to learn new things, and that includes being at the cutting edge of new techniques and tools in your field. Stay updated on what the most sought-after skills in your field are, and include any that you've learned.
• Separate your soft and hard skills. Organize your skills into categories. For example, list soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving separately from hard skills like software proficiency or technical know-how. This can help hiring managers quickly find the exact skills they’re looking for.

There are tons of skills out there you might need to list on your resume, depending on your field. If you need help with where to start, check out our article with over 400 skills to put on your resume .

#8. Use Optional Resume Sections

Once you’ve gone through all these section, you might find that your resume still looks empty .

It happens, especially if you don’t have a lot of work experience. Thankfully, there are a lot of other sections you can leverage to fill up your resume.

Some sections you can use include:

• Certifications. Keeping up with the latest industry trends and enhancing your skills shows your commitment to your career development . Here, you can include any relevant certifications or training you've completed outside of your formal education.
• Projects. List any significant university assignments or independent projects you were part of. Hiring managers love candidates who do cool stuff in their free time since it shows that you're enthusiastic and proactive about your field.
• Languages. Lots of businesses operate on a global scale and have diverse teams. Being proficient in multiple languages can make you a standout candidate for roles that might need collaboration across different countries or cultures.
• Hobbies and interests. Take a moment to research the culture of the company you're applying to. Some employers appreciate a personal touch on resumes, like hobbies and interests , because they can reveal more about who you are and how well you’d fit in as part of the team.

Some optional sections, such as volunteer experience or extracurricular activities , can be formatted the same way as your work experience section. Use these sections to show off your skills and experience!

Let’s look at an example of optional resume sections in action:

EXTRACURRICULAR EXPERIENCE

Student Council Member, University Web Committee

University of California, San Diego

09/2020 - 06/2023

• Directed the redesign of the university’s student portal, enhancing user interface and experience, which increased daily student engagement by 40%.
• Organized and led usability testing sessions to gather student feedback, utilizing the insights to optimize navigation and content accessibility on the university website.
• Served as the student council's representative to the university's IT department, making sure student needs and feedback were central to ongoing web development projects.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Adobe XD: User Experience Design Udemy, 2022
• Practical UI Design Fundamentals Coursera, 2023

#9. Include a Cover Letter

Just because your internship resume is ready doesn’t mean you’re done.

Now, we know - odds are, you aren’t a writer , and writing a cover letter is the last thing you want to do.

But cover letters are still crucial for a successful application.

When you write a cover letter, you’re showing the hiring manager that you’re genuinely interested in the job and that you’re ready to go the extra mile to prove it. You’re not just sending out your resume left and right - you put in real effort.

So, including a cover letter with your internship resume can seriously increase your odds of getting an interview and landing the internship you want.

And we’re here with the right cover letter tips you need to nail it!

First, let’s take a look at what a great internship cover letter looks like:

Now, let’s look at the structure of a cover letter:

• Include your details in the header. At the very top of your cover letter, list your full name, contact information, and the job title you are applying for, just like in your resume.
• Personalize the greeting. Research the company to find out the name of the hiring manager or the department you’re applying to. This personal touch shows you’ve made an effort and helps your application stand out.
• Start off strong. Your opening paragraph should be concise and capture the hiring manager’s attention. Highlight a few of your key achievements or qualifications to make a memorable introduction.
• Expand in the body. The main section of your cover letter should delve into the details. Discuss aspects of your experience and skills that are relevant to the job, including anything you couldn’t cover in your resume. Take the time to explain why you’re a good fit for the role and the company based on the skills and experience you talk about.
• Conclude it appropriately. End your cover letter with a call to action, and express your excitement to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s goals. Remember to close with a polite closing line, like ‘Best regards’ or ‘Sincerely’.

Key Takeaways

You’ve made it to the end of our article!

If you applied everything we talked about here, we’re sure you’re going to land that internship in no time.

Now, before you go, let’s recap what we mentioned so far:

• You need the right formatting and layout for your internship resume. We recommend stick to a reverse-chronological resume format, and applying the standard practices to make sure your layout stays tidy and professional.
• Your resume only has a few seconds to grab the hiring manager’s attention, so you should write a brief paragraph in your resume header. Depending on how experienced you are, this can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.
• When it’s time to describe your work experience, focus on your achievements more than your day-to-day responsibilities. This can show the hiring manager how much you can do for their company once you’re hired, and it’s a lot more impressive than everyday tasks.
• If you’re applying for an internship, odds are you don’t have a lot of work experience, and that’s okay. You can focus on other aspects, like your education, your personal projects, or any relevant volunteer experience.
• Take the time to research what skills are in demand for the field you’re applying to. Then, list them in separate sections for soft and hard skills.
• Make sure to write a cover letter to match your resume. Try using one of our cover letter templates to create a matching application in minutes.

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Internship resume examples & templates

Include your contact information

If you’re thinking about an internship, that already says you’re a go-getter. Whether you’re in high school or college, an internship is a great way to give you a leg up in your choice of profession. But to get an internship, you need to make an approach like a seasoned pro, and that starts with an excellent internship resume.To get an internship, you need to make an approach like a seasoned pro, and that starts with an excellent internship resume. You’ve already taken the first step by thinking about an internship, because that says you’re a go-getter eager to begin a career. 

Whether you’re in high school or college, an internship is a great way to give you a leg up in your choice of profession. It all begins with impressing the recruiter enough to get an interview. 

How? With a resume that clearly states who you are and the foundation skills you want to build on.

Resume.io is here to help with job-winning resources for success. That includes more than 500 occupation-specific writing guides and corresponding resume examples , plus field-tested templates and builder tools to help you create both resumes and cover letters.

A 2019 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that college graduates who had completed an internship received more job offers than those who had not.

Securing an internship, just like getting a job, requires a focused search. And snagging that internship can lead you to the first job of your dreams. It all starts with the process of developing your resume, planning what to include and how best to present it. 

This resume writing guide, along with sample resume sentences specifically for internship candidates, will set your candidacy apart from the pack. You'll learn how to:

• Create an engaging, easy-to-read resume that highlights the qualities you'll need to succeed in an internship
• Choose the best resume format for an intern
• Optimize each resume section with customized content reflecting your background and goals: summary, education, experience and skills
• Follow layout, design and formatting tips for eye-catching impact, readability and technical compatibility.
• Capitalize on the experience you already have to get you in the door with an internship at the best companies .

How to write an internship resume

Although you are still in school, you have the material to create a strong resume that will plant you firmly on your career path. Resume formats contain standard sections, but they also contain some that are optional, depending on the career you seek and your achievements and skills.

Let’s take a look at which resume sections are musts when it comes to an internship.

• The r esume header (or your contact information)
• The resume summary (also known as the profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The skills section
• The education section

• Remember your summary will be seen first, so let your uniqueness shine through.
• Think carefully about the order of your sections. Place priority on those that best match the skills the internship requires.
• Choose a clean, professional design that ensures your resume won’t be ignored.
• Try to cram every job, class and skill into your resume.
• Ignore the specifics of the job requirements.
• Write overly long descriptions for every entry.

Now, let’s focus on optional resume information you should consider that will showcase your talents. All of this data shows the internship coordinator that you will add value to the program.

• Languages : If you speak more than one language , that can be a big advantage. Many companies are multinational and can use employees who can communicate with others around the globe.
• Extracurricular activities : Carefully consider whether you can point to an achievement in these activities , or link it to a skill your potential employer would appreciate in an internship candidate.
• Hobbies : This section can add a little personality to your resume, but it can seem as though you are merely trying to fill space. If your hobby is related to your chosen field, consider adding that information in the skills section of your resume.

If you want the internship coordinator to see your resume, your first hurdle is passing the test of the applicant tracking systems (ATS). These computerized systems scan your resume for keywords employers have highlighted as most important. Because of the ease of applying for jobs and internships by simply uploading your resume, companies have found ways to narrow the applicant pool. 

Most companies of large or medium size use ATS as a first line of defense in the hiring process, even for internships. You must make it past ATS if you want an actual human recruiter to see your internship resume. ATS software uses an algorithm to give your resume a score and rank it compared to other internship applicants. 

Make sure to use keywords that you find by analyzing the job description. Use them liberally (though make sure you don’t start sounding like a robot yourself). Most keywords will be directly related to a “ hard skill ,” which is a specific quantifiable skill such as accounting, that is necessary for a job or internship. And remember to use technology to your advantage by grammar- and spell-checking your resume. There's no excuse for typos – even as an internship candidate.

According to Capterra data, more than 75% of large corporate employers use ATS. Some other sources indicate even higher percentages (of up to 90%). The industries that turn to this software most frequently are: health care, education, technical services, scientific services, retail manufacturing and professional services.

Choosing the right resume format for an intern

In cases where specialized knowledge and skills are just as important as where you have worked until now — if not more so — a functional resume may be your best bet. It offers greater flexibility to emphasize your most relevant strengths up front in a section labelled “Experience.” 

The most commonly used chronological resume format is designed as a straightforward way for job candidates to organize their experience and qualifications below employer headings and dates, in order from most recent to earliest. But for an internship job application, a different resume format may be more suitable, depending on the nature and relative importance of your employment history. 

A hybrid, or combination, resume format offers even more versatility. Job seekers can integrate chronological and functional elements in the most applicable manner, and perhaps even put their education section higher up on the page. 

Like every consideration when preparing your resume, the format you choose should depend on the type of job and industry, and how best to present yourself as an ideal match. Also take into account what we touched on earlier regarding optional resume information you may wish to include, and the order you choose to arrange resume sections.

Our resume builder provides many options for each format. You can see what completed designs look like in our resume examples.

For more ideas and inspiration, check out these writing guides and resume examples from the related education category:

• Early Childhood Educator
• College Student 
• High School Student 
• Academic Librarian
• Health Educator 
• ESL Teacher 
• Teacher Assistant 
• Substitute Teacher 
• Middle School Teacher 
• Elementary School Teacher 
• College Professor
• High School Teacher  
• Academic Tutor 
• College Admissions 

A distinctive resume header can visually set yourself apart from other intern candidates. It enhances the reader-friendliness of your document while also readily identifying who it belongs to. It also displays your contact information prominently so recruiters can readily get in touch to arrange an interview.

Here’s what to include:

• Full name & title. List your first and last name and avoid nicknames. Use the title of the role you are pursuing.
• Professional email address. Use a clean format like [email protected] . Don’t use the quirky, unprofessional email address you set up to give your friends a laugh.
• Phone number . List a number where you can be readily contacted, with a professional voicemail greeting.
• Location . List only your city and state. Don’t list street address or zip code. It’s both outdated and unsafe. Note 'Willing to Relocate' here if applicable.
• Portfolio . If you are a coder, web designer, artist, or any other professional with tangible work, showcase your talents with a portfolio you can link to in your internship resume.

Don’t include:

• Date of birth : Not necessary.
• Personal details : Marital status, social security number, etc.
• Personal social media : Your adolescent antics will not help you present a professional image.

Tony Sanders

[email protected]

(425) 807-3212

Bellevue, WA

22 Snowdrop Circle

Bellevue, WA 98008

Make use of a summary

Your summary is the perfect opportunity to show you have the right combination of knowledge, drive and personality to succeed in the internship. Your resume may look similar to many other internship applicants, but the message in your summary is unique to you. 

This is your chance to get a little creative and give potential employers insight into who you are and why you’re the best candidate for the internship. This isn’t easy; you have two or three sentences to differentiate yourself and show your knowledge of your chosen field, but never fear, the following strategies will get you there.

Also known as a profile or personal statement , your summary allows your resume to stand out from the crowd of other internship candidates. The top of your resume is prime real estate. Here’s how to grab recruiters’ attention:

• Research the key qualities necessary for your chosen internship and career. Craft your first sentence to illustrate how you embody those qualities.
• Analyze the internship job description. Once you have a firm grasp of exactly what skills the employer wants, use this resume section to explain your expertise or positive qualities using action verbs.
• Use action verbs that tell what you have done or are able to accomplish. Here are a few examples: coordinated, envisioned, launched, diagnosed.
• Show your grit. Talk about a success you’ve had or a problem you solved. This shows you understand what it means to apply yourself to a job. Alternatively, discuss in a sentence a position you have held — even if it’s not directly related to your field. This shows employers that you are a responsible internship candidate and can handle a challenging work environment.

OK, so now you know what a resume profile is, but what does one look like for an internship candidate with little or no experience in the field? Check out the sample below for an example of how to write your own resume summary.

Hardworking and enthusiastic college student working towards a B.S. in Marketing. Seeking to use my superior knowledge of social media marketing and my advanced communication skills to effectively serve your company in an internship position. Dedicated and committed to becoming a dependable and valuable team member.

Outline your work history: you’ve got more than you realize

Experience means more than just jobs in your field. You can describe work that points out your relevant skills. Don’t forget those resume keywords! The focus of your life so far has been your education. 

As you make the leap into the workforce, this resume section will fill out. In fact, although it is hard to believe now, one day you will be trying to pare this down instead of beef it up. But even as an intern, you probably have more experience than you realize. Recruiters looking to hire you for an internship understand that you will not have vast experience. They do want to know, however, that you are responsible, serious about your work, and have interpersonal or technical skills.

Here are some sample experience categories you may want to list on your resume for an internship:

• A previous internship, even if it’s not in the same field as the one you are seeking.
• High school / summer jobs you have had, whether babysitting, retail, or working at a fast food restaurant, tell an employer something about yourself as a worker. Describe the skills you used, the duties you performed or a problem you solved.
• Volunteer work , even if it was required by your high school for graduation. If you used skills relevant to your career, list them on your resume.
• Personal projects such as: a blog that highlights your thinking or writing; a programming challenge or hackathon; an amateur theater project; or a website you developed with friends. These are perfect ways to show alternative experience on an internship resume.

One important thing to remember: DO NOT fluff up this section in an attempt to fill space on your resume. Human resources professionals and recruiters can easily spot drastic exaggerations or overplayed achievements. 

Review your contact info. If you have email addresses or messenger tags that were created back in high school and look unprofessional, create new ones, specifically for resume or professional purposes. Survey data shows that 35% of employers have a problem with unprofessional email addresses. A good bet is to get an email address with your first name (or initial) and last name.

Below is a resume employment history example for an intern.

Sales Associate, Gary's Department Store, Bellevue  Sep 2018 - May 2021

• Maintained positive consumer relationships.
• Provided excellent customer assistance at all times.
• Ensured all communications were consistent with the store brand.
• Used superior information technology skills on a daily basis.

Office Assistant, The Harkins Group, Seattle Jun 2017 - Aug 2018

• Worked to increase office productivity by maintaining an organized environment.
• Used advanced software programs and helped to maintain strong communication among colleagues.
• Maintained the office schedule and prioritized tasks.
• Effectively used my management skills to complete all front desk operations in a timely manner.

Assistant Dog Trainer, Gracelane Kennels, Norwalk Nov 2016 - May 2017

• Helped dogs to assimilate in their new environments.
• Maintained a proper environment, conducive to the health and happiness of each and every dog.
• Cared for each dog, ensuring proper medications and procedures were administered.
• Prepared new kennels for incoming dogs and thoroughly cleaned vacant kennels.

Include the relevant key skills that make you a great intern candidate

You will tailor this section to the internship you want. Each employer wants something a little different, so make sure your resume reflects that. As a student, you are just beginning to develop hard skills, so soft skills will play a large role.

Make a list of all the skills you have. Put them down even if they seem irrelevant. This will be your master list and brainstorming it will give you a baseline from which to choose the most important qualities as you adjust your resume for each internship application.

Some skills require explanation. Saying you’re a good communicator is not very informative. Instead, give an example on your resume of a time you had to communicate and the result of the communication. A 2017 study of employers found that the top skills they look for in interns are:

• Information processing
• Planning/prioritizing
• Decision-making/problem-solving
• Verbal communication

If you are struggling to develop this section, consider placing it below the education section, where you may be able to showcase your industry knowledge and skills more readily. Analyze each internship description. Choose the top five to 10 skills listed to personalize your resume, and include a blend of hard and soft skills . Use exact words from the description to help you get past the ATS.

According to Glassdoor, 250 people apply to the average job listing . Make sure to use every advantage possible to outpace the competition. This includes honing your skills, summary and every other resume section, as well as making sure the design of your resume is clean and visually appealing. 

Check out an internship resume sample for the skills section below.

• Interpersonal Communication Skills
• Excellent Work Ethic
• Advanced Technology Skills
• Teamwork Skills
• Honesty and Integrity
• Motivated Attitude

Detail your education

Classes in your chosen field have already given you both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. In this section of your intern resume, you have the opportunity to explain how your education up to this point makes you a great candidate for an internship. 

College classes in your major are the perfect preparation for internships. Look through your course descriptions and syllabi for examples of transferable lessons or skills. Then, highlight keywords and projects you have completed that are directly related to the internship you seek. Your academics are your current career, so treat them as such. Analyze the internship description for skills and highlight keywords you will strive to include on your resume.

Focus on tangible results of your education 

Here are two tips for enhancing the education content of your internship resume by describing, including a sample sentence you can adapt.

• Say this: “Wrote research paper that involved surveying 50 students and analyzing data to test my hypothesis that too much outside work drives down student grades.”
• Instead of: “Did a research project on how work affects student grades.”
• Use specific language and spell out acronyms the first time you use them. For example, remember that ATS may be searching for the words “search engine optimization” and not the acronym SEO.

Here’s a basic education example you can use as a starting point for your internship resume.

University of Washington, Seattle   Aug 2017  Bachelor of Marketing - Passionately pursuing a marketing degree, while working to enhance my skill set and industry experience.   Franklin Academy, Bellevue  Sep 2013 - Jun 2017  High School Diploma - Earned my high school diploma and graduated at the top of my class.  - Worked to maintain my Honor Society membership for all four years.

Pick the right resume layout and design for an internship resume

Some internship candidates believe that employers will overlook a poorly designed and formatted resume document from applicants with little or no professional experience. This is usually not the case. In fact, a well-designed resume can actually put you miles ahead of others seeking the same position. 

When it comes to layout, design and formatting choices, you’ll want to keep your resume looking clean and simple, without sacrificing visual appeal. After putting time and effort into crafting your resume text, it's important to ensure the document is easy to read. 

Here are some tips for creating a CV layout and formatting that's artistic, yet legible and inviting to read. 

• Try the quadrant test to make sure the text is well-balanced. Split your resume into four quadrants, by dividing it horizontally and vertically. Text should be almost evenly spread among the quadrants (more important sections can be a bit larger).
• Separate text. Instead of putting your title, dates of employment, and employer’s name one right after the other, divide them into columns on your resume.
• Choose fonts wisely. Use boldface, type size, and fonts to draw recruiters’ eyes to the most important information on the resume.
• Use color sparingly. A splash of color is fine, but too much is distracting and looks unprofessional.

Resume.io's field-tested resume templates can make it easier to quickly create a job-winning CV. Choose one from our four resume design categories — modern , professional , simple , or creative . Or, personalize the internship resume example at the top of this guide.

But before you settle on a template, make sure to consider what the presentation says about you as a candidate. Is the internship for a serious company in a traditional field with a formal image? Or do you think your potential employer would appreciate a more modern, resume with youthful appeal?

According to Purdue Owl, HR personnel take at most 35 seconds for a first look at a resume. Make the most of that time. 

Key takeaways for building an internship resume

To create an impressive showcase for your talents, think carefully about the order of your resume sections and put your most impressive ones first; highlight your outstanding classwork and achievements; and tailor your skills to each internship and give examples for vague skills like “great communication.”

Save yourself time and take the margin of error out of your resume creation with the resume.io builder tool and expertly designed resume templates.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

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Student Internship Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Kick-starting your career with an internship? Your student internship resume is the key to unlocking that door. But in a sea of skilled candidates, how can your resume bubble to the top?

This guide is your lifesaver. Packed with useful tips, concrete examples, and handy samples, we'll help you line up your talents and skills in a resume that's hard to ignore. Keep reading to learn the answers to the following questions:

• Which resume format is best for interns?
• Why write a resume summary as an intern?
• What skills should an intern include on a resume?
• How do you describe work experience as an intern?
• How can an intern accurately include education on a resume?

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. What is the best format for your intern resume

Whether you are currently working as an intern or are applying for an internship position, the first decision you must make for your resume is which format to use .

Internships are often seen as a transitional role to help you build professional experience either while you are still a student or after you have graduated. As such, employers may not be looking for a plethora of work experience, but rather educational credentials and academic skills that qualify you for the job.

Below is a breakdown of the 3 main types of resumes and when to use them:

• Reverse-Chronological: The reverse-chronological resume focuses mainly on work experience, listing your most recent job first and working backward from there. This format is best for applicants who have relevant experience in the field of the internship they are applying for.
• Functional: The functional resume removes the focus from work experience, placing it instead on education, skills, and unpaid experience. This format is often the best-suited for interns, as it provides the best opportunity to highlight academic experience and achievements.
• Hybrid: The hybrid resume spreads the focus of the document out evenly between all sections. This makes this format a good option for interns who have a mix of both professional and academic experience.

2. How to write an appealing intern resume summary

A resume summary is a short statement at the beginning of your resume that helps introduce an applicant to the employer reading the document.

As an intern, writing an effective resume summary is a great way to help your resume stand out from the competition. When written well, this summary can make your resume far more memorable and eye-catching, boosting your chances of landing the position.

To help illustrate how to write a good resume summary, here is a weak example followed by a correction and explanation:

Incorrect intern resume summary example

Recent College Graduate seeking an internship position within the FinTech space. Highly knowledgeable of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Skilled at working with large teams of developers and designers, helping to create a new smart product that won a major competition.

Why is this incorrect?

In this example, the applicant is too vague when discussing their experience and accomplishments. Rather than skirting around specific details, they should strive to include more exact information, such as what competition they won or specific examples that show they are knowledgeable in machine learning and AI.

Corrected intern resume summary

Recent Graduate with a B.S. in Information Systems and Computer Science. Passionate about artificial intelligence, with 3+ years of experience working in collaboration with other students on faculty-led technology projects. Served as a professor’s assistant in creating a new Smart Watch that won first place in the 2021 Innovation in STEM competition.

Why is this correct?

In this example, the applicant offers exact details about their academic credentials and experience working with AI. Additionally, they include key insights into their interpersonal abilities by describing their collaborations with students and professors. The summary wraps up with a bang by detailing the award-winning product they helped a professor create.

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

3. what are the best skills to put on an intern resume.

No matter what internship position you are applying for, it is important to include both hard and soft skills on your resume.

Hard skills refer to your learned abilities, like software development or bookkeeping. These are the skills that should be as specific as possible for the internship you are applying for, as they will often be a qualifying factor in the eyes of employers.

Soft skills refer to your ability to understand the people and world around you. Without soft skills present on a resume, it can be difficult for employers to get a true sense of your personality and working style.

With this in mind, here are 10 examples of both hard and soft skills for Interns:

The best hard skills for your intern CV

• Bookkeeping and accounting software
• Computer skills (typing, presentations, etc.)
• Office software (Microsoft Office 365, Google Suite, etc.)
• Graphic design
• Telecommunication
• Data analytics
• Foreign languages
• Office management
• Technology skills

Effective soft skills to put on your intern resume

• Willingness to learn
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Self-confidence
• Collaboration
• Organization
• Verbal and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Active listening

4. How to best describe your work experience

Typically, an applicant who is applying for internship positions will lack an extensive work history – hence why they wish to work in the role of an intern.

However, even if you have work experience that is not directly related to the position you are applying for, you can still use this experience to showcase your transferrable skills and work ethic. Additionally, you can help yourself stand out more by including specific accomplishments from previous roles.

Here is an example of a work experience entry from an intern resume

Sears, Salt Lake City, UT Customer Support Agent August 2019 to June 2021

• Provided accurate and in-depth information and assistance to customers calling about making returns and receiving refunds.
• Improved overall customer satisfaction rating from 75% to 96% by helping to implement a new incoming call script and conflict management process.
• Received the Employee of the Month award for 4 consecutive months, from March 2021 to June 2021.

Find out your resume score!

5. How to accurately include education in your intern resume

As an aspiring intern, you are likely looking for a position within your field of study. This makes it highly important to list your education correctly . In some cases, it may even be beneficial to include relevant coursework if it is relevant to the internship position.

If you are still in the process of completing your diploma or degree, then it is also essential to indicate within your education section when your expected date of graduation is.

Here is an example of a well-crafted education section on an intern resume

Boston University, Boston, MA B.S. in Communications

• Ongoing, Expected Graduation: May 2024
• Introduction to Broadcast Journalism, Completed Spring 2021
• Diversity in Communications, Completed Fall 2021
• Advanced Topics in Human Virtual Representation, Currently Enrolled

6. How to include customized extra sections in your intern resume

When creating an intern resume, it's essential to include relevant sections that highlight your qualifications, experiences, and skills. Adding extra sections can provide additional value and make your resume stand out.

One effective extra section to consider is "Projects and Internships." In this section, you can showcase notable projects you have worked on or internships you have completed, highlighting your practical experience and demonstrating your ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Here's an example of how to list an extra section in your intern resume

Projects and Internships

• Digital Marketing Intern, XYZ Company (Summer 2022): Assisted the marketing team in developing and implementing social media campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in online engagement and a 15% growth in website traffic.
• Web Development Project: Created a responsive website for a local non-profit organization, incorporating modern design principles and optimizing user experience through intuitive navigation and mobile compatibility.
• Research Project on Renewable Energy: Conducted independent research on renewable energy sources, analyzing their environmental impact and presenting findings to a panel of faculty members.

7. Top job resources for aspiring interns

As an intern on the hunt for the perfect opportunity, it helps to have a few handy resources tucked up your sleeve. Here are some platforms widely acknowledged as top-notch spots to find internships:

• LinkedIn: Networking is everything, and LinkedIn stands tall as the go-to platform. Not only can you easily search internships, but with robust tools for connecting, creating a profile, and showcasing achievements, you enhance your visibility to potential employers.
• InternMatch:  With a user-friendly interface and vast categories, InternMatch helps aspiring interns like you find tailored opportunities across industries.
• Glassdoor:  Known for its company reviews, Glassdoor also hosts a robust job and internship search engine. The added insight about company culture and review is a valuable bonus.
• WayUp:  Designed specifically for students and recent grads, WayUp offers a thoughtful blend of internships, part-time jobs, and entry-level positions.

Remember, while these resources can significantly aid your internship quest, nothing beats a well-written resume and a proactive approach. So, get searching and start applying!

Student Internship Resume FAQ

Should my intern resume have the same length as a regular resume.

As an intern, you're not expected to have as much work experience as a seasoned professional, so it's perfectly fine if your resume is shorter. One page is typically sufficient for a student internship resume.

Can I include extracurricular activities on my intern resume?

Absolutely! If you’re newer to the workforce, your extracurricular activities can demonstrate transferable skills, leadership qualities, and commitment to your field.

What should I do if I have gaps in my education or work history?

If you have notable gaps, focus on the skills and experiences you've gained during those times. Included any relevant activities or self-improvement endeavors you engaged in.

Should I include references in my intern resume?

Usually, it's not necessary to include references on your resume. Employers would generally ask for them separately during the application process.

Is a summary or objective statement necessary on an intern resume?

An objective statement can be beneficial on an intern resume. It can succinctly express your career goals and why you’re a good fit for the internship.

Martin Poduška

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written hundreds of in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam .

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All student internship resume examples

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How to write a professional resume summary [+examples], how to put your education on a resume [+examples], how to describe your work experience on a resume [+examples], let your resume do the work..

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• • Contributed to a cutting-edge project focusing on the enhancement of depth estimation techniques, increasing model accuracy by 15%.
• • Developed and tested machine learning models using Python and PyTorch, achieving a reduction in computational resource usage by 20%.
• • Coursework: Advanced Programming Languages, Algorithms and Data Structures, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Machine Learning, and Network Security.
• • Projects: Developed a mobile app that uses real-time data to enhance user interaction. Applied theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world problems, fostering both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving skills.

5 Intern Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your intern resume must highlight relevant coursework and academic achievements. Showcase projects or assignments that demonstrate practical skills applicable to the job. In addition, include any extracurricular activities or volunteer work that exhibit teamwork and leadership qualities. These experiences reinforce your ability to collaborate and take initiative, essential traits for any intern.

All resume examples in this guide

Resume Guide

Resume format

Resume experience

Resume skills

Education & certifications

Resume objective

Additional sections

Key takeaways

“Internships help you build your resume and gain valuable on-the-job skills,” says a Glassdoor article . That’s like stating the obvious. To land that internship, you still need a resume that looks every bit as professional as an executive’s. Feeling caught in a vicious circle already?

Unlike the standard student resume , which lists any and all types of jobs, an intern resume is a bit different. It's not just about showcasing your job history—it’s about highlighting specific skills and experiences that align precisely with the internship you’re eyeing. Every section of your resume should support your career aspirations and speak to the needs of potential employers.

It’s safe to say that the key to a standout intern resume is customization. In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your resume to reflect who you are and who you want to become professionally. Also:

• What resume format to use to direct recruiters’ attention to your top skills and achievements.
• How to write about your previous experience and back it up with concrete examples of success.
• What are transferable skills and why they matter when building an intern’s resume.
• How to create an effective education section and let HR staff know you’re serious about your career path.
• How to further personalize your resume with additional sections and an intern cover letter for maximum impact.

Before we dive in, check out these resume guides for specific internship roles:

• Product Manager Intern Resume
• Software Engineer Intern Resume
• Data Analyst Intern Resume
• Engineering Intern Resume
• Social Media Intern Resume
• Social Work Intern Resume
• Accounting Intern Resume
• Design Intern Resume
• Computer Science Intern Resume
• Human Resources Intern Resume
• Finance Intern Resume
• Sales Intern Resume
• Marketing Intern Resume
• Data Science Intern Resume
• IT Intern Resume
• Real Estate Intern Resume

Resume format for interns

According to NACE , paid interns are nearly twice as likely to secure employment after graduation compared to non-interns. A stunning 68% of these students  receive job offers from the same organizations where they interned. Now, you can imagine how important it is to make the best impression possible from the start.

A well-crafted resume can jump-start your career in your chosen field and potentially within your preferred company. You simply have to convince HR staff and applicant tracking systems (ATS) how driven and hard-working you are. Let us explain.

Almost 90% of organizations use ATS to scan your resume for keywords . This is a quick way to identify if you’ve understood the assignment by simply counting how many times the keywords from the job posting appear on your resume.

Therefore, when building your intern resume, you should tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for. The first thing you need to take care of is the resume format.

The very first thing I tell every intern on the first day is that their internship exists solely on their resume…

Jay Samit, Serial Entrepreneur

We usually speak of three types of resume formats.

• Reverse- c hronological resume : This is the most common format and lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. It's useful if you have some relevant work experience or have been involved in internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work related to your field of study. However, if you're just starting out in your career, it's probably best to avoid this format—it'll just highlight your lack of experience.
• Functional resume : This format focuses on your skills and experience rather than the reverse-chronological order of your work history. It's a good option for interns who may not have a lot of work experience but have skills relevant to the job they're applying for. You can organize it by skills or projects, highlighting contributions or achievements related to each skill.
• Combination (hybrid) resume : As the name suggests, this format combines elements of both reverse-chronological and functional resumes. It allows you to highlight your relevant skills at the top of your resume followed by your work history.

For most interns, the hybrid or functional resume often works best , especially if you lack solid previous experience. These formats let you emphasize your skills, academic projects, or volunteer work that apply to the job you are seeking.

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Next, it’s time to decide which resume sections  you’ll need on your internship resume.

The top sections on an internship resume

• An e ducation section  detailing your academic background and relevant coursework.
• A strong skills section  to demonstrate your job-relevant capabilities.
• Previous experience  highlighting practical industry exposure or interest.
• An  objective statement at the top of your resume, serving as a professional pitch.
• Projects and achievements  showcasing your applied knowledge and results.

Below is the information you need to provide in these sections in order to create both a readable and engaging resume.

What recruiters want to see on a resume for an internship

• Relevant educational background aligning with job requirements.
• Internship or part-time job experience that shows practical skills.
• Extracurricular activities implying teamwork and leadership.
• Technical skills specific to the industry or role.
• Academic projects related to the job proving real-world application.

Consider this the bare structure of your resume—a well-thought-out document with a list of keywords ready to be strategically placed. Let’s focus on optimizing your content to improve your chances of getting past the ATS.

How to write an intern resume experience section

Most interns feel overwhelmed by this stage. How do you organize an experience section  with so little relevant experience? Yes, you might have scanned items at Target  in the summer, but will that help if you want to land an internship in Google’s BOLD program ?

The answer is yes. Here’s why.

Recruiters know that interns come with little to no experience. They don’t expect you to list every single table you’ve waited on in the past couple of years. They do expect, however, to get an overview of the transferable skills  you’re bringing to their organization. They want to see how you made a difference in your previous roles (be it paid or volunteer) and how this can translate into your next career move.

Let’s go back to the Target cashier who wants to do an internship with Google. Look at this intern’s experience section.

• • Handled daily financial transactions at the checkout.
• • Provided customer service and resolved inquiries.
• • Promoted store loyalty programs to customers.
• • Organized the front-end area to streamline the checkout process.

This experience section entry seems to miss the mark.

• It lacks specificity : The bullet points are very general and don’t highlight specific skills or achievements that could translate into value for a role at Google. They lack quantified outcomes that could show the applicant's impact and effectiveness in their role.
• Missing relevance to the role : The tasks described are typical for a cashier position but don't connect directly to the skills and experiences sought in a tech-oriented internship like Google's BOLD program. Skills related to technology, innovation, project management, or analytical thinking, are more likely to be relevant.
• Absence of description : The experience item has no description section,  which could be an opportunity to frame routine responsibilities in a way that underscores transferable skills like fast learning, dealing with complex transactions, or handling pressure.
• Generic presentation : Overall, the presentation of the experience is straightforward and lacks a strategic angle that aligns it with the goals and values of a tech company like Google. It fails to tell a compelling story of why this experience is relevant and how it prepares the candidate for an internship in such a dynamic and innovative setting.

The point here is not to lie about your skills  and responsibilities, but to think of a clever way to match them with the requirements of the target (no pun intended) role. See how this can be done below.

• • Processed over 1,000 transactions per week with a 99.5% accuracy rate, ensuring reliable financial handling.
• • Assisted approximately 150 customers daily, providing information and resolving issues to enhance customer satisfaction.
• • Contributed to a 10% increase in-store loyalty card sign-ups by effectively promoting the benefits to customers.
• • Implemented a new organization system for the front-end area, reducing clutter and improving the checkout process efficiency.

This revised version checks the following boxes:

• Quantified achievements : The bullets provide specific metrics such as "processed over 1,000 transactions per week with a 99.5% accuracy rate". These quantified results illustrate the applicant's direct impact on business operations, reflecting a strong work ethic and precision.
• Demonstrated skills : Detailing assistance to approximately 150 customers daily showcases the cashier's ability to manage high volumes of customer interactions, highlighting skills in communication and problem-solving, which are critical in any role at Google where enhancing user experience is key.
• Operational improvements : By mentioning the implementation of a new organization system that improved the checkout process, the candidate illustrates their initiative and ability to implement changes that lead to efficiency improvements. This aligns with Google's culture of innovation and optimization.
• Relevance to teamwork and adaptability: Managing financial transactions and customer service in a high-traffic retail environment shows the candidate's ability to work effectively in fast-paced, dynamic settings. This experience applies to the often high-pressure environments at Google.
• Professional presentation : The inclusion of a clear description at the beginning shows the candidate can present information in a professional manner. The effective use of details and strategic placement of quantified data make the section compelling, which is critical for capturing the attention of recruiters.

Way more impressive, right? These aspects make the experience section relevant, suggesting that even experience outside of the tech industry can be valuable if presented in a way that highlights transferable skills and individual impact.

Tech, finance, and consultancy  are the sectors with the highest-paying internships. Unsurprisingly, they’re the most competitive, too. So, a standout resume  is non-negotiable.

How to quantify impact on your resume

Speaking of individual impact—the numbers and figures depend on the job you’re applying for. Here are a few suggestions on how you can measure your successes  from previous experience.

• Highlight the percentage increase in efficiency due to a process improvement you implemented , demonstrating effectiveness and innovation.
• Document the exact number of users who benefited from a software tool or application you developed , showing your impact on user engagement.
• Quantify the reduction in expenses from any cost-cutting measures you introduced , emphasizing your contribution to financial health.
• Mention the increase in follow-up rates from your communication strategies , indicating your ability to enhance customer or client retention.
• Describe the growth in audience size from digital marketing campaigns you managed , reflecting your skills in expanding market reach.
• Specify the volume of data you analyzed or managed , underscoring your analytical and detail-oriented capabilities.
• Report the number of events or projects coordinated , showcasing your organizational skills and ability to multitask effectively.
• Detail the increase in positive feedback or ratings on projects or services you were involved in , highlighting your commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Remember, these are examples. Use them to brainstorm contributions you made in your academic and work life and be specific when describing them.

According to an article on smallbizgenious.net , among students who undertake internships, just over half participate in more than one. Of these, 27% complete two internships, 13% complete three, and a highly ambitious 2% undertake six or more internships. Imagine those resumes!

How do I write an internship resume with no work experience

The simple answer is to build a targeted resume . This means optimizing your resume for the job you want. It’s about being smart about the details such as keywords, use of language, and a professional profile. Yes, you may be lacking the experience, but you have your educational background and coursework to support your application.

You also have the benefit of having no pre-existing expectations looming over you, as you’re probably still studying at high-school . (The usual age for American students starting an internship is 17).

Here are a few more sections to consider including if you want to amplify your intern resume:

• Projects and coursework achievements : Detail any academic or personal projects relevant to the role. Describe what the project involved, your role, the skills you used, and any outcomes or what you learned.
• Extracurricular activities : Include positions in clubs, sports, student government, or volunteer work , especially those where you had a leadership role or which are relevant to the internship.
• Awards and honors : Mention any academic or extracurricular awards  and why you received them.
• Professional affiliations : If you're a member of any clubs or organizations related to the field, list them to show your dedication and network in the industry.
• Certifications : Include any relevant certifications  that demonstrate your commitment to the industry or proficiency in specific areas.

The key takeaway here is to provide evidence for everything you mention on your resume. Don’t say “edited the college newspaper”. Instead, say “Managed the editorial process for the college newspaper, enhancing content quality and increasing readership by 20%.”  That’s the only way to make recruiters forget about your lack of experience.

Next, let’s talk about the skills section  which can greatly compensate for a limited work history.

How to list your relevant intern skills

So, you’ve picked up a lot of skills throughout your education. You should attempt to highlight those skills in your resume for an internship, pointing out both technical skills and soft skills that you’ve gained along the way.

Hard skills  are the technical skills that allow you to stand out from the competition. Some of them may be gleaned through study or certificates and may include your knowledge of coding languages, your understanding of cybersecurity, or your adeptness in customer relationship management software.

Here are some general tips for the hard skills on your resume:

• List all job-relevant skills in a dedicated space on the resume.
• If you mention them in a different section, quantify those skills (‘Increased sales by 15% using a new CRM software,’).
• Don’t exaggerate your abilities.
• Use the job description as a guide for which skills to emphasize.

That last point matters for ATS scanners as they comb through your resume to find specific keywords , some of which are skills.

Here are some tech skills  you might have acquired during your studies that can be useful when looking for an internship.

The best hard skills for an internship resume

• Data analysis
• Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS)
• Programming (Python, Java)
• Database management (SQL)
• Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• Project management software (Jira, Trello)
• Graphic design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
• CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
• Financial modeling
• Cloud computing (AWS, Azure)
• Machine learning tools (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Cybersecurity fundamentals
• Mobile app development (Swift, Android Studio)
• Network configuration
• Blockchain technology
• Biotechnology
• Electronic circuit design
• Video editing software (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere)
• Spreadsheet proficiency (Excel, Google Sheets)

Soft skills are people skills and are much more difficult to quantify than hard skills. But they’re just as important for applicants.

Here are some tips for including soft skills on a resume:

• Avoid generic wording like “Good communication skills”.
• Tailor your soft skills to the job that you’re applying for.
• Use action verbs  when describing your soft skills. For example, instead of simply saying “critical thinking”, you can support it with a quantified achievement —“Applied critical thinking to solve complex problems and make informed decisions, reducing project costs by 15%.”.
• Use language and phrases that match the company’s values.
• Use your cover letter  to shed light on your soft skills, giving concrete examples. Be ready to elaborate on each skill you list when you get the interview call.

Some companies may pride themselves on their inclusive culture, which is something that you could highlight on your resume. Maybe, as leader of a club at your university, you created initiatives to make sure that no one felt out of place. Mention that on your resume.

Here’s a pool of interpersonal skills you can consider including in your intern resume.

The best soft skills for an internship resume

• Communication
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Conflict resolution
• Critical thinking
• Emotional intelligence
• Attention to detail
• Stress management
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Negotiation
• Active listening

Now, let’s focus on the most impactful part of an intern’s resume— the education section .

How to list education and certifications on your resume

You're new to your field, and much of your experience stems from your time spent in educational settings. Embrace this by including projects you've worked on, any theses you've written, or other relevant academic experiences in your resume.

Here’s what you should include in your education section:

• Degree title
• University, college, or other institution
• Location (optional)
• Years attended
• Your  GPA  (if above 3.5)
• Honors ,  Dean’s list , and awards (if applicable)
• Student accomplishments
• • Recipient of the Dean's List for four consecutive semesters.
• • Completed key courses: Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing Analytics, Strategic Brand Management, Market Research Techniques

See? This person stands a great chance of landing a paid internship in a wide range of organizations and industries, such as advertising, media networks, retail chains, tech companies, and financial services, to name a few.

Next, consider enhancing your resume with relevant certifications . These are highly valued across all professions, often more so than formal education, as they show your career interests to employers. Even if you are fresh out of college—or perhaps still enrolled— numerous free certification courses are available to explore.

The best certifications for an intern’s resume

• Google Analytics IQ Certification
• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Facebook Blueprint Certification

The next section of this guide will teach you how to craft your resume objective  to show relevance and motivation.

How to write your intern resume objective

Another must-have section of an intern resume is the objective statement sitting at the top of the page, just below the header. While resume summaries  offer an overview of a candidate’s career, objectives are focused on your unique value proposition. You’ll need a summary when you gather more than 3 years of work experience.

Another difference between the two is the length. Objective statements are no longer than 3 sentences, which allows entry-level candidates and interns to be concise and to the point. Here are the simple steps to write an effective objective:

• An opening sentence presenting your best strength or professional goal.
• A sentence highlighting your skills and qualifications that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
• A strong closing sentence convincing recruiters you and the employer share the same values.

The key thing to do in your objective (as well as the entire resume) is to adapt it to the specific position and organization you are applying for.

Look at a resume objective for a student internship at the U.S. Department of State .

This is a breakdown of why this objective works well for an intern:

• It's direct and specific : The objective clearly states what the intern wants to do and the skills they plan to use, which shows they understand the role and are focused on how they can contribute.
• Highlights the right skills : It mentions analytical and research skills, which are crucial in a foreign affairs environment.
• Professional tone : The objective is written professionally yet approachably, fitting for a high-level internship where effective communication is key.

89.4% of Congress employees  have interned previously. 90% of those internships are paid.

Additional sections for an intern’s resume

Your resume is still in progress and maybe you have enough space for some other resume sections  that would make it more engaging. Enhancv’s resume builder  lets you re-arrange existing sections and add new ones with the click of a button.

Here’s what you can consider including if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.

• Volunteer experience:  If you've done any volunteer work that’s related to your field or shows leadership and initiative, definitely add it. It's a great way to show your dedication and values.
• Hobbies or interests:  Particularly for internships, showing that you're involved in activities outside of academics can illustrate your teamwork, leadership, and time management skills.

How to put a projects section on a resume

Academic or personal projects  are a great way to showcase how you apply your knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. Experienced candidates would normally list them under the education section, but you have the opportunity to shift the focus from your limited work experience by isolating projects in an extra section. Here’s how:

• Mention the title of the projects
• Add your role
• Add project duration dates and, optionally, location
• Write up to 3 bullets describing your contributions
• • Analyzed the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria on investment decisions.
• • Conducted case studies on the financial viability of sustainable business practices within the technology sector.
• • Developed a framework to evaluate green bonds and sustainable investment funds.

Including a projects section like this one on a resume can be highly impactful for an intern, particularly if you’re seeking an internship in the circular economy or green technology sectors. It’s important to remember that everything you put on your resume  should be carefully tailored to match the specific requirements of the role you’re targeting.

This guide should give you all the tools you need to create a strong resume for different internship opportunities. Whether it's your first time applying or you're updating your current resume, here are some essential tips to help you stand out:

• Tailor your resume : Customization is crucial. Adapt your resume to the specific internship role by using keywords from the job description and focusing on relevant experiences and skills.
• Choose the right format : Depending on your experiences, choose from reverse chronological, functional, or hybrid resume formats to best showcase your skills and relevant work or academic projects.
• Highlight key skills and achievements : Use concrete examples to demonstrate your achievements and skills. Quantify your contributions whenever possible to add credibility.
• Optimize for ATS : Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly by including keywords from the job listing and sticking to a simple, professional format.
• List education and certifications:  Clearly list your educational background, relevant coursework, and any certifications that enhance your qualifications for the internship.
• Add an objective statement : A well-crafted objective statement at the top of your resume can summarize your goals and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.

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How to Write a Resume for Internship with Examples

Writing a resume for internships is high-key stressful. We mean, let’s face it. There is a lot at stake with that one little piece of paper. The right internship can serve as the launchpad of your career, allowing you to learn industry-relevant skills while expanding your professional network.

And then there’s the stress of figuring out how to fill out a resume for an internship when you don’t have much, if any, experience. Like, does knowing basic Excel functions count as a skill? Is your babysitting gig considered work experience? What about all the TikTok dance challenges you have been absolutely crushing lately? Those are pretty impressive, right? 

We know that writing a resume for internships can be super challenging. That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide where we break down the internship resume writing process. 

Ready to score the internship of your dreams? Read on to learn how to put together an impressive resume for internships that highlights your skills and achievements. 

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Applying for Internships: Do You Need to Have Prior Experience?

OK, let’s address the elephant in the room: your limited experience. How do you write a resume when your greatest accomplishment to date has been sinking a three-pointer at the final buzzer when you were in the sixth grade? (NGL, still one of the greatest moments of my life.)

The good news is that you don’t need tons of experience to apply for internships. Sure, there will always be some employers who want to take advantage of cheap labor that they don’t have to train. But many employers (read: the best employers) recruit interns because they want to grow their company’s talent pipeline. These employers aren’t necessarily looking for experiences , but rather, a demonstrated interest and passion in the work they do. 

Bottom line? You are qualified!  

@jasonrodelo YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS @bigwillsimmons @rexkline #affirmations #vibewithus ♬ original sound – Jason Rodelo

Want to work at Google? Apply for Google internships . Dreaming about a career in fashion journalism? Go for that Vogue Magazine internship. As long as your extracurricular activities show a demonstrated interest and passion in the field, you have as good a chance as any to getting the internship of your dreams.

Related: How to Get an Internship

What to Include on a Resume for Internships

OK, so what all do you need to include in a resume for an internship? We’re going to take it section by section and break it all down.

1. Contact Information

Always include your contact information (name, email address, location) at the top of your resume. You don’t need to list your full address — your city and state are enough. 

Also, this is a good time to retire that embarrassing email address you’ve been using forever. Asking recruiters to get in touch with you at [email protected] doesn’t exactly scream professionalism.

2. Summary Statement (Optional) 

Next comes your summary statement, which is simply a brief summary (two or three lines, max) of your qualifications and experience. Some students choose to skip the summary statement so they can make room for more important things on their resume. The choice is up to you. 

In general, you should stay away from objective statements. Summary statements are preferable because they focus on the needs of the employer. Check out the sample below:

Objective Statement: I am seeking an internship that will allow me to build experience in the field of programming.

Summary Statement: Detail-oriented software engineering student with an outstanding academic record. Achieved Dean’s list and maintained a GPA of 3.5. Seeking a programming internship at [company name] to utilize my comprehensive understanding of Java 8.

The summary statement sounds much better, right? Here’s one more useful tip: Look at the job description and use similar vocabulary in your summary statement. That way, employers will quickly see that you’re qualified for the job.

3. Education 

Since you’re still in school, your education should go above your career-related experiences. This is because students tend to have limited experience, so it makes more sense to draw the employer’s attention to their education. 

In this section, you should include the following:

• Name of institution + location
• Degree and intended major
• Expected graduation date
• Study abroad, GPA, honors, relevant coursework — anything that allows you to flex your hard work ethic.

It should look similar to this:

University of South Carolina, Columbia               Expected June 2021

Bachelor of Arts in Economics, GPA 3.6/4.0

Relevant Coursework: Advanced Microeconomic Theory, Industrial Organization and Public Policy, Public Economics

Italy Study Abroad Program: University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health September 2018-December 2018

4. Experiences

Now, it’s time to list your career-related experiences. This section will likely make up the bulk of your resume and should include extracurriculars like volunteer work, part-time jobs, student organizations, sports, etc. 

When listing your experiences, make sure that you put them in reverse chronological order. This is the most popular resume format and, in general, the one that will make your internship resume the most impactful. 

A reverse chronological resume includes your career-related experience history beginning with the most recent and working its way backward. Here’s what it looks like:

Molecular Biology Internship

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine July 2019-Present

• Core responsibilities #1
• Core responsibilities #2
• Core responsibilities #3

Assistant Dog Groomer

Wagging Tails Grooming Salon                April 2016-August 2018

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Southwest Humane Society               October 2012-April 2016

The skills section is nothing fancy. This section typically goes at the bottom of your resume and includes any skills that may be relevant to the position you’re applying for. 

For example, if you’re applying for a programming internship, you might list Java and HTML as relevant skills. This section can also include interpersonal skills (aka, soft skills) such as leadership, multi-tasking, etc.

If you’re cutting it close on space, consider leaving out “proficient in Microsoft Word” and similarly basic skills. Not trying to call you basic or anything! But as a Gen Zer, many employers kinda expect you to know your way around a computer.

How to Write a Resume for Internships: General Tips and Advice

So, how do you build an internship resume that a) demonstrates your interest in the company/industry you’re applying for and b) tells a unique story? Here is our best advice for creating a resume that will help you stand out in a sea of internship applications.

1. Keep It Simple 

Unless you’re applying for a graphic design internship or something similarly creative, it’s best to keep your resume layout simple. Stick with an easy-to-read font like Times New Roman or Arial (10-12 point) and use clearly marked sections and headers. 

Be sure to leave plenty of white space. Do not cram every experience you’ve ever had onto your resume. Remember: You’re trying to tell a story with carefully-chosen experiences. 

2. Use Strong Action Verbs

When filling out your information for each work experience, use easy-to-skim bullet point statements to help explain your responsibilities and accomplishments. Start each bullet point with a compelling action verb.

For instance, let’s say that you want to highlight a capstone project that you completed for your class. Here is an example of how you might use action verbs (bolded below) to kick off each bullet point:

Marketing Projects

Marketing Campaign for Smith’s Family Insurance – Cincinnati, OH October 2019 

• Surveyed 150 families in Cincinnati to collect detailed data on client’s target audience. 
• Developed and implemented a cost-effective marketing plan for local insurance company that leveraged social media and offline marketing techniques.
• Created a campaign budget of $1,200 which we estimated to be the minimum cost that would yield the highest return on investment (ROI).

Need some ideas for your resume? Here is a list of action verbs to get you started.  

3. Get to the Point

Your internship resume should be no more than one page . Seriously, keep it short and sweet. This forces you to be concise and make every word count.

Besides, most hiring managers spend all of 7.4 seconds looking at your resume. They’re probably not going to bother looking at the second page unless the first is extremely compelling. And TBH, most entry-level candidates don’t have enough experience to warrant a second page anyway. 

4. Be Specific 

Too often, resumes for internships have vague descriptions like “utilized advanced computer skills to improve company’s website.” Like, what does “advanced computer skills” even mean? Is it programming? Managing servers? Try to be more precise. 

On a similar note, you should describe the task and its impact. How did your work on a specific project impact the organization and/or its customers? 

When writing your bullet statements, try to follow this formula: Action verb + task + result statement. For example:

Marketing Capstone Project

• Increased voting participation by 25% in a student election by advertising the election on Facebook and Twitter.

Here’s another: 

Senior Camp Counselor

• Implemented a three-step conflict resolution program for 15+ unruly children that resulted in a 20% decrease in unwanted behavior.

5. Use Keywords (But Avoid Keyword Stuffing!)

When writing a resume for internships, you need to write it for both human readers and computerized resume scanners. Companies that receive a lot of internship/job applications often use application tracking software (ATS) systems to simplify the process.

Long story short, these computerized resume scanners are looking for keywords in your resume that indicate whether or not you’re a qualified candidate. So, what does that mean for you? It means that you need to pull up the job description and carefully pepper in the most likely keywords to make it past the robots.

Obviously, you shouldn’t lie on your resume. If you can’t code your way out of a paper bag, don’t try to insert words like “proficient in C++” or whatever. When tailoring your resume to fit the position, stick to the truth.

You also shouldn’t stuff your resume with keywords. Remember that if you make it past the robot, a human will be reading your resume next. Make sure that it’s both human and robot-friendly.

6. Proofread Carefully

Here’s a fun thing to do this Halloween: Read resume horror stories in which the applicant didn’t proofread his or her resume before submitting their application. Seriously, typos can kill your chances of getting a callback. Don’t let your resume get tossed in the “no” pile just because you spelled “manager” as “manger.”

Proofread your stuff not once, not twice, but THREE times. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask someone to look over your resume. Resume advice can vary depending on your industry and circumstances, so try to get someone who is familiar with both. If nothing else, pop down to your college’s career center and get a professional to look at it for you.

Final Tips 

You’ve finally finished up your resume. Nice one! Before you send it off, make sure that your bases are covered with these final tips:

• Don’t forget your cover letter. Yes, cover letters matter! We wrote a detailed guide on how to write a cover letter for internships , so check it out and flex that awesome personality of yours on your CV.
• Leave out references. You don’t need these unless the employer specifically asks for them. If references are requested, be sure to create a separate document for your reference list.
• Submit as a PDF. When you’re ready to submit your resume, opt for a PDF version instead of a Word document. A PDF is more likely to preserve the formatting of your resume when your employer opens it.

And that’s it! Whether you’re applying for a remote internship or a traditional internship, a strong resume can be your ticket to an amazing career opportunity. Now, go forth, and make your resume shine!

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The Proper Way To Include an Internship on a Resume

Whether you’re a college student looking for resume examples or wondering if it’s time to take internships off your resume, this guide has you covered.

2 years ago   •   7 min read

When you’re starting out in the workforce, or even changing to a new career, internships are the perfect way to bridge the gap between education and professional experience. But do they count as proper work experience? Where on your resume do they actually belong? And how do you know when it’s time to take them off your resume entirely?

In this guide, we’ll answer all your questions and provide you with real resume examples you can follow.

How to list an internship on a resume

Let’s start with a quick step by step guide walking you through exactly how to put an internship on a resume:

• Choose where to include your internships — either in your work experience section or in a dedicated internships section (more on how to choose between these options below).
• List the employer, their location, and the dates you worked.
• Put your job title. Aim for a more descriptive title than “Intern” so hiring managers can see what your role entailed.
• Include 2-4 bullet points listing your main accomplishments.
• List 5-10 hard skills that you picked up during your internship, education, or other work experience.
• Upload your resume to Score My Resume for a free instant resume review.

Internship resume example

Wondering what your resume should look like once you’re finished? Here’s a sample entry level resume template that features space for internships:

You can download this template — and 50+ others — from our entry level resume examples page.

Essential tips for including internships on your resume

How to make internships look good on a resume.

• Use a specific job title — for example, “Marketing Intern” rather than simply “Intern.”
• If you weren’t given a specific job title, ask your supervisor if there’s one you can use on your resume .
• If it’s appropriate for your line of work, you can list seasons rather than months or dates, e.g. “Summer 2021.” If you do this, make sure you’re using the same format consistently for all experiences on your resume.
• Don’t list everything you did as part of your internship. Stick to the most relevant accomplishments for the type of work you’ll be doing in your new job.

When to take internships off a resume

You should keep internships on your resume if:

• You’re a student or recent graduate
• You lack paid work experience
• You’re changing careers
• They’re directly relevant to the jobs you’re applying for
• You interned somewhere particularly prestigious (like Google or Microsoft)

It’s time to take internships off your resume if:

• They’re older than 5+ years
• You’ve held 2-3 professional jobs since then
• They’re pushing your resume over one page in length

Where to put internships on a resume

Generally, internships belong in your work experience section — after all, they are work experience. That said, you can also choose to separate them out into their own section if you prefer.

In your work experience section

When: This is the most common way of listing an internship on a resume, so it's a good choice in any situation. In particular, you should do this if you’re a college student with internships but no work experience applying for entry level positions.

How: Format the internship in the same way as you would any professional experience. Include the name of the company, the location, dates of employment, and your job title. Underneath, choose 2-4 accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

WORK EXPERIENCE COMPANY NAME, New York, NY Project Management Intern, Jun 2021 — Sep 2021 - Include 2-4 bullet points in the format [action verb] + [what you did] + [what the result was]

In an internship section

When: If you’ve held a large number of internships, it can be worth separating them out into their own section. You should only choose this option if you don’t have any relevant paid work experience — as you gain more professional experience, you should focus mainly on that and spend less time on other parts of your resume.

How: In this case, you should still list any relevant accomplishments. You can include less detail if you’re adding a lot of internships, but still aim for 1-2 accomplishments for each internship.

INTERNSHIPS COMPANY NAME, [Location] HR Intern, [Dates of Employment] - Accomplishment #1 - Accomplishment #2

If you’re not sure how effective your internships are on your resume, upload it to the tool below — it’ll give you a detailed review of your internships, experience and accomplishments and suggest which ones to improve.

Internship advice for every situation

Do you have questions about your specific type of internship? Here's how to go about listing internships on your resume if you:

• Interned full-time
• Had a part-time or seasonal (e.g. summer) internship
• Left your internship early
• Have an upcoming internship you haven't started yet
• Didn't accomplish much during your internship
• Interned as part of a career change

Full-time vs part-time vs summer internships

The good news is: It doesn't matter what type of internship you had. You can list a part-time or summer internship in the same way as a full-time internship. Keep in mind that:

• You should be accurate with your dates (if it was a summer internship, then something like "Summer 2022" is fine).
• You can list "part time" next to your job title if it was a part-time internship, but you don't need to. If the internship overlaps with the dates of your education, most employers will understand the situation.

Listing an internship on your resume if you didn't finish it

Whether to list an internship you left early depends on:

• How early you left. Cutting an internship short by a week or two shouldn't immediately invalidate the whole thing. Leaving an internship halfway through, on the other hand, is likely to raise more questions than it answers.
• Why you left. If you had something unexpected come up (illness, family emergency, etc.) that meant you couldn't quite finish up, that's easy to explain. If you were asked to leave your internship or you quit without notice, it's more likely to reflect badly on you.
• What you accomplished while you were there. This is closely related to the above points — finishing eleven months of a year-long internship should be plenty of time to list one or two compelling accomplishments, but if you were only there for a few weeks, you're unlikely to have achieved much in that time.

Can you list a future internship on your resume?

No, you shouldn’t include upcoming internships on a resume. Why not? Because your resume should focus on accomplishments, and you can’t list accomplishments from something you haven’t actually done yet.

What if you didn't do anything practical during your internship?

Internships are most valuable when they closely resemble real-life work experience — that is, when you had at least some actual responsibilities and accomplishments. An internship that was more passive (because you were mostly shadowing another employee or just weren't given a chance to do much) isn't going to hold the same weight.

Related : How To Put Shadowing on Resume

Including internships on a resume if you’re changing careers

Internships aren’t just for college students — they’re also useful for career changers . Starting off with an internship is a great way to get your foot in the door of a new industry, make connections, and gain relevant professional accomplishments.

Assuming your internships were recent, include them at the top of your work experience section, above any previous unrelated work experience. You should always list your jobs in reverse chronological order, so if your internships are a little older, pull them out to a separate section or include them as part of a featured education section at the top of your resume.

Internship resume examples

If you’re struggling to think of concrete accomplishments from an internship to list on your resume, here are some examples from internships in some of the most common industries.

Computer science internship resume example

MACROHARD, New York, NY Software Development Intern, Jun 2017 – Sep 2017

• Developed web scraping program in Python to help the firm download public data, including over 10,000 company descriptions and stock quotes, enriching internal data and increasing research efficiency by over 50%
• Implemented crash reporter and used findings to fix three biggest causes of crashes; reduced customer support calls by 30%
• Designed and implemented 50+ E2E tests using Selenium & Protractor, simulating each user group's actions

Engineering internship resume example

CITY ENGINEERING, New York, NY Electrical Engineer Intern, Jun 2021 – Sep 2021

• Performed analysis on product performance, provided recommendations that improved product performance by 10%.
• Assisted two engineers in developing engineering solutions, which reduced company costs by 15%.
• Ran weekly tests and validity checks on data, equipment, and software, reducing error rates by 12%.

Business and project management internship resume example

RESUME WORDED (8 employee venture-backed recruitment startup), New York, NY Business Analyst Intern, Jun 2021 – Sep 2021

• Developed an Excel macro and standardized reporting templates, resulting in efficient data collection and a 35% reduction in turnaround time
• Created knowledge base of 80 internal resources, improving employee onboarding and reducing time spent per project on administrative tasks by 40%
• Managed international stakeholders in India, United Kingdom and Hong Kong by hosting daily standups and coordinating weekly status reports

Marketing internship resume example

EXCITING COMPANY, New York, NY Marketing Intern, Jun 2016 – Sep 2016

• Led the transition to a paperless practice by implementing an electronic booking system and a faster, safer and more accurate business system; reduced cost of labor by 30% and office overhead by 10%
• Analyzed data from 25000 monthly active users and used outputs to guide marketing and product strategies; increased average app engagement time by 2x, 30% decrease in drop off rate, and 3x shares on social media

Finance and accounting internship resume example

MULTICORP BANK, New York, NY Finance Intern, Jun 2020 – Sep 2020

• Verified the reliability of the earnings predictions and having an average of 75% success rate.
• Reviewed and entered payable invoices, adjusted entries, entered inter-company transactions and assisted with administrative tasks with 100% accuracy.
• Prepared 4 budgetary presentation materials for the management team, successfully leading to department approval.

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Intern Resumes & Writing Guide

If you are looking for a foot-in-the-door into your first full-time job, becoming an Intern is one of your best options. Furthermore, the more internships you have under your belt, the more attractive you will look to potential employers.

The only obstacle standing in your way, however, is a large amount of competition. Luckily for you, we know what hiring managers want to see and how a professional Intern’s resume should look.

Start by reading through our Intern resume samples. An Internship resume should focus on your transferable skills, education, and other abilities rather than your work experience. This may seem daunting, but we are here to help.

Your goal is to ensure that your resume stands out from other applicants by being both informative and entertaining to read, all without overwhelming the recruiter or hiring manager with irrelevant information.

What you can read in this article

Intern Resume Examples

(Free sample downloads are at the bottom of this page)

Internship Resume Writing Guide

Resume sections:.

• Contact information
• Profile Summary
• Work History 
• Achievements
• Education 
• Skill Section
• Certification & Licensing
• Extras: Languages/Awards/Publications/Volunteering/hobbies

What to Highlight in an Internship Resume

You are likely writing this resume while you are in the process of completing an undergraduate bachelor’s degree and are tempted to include your theoretical knowledge. There are, however, several essential details that hiring managers need to see in an applicant’s resume to ascertain if you are the right fit for their team or not.

Firstly , you need to list the internships you have already completed. Internships are classified as follows:

• Paid Internships
• Credit Internships
• Externships
• Nonprofit Internships
• Service-Learning Internships
• Summer Internships

When you have categorized your internships, you are required to indicate the industry that these internships took place. Interns can work in any number of industries and positions; you need to be specific. The type of industry areas you worked in need to be included in your summary at the beginning of your resume and within each position description.

Secondly , employers want to see that you are a hardworking, responsible individual that grabs every opportunity with open arms. You can show them this by including your casual work experience. Examples include being a math tutor, helping at your local school, and working at a local farmers' market. The more information you can include, the better. This shows that you used your time effectively while at high school and college, besides just partying!

Lastly , you need to include the following information:

• The areas you are happy to work in and if you are happy to travel or relocate temporarily.
• List any special skills and qualities you have that will benefit the field you want to work in. For example, if you want to go into marketing, mention that you have a YouTube channel, or if you are interested in accounting, mention that you are familiar with Accpac.
• Include any written references from past employees. These add serious credibility to your resume.
• Your GPA score.
• Your computer literacy is important and can look very impressive. Mention if you are competent using Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, Oracle, Excel, and Visual Studio.

1. Contact information

• First Name and Last Name
• Physical Address
• LinkedIn (optional)

2. Career Objectives & Summary

Many organizations receive thousands of applications from students looking for Intern positions.. As you are applying for an internship, you won’t make use of the normal Career Summary suited to candidates with permanent working experience. However, your resume needs to be of the highest standard to stand out from the rest and give you the best chance of securing an interview

One of the best ways to do this from the get-go, is with a well-written career objective paragraph. You need to keep your career objective concise and to the point. The aim is to provide a short introduction of who you are and what you have to offer. Your career objective should be placed at the top of your resume, right after your contact information.

The first part of your objective needs to highlight the person you are and your interests.

Next, list the degree you are in the process of completing, and lastly, finish off with why you want to land an Internship with this company. You will quickly learn that the job description is like your cheat sheet.

It contains all the information you need to create a captivating resume . Read through the job description and outline the specific qualities and skills the employer is looking for.

Integrate these into your career objective and throughput your resume (if you have them). Remember to include any outstanding qualities you possess, such as effective time management or excellent people skills.

Intern Summary 1

“ Recent Bachelor of Digital Marketing graduate seeking an internship that will provide the opportunity to add value to (insert company name) by applying theoretical knowledge into practice. Eager to learn the ins and outs of the advertisement field. Previous vocational experience with social media channel set up and blogging has been gained during university as part of the Campus Newspaper team. “

Intern Summary 2

“ A Dynamic Political Science Major would appreciate the opportunity to learn and develop as an intern at the international business's federal office. Fluent in Dutch, Spanish, German and Italian with a working knowledge of French . “

Intern Summary 3

“ Current Dean’s List student (3.8 GPA) motivated to learn the ropes in a community-oriented healthcare clinic. Fast learner and a hard worker with a keen interest in community healthcare, specifically focused on children from low-income communities. “

Intern Summary 4

“ Motivated and creative Graphic Design student seeking to apply design skills, writing skills, and social media experience into an experience-building internship at PeDac Graphic Design Studios. “

Intern Summary 5

“ Seeking an internship position that will allow for the exploration of career choices in the IT environment.. An enthusiastic, hardworking graduate student with majors in computer and data science. Worked in the computer center, tutored undergraduates, and completed advanced data analytics projects relevant to this internship position. “

3. Employment History

If you are applying for a job as an intern, you likely have very limited experience. Do not stress though, hiring managers understand this but still expect to see some form of experience.

The more experience even if part-time, vocational or informal you can include, the better your chances of landing an internship. This is also one of the only times you can include your previous jobs unrelated to your internship field. Simply adding jobs to your resume will show that you are hardworking and responsible. These jobs can include any volunteer work or nonprofit work you have done.

The main difference between an undergraduate’s resume and a postgraduate’s resume is the amount of internship experience. As you complete an internship, add it to your resume so that by the time you are ready to find your first job, your resume is filled with relevant experience. We recommend that you use reverse chronological order when listing your internship and employment history.

Intern Resume Examples:

Internship at coke.

February 2014 – December 2018

Acted as one of two within the extruder research group developing waterborne dispersions for two and three-component polymer systems to be used in future food-grade metal coatings.

• Developed an extensive report comprising of two years’ worth of experimental data to be used as a project management tool.
• Cleaned, maintained, and assembled the extruder and its auxiliary parts and implemented the frequent calibration of liquid feed pumps and solid feed hoppers.
• Aided in a frequent pipe and compression fitting replacement, consulted on liquid heating system re-design and heat pump installation for improved experiment reproducibility.

Internship at Pepsi

February 2013 – January 2017

Worked side by side with the administration of the LGBT Center to ensure that the daily functions of the center run smoothly.

• Created daily reports when activities take place at the center and when groups visit.
• Created the first-ever Philanthropic Packet that can be distributed online and in person to raise funds for different events for the LGBT Center throughout the year.
• Assisted the planning of weekly and monthly functions of the LGBT Center.
• Sent out emails about several events and news coverages that involved the LGBT center to individuals.

Job Descriptions Examples

During your previous internships, some tasks and responsibilities were given to you. These could be daily duties or spur-of-the-moment requests. Either way, your future employer wants to see these duties and responsibilities to gauge how competent you are. There are hundreds of different internships out there, so we have only provided a few below so that you can get the basic idea.

A Marketing Intern may:

• Collect qualitative and quantitative data to prepare for market studies and analytics.
• Analyze competitors.
• Complete several admin duties such as phone handling, social media marketing, email filtering, moderation services, content writing, updating the CRM, and copywriting.
• Preparing draft presentation materials for the pormotions and  marketing team using PowerPoint slides.
• > See out Marketing Intern Resumes & Guide

A Graphic Design Intern may:

• Assist in the organization of project details and client files.
• Design Facebook adverts with click-through rates and sign-ups statistics.
• Assist with designing marketing collateral, such as presentations, email newsletters, and social media campaigns.
• Develop website icons and graphics.
• Edit and proofread documents before they are published online or printed.
• Coordinatining and presentining print requirements and specifications with various vendors and third parties.
• Monitor project deadlines.

A Politics Intern may:

• Aid the clerical staff by overhauling their filing system from paper-based to digital.
• Manage the office's supply inventory and oversee the ordering of sundries such as stationery, IT Equipment, groceries, and office machinery.
• Coordinating social media accounts for the Campaigns office on Facebook and Instagram and send out planned messages approved by staff.
• Organize Twitter outreach campaigns to improve fundraising efforts.
• Ensure that brochures, pamphlets, signage boards, and other promotional materials are printed and collected.

A Business Management Intern may:

• Assist with general office work in HR and operational departments.
• Help write up policies and procedures.
• Read through production reports and compare them to the financial reports.
• Assist with the safety documentation update on the company system.
• Check sales reports to ensure that they are accurate.
• Writing and proofreading company information emails to staff.
• Ensure that every new employee is registered on the staff database and issue access cards to those that require them.
• Printomg and binding documentation for weekly management meetings.
• Develop and improve user procedures and documentation for management systems.

A General Office Intern may:

• Answering phone inquiries, take messages and direct calls.
• Schedule travel arrangements of directors.
• Receiving and posting packages and registered letters from couriers.
• Take minutes and distributing notes after meetings.
• Ensure that database and filing systems are maintained.
• Oversee general errands and provide basic company information.
• Print, photocopy, and bind documents for company presentations.
• Assist in the preparation of data and information materials; create and maintain PowerPoint presentations.
• Preparing and organizinging conference rooms.
• Ordeing food, beverages and liquor for teambuilding sessions and company events.

A Healthcare Intern may:

• Interact with patients to collect medical history relating to previous hospital visits, family medical history, and insurance information for the leading physician.
• Assist physicians with logistical tasks such as restocking supplies, pulling up radiology images, and preparing patient files.
• Organize emergency patients in order of severity.
• Follow up on outstanding patient accounts.
• Accompany medical personnel during hospital rounds.
• Show families into the family waiting room while patients are in surgery.

4. Accomplishments

Many people believe that they can simply copy and paste their accomplishments section from one resume to the next for each job they apply for. This is something we strongly recommended that you do not fall victim to. This will merely prove to the potential employer that you have not taken the time and effort to read through the job description and result in your resume being overlooked.

Once you have read through the job description, your goal should be to figure out how you can stand out from other applicants. Think about your most impressive accomplishments and achievements that make you proud. Examples:

• Flat, Simple Duty: Updated the client database.
• Accomplishment Statement: Updated the database of 6000 clients using MS Access. Categorize d the data following client demographics.

Quantifying Your Resume

Above we showed you an example of how important it is to quantify your accomplishments. It does not end at your accomplishments; you need to quantify every statement you make throughout your resume. If you find it tricky to add numbers (quantify) your information, simply ask yourself if your statements can answer the following questions: “How often?” or “How long?”. See the examples below:

• How many internship gigs have you done?
• What was the duration of your internships?
• “Part of a group of interns at the communications office for the Miami Counties Healthcare Association. Influential in facilitating the weekly Q&A session between management, employees and members of the association and handled all  correspondence before and following these events.”
• “Developed three new websites for the California State University's marketing, engineering, and medical faculties within a period of three months. “
• “ Coordinated weekly schedules for a childcare center with more than 60 employees and close to 400 children. “
• “ Researched and evaluated the implementation of 35 housing policies and interpreted zoning code regulations for all jurisdictions in the nine regions. “

5. Education Section

You likely have some work experience but very little experience in the field you wish to work in. Relax, this is not totally the end of the world; employers understand this and pay more attention to your education section.

We recommend that you put your education section above your experience section. This will allow the reader to view the more impressive information first.

When listing your academic qualifications, mention projects and coursework you did relate to the field you wish to work in.

Furthermore, remember to include information that the job description is looking for.

Most students applying for an internship have not yet finished their studies. Below we have shown you how to list your qualifications, despite not having completed them yet:

2015-2017 – Bachelor of Business Management & Administration, Texas State University, TX

2014 – Ridgefield High School, High School Diploma Ridgefield, NJ

2014 – Certificate in Microsoft Office, Udemy Online

When writing a resume for an Internship position, your technical skills and soft skills are equally as important to employers. Your technical skills refer to the physical duties you can do. Your soft skills refer to your personality traits and the interpersonal skills you have to offer.

The job description will outline certain technical and soft skills that the company requires of its Interns. Integrate these key skills throughout your resume to tailor it to what the reader is looking for.

Technical Aptitude :

• Today, Interns need to be digitally savvy. Ensure that you include all the IT programs you can work with. Furthermore, mention any calendar apps, project management tools, and collaboration apps, such as Slack and Asana, you are competent with.
• When including your skills, keep the type of internship that you are applying for in mind. For example, if you write columns in the school newspaper, mention your ability to write well and your competency with different writing platforms.

Soft Skill Examples

7. Qualifications & Certifications associated with Interns

Action Verbs for your Internship Resume

Optional Extras for Internship Resumes:

In a last attempt to stand out, include an optional extras section where you can include additional information about yourself. Include areas such as:

• Volunteer Work – These experiences may seem irrelevant, but outreach into the poorer communities is an attractive work to employers.
• Certifications – This will make your education section even more attractive and help make you stand out from the competition.
• Languages – The ability to communicate well in another language gives you a huge advantage over other applicants.
• Hobbies, Activities, & Interests – Including relevant activities and interests allows the reader to see your leadership qualities and further gauge the type of person you are.

Professional information of Interns

Sectors:  Various Career Type:  Functional, Clerical, Administrative Person type:   Worker, Helper, Assistant Education levels:  Bachelor’s Degree and upwards Salary indication : Average of $39 219 per annum ( Glassdoor ) Labor market : Totally dependent on industries Organizations : Various, Unlimited

Internship Word Resume Download

• Internship Word Resume 1.docx

• Internship Word Resume 2.docx

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Resume/CV for Internship for Freshers: Best Format, Examples, Sample & Writing Guide

14 min read

 · Resume Builder

Why Resume for Internship for Freshers Needed? | Why CV For Internship for Freshers Needed?

1. is cv important for internship | is resume important for internship, 2. how to write internship resume / cv with no experience before, practice mock interview, 1. differentiating between a cv and a resume, 2. importance of tailoring your resume for specific internships.

• ​Practice Interview Questions & Answers​
• ​Internship Resume Template - Free​

A. Contact Information: Making a Memorable First Impression

• ​Interview Preparation - Free​

B. Career Objective or Summary: Painting a Vision of Your Potential

C. education section: showcasing your academic journey, skills section: highlighting your strengths, q1: what are hard skills, relevant coursework: aligning education with internship, q3: how do i choose which courses to include in the relevant coursework section of internship resume, projects and achievements: showcasing your accomplishments, q5: what kind of projects should i include in my internship resume.

• ​Internship Resume Template- Free​

Highlighting Skills: Attention to Detail, Analytical Thinking, Financial Analysis

Q1: how can i demonstrate attention to detail on my resume, q2: how do i showcase analytical thinking in my internship resume, demonstrating familiarity with tools and software.

• ​Resume for Internship for Freshers ​

Incorporating Finance and Accounting Related Coursework and Clubs

Q5: how do i highlight my finance & accounting related coursework in my internship resume, q6: is participation in finance-related clubs beneficial for my internship.

In the competitive landscape of today's job market, a well-crafted internship resume is your ticket to standing out and making a lasting impression on potential employers. As a student or recent graduate, you might find yourself facing the dilemma of having little to no prior work experience. However, you can't ignore the importance of internship . This is an opportunity to showcase your potential, skills, and enthusiasm in creative ways. In this article, we will delve into the significance of a meticulously designed internship resume, discuss strategies for overcoming the challenge of limited experience, and outline the key elements that contribute to a standout internship resume.

A resume for internships is essential for freshers because it serves as their first professional introduction to potential employers. Even though they may lack significant work experience, a well-crafted internship resume provides a structured format for presenting their qualifications, making it easier for employers to assess their suitability for the internship position. Overall, a well-prepared internship resume is a crucial tool for freshers looking to kickstart their careers and gain practical experience in their desired field.

Your resume serves as your initial introduction to prospective employers. It's the first glimpse they have of you, and it's essential to make it count. A well-crafted internship resume goes beyond just listing your educational background; it's a powerful marketing tool that communicates your unique value proposition. It showcases your potential contributions, your passion for the field, and your dedication to personal and professional growth.

With the right blend of formatting, content, and presentation, your resume can effectively capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. It serves as your chance to make a memorable first impression and pave the way for further consideration.

How to write a resume with no experience: 8 tips

1. Volunteer Work

2. School/College Projects

3. Hobbies and Interests

4. Personalized Cover letter

5. Highlight Your Passion

6. Willingness to Learn

7. Alignment with Company Values

8. Internship Resume Template

When you lack formal work experience, it's essential to emphasize the transferable skills you've gained from other sources. you can include below work to highlight your transferable skills.

1. Volunteer Work:  Describe how volunteering taught you teamwork, leadership, or organizational skills. Highlight any relevant projects or initiatives you were involved in.

2. School/College Projects:  Share how class projects honed your research, analytical, or presentation abilities. Mention any instances where you collaborated with peers to achieve a common goal.

3. Hobbies and Interests:  Even personal interests can showcase relevant skills. For example, a passion for photography could demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, and a keen eye for aesthetics.

4. Cover Letter :  Including a cover letter for internship with no experience is critical. Craft an eye-catching cover letter. Tailor each cover letter to the specific internship you're applying for. Research the company's values, culture, and mission, and highlight how your skills and aspirations align with their goals. ​

5. Highlight Your Passion: Express genuine enthusiasm for the internship and the company. Share why you're excited about the opportunity and how it aligns with your career aspirations.

6. Willingness to Learn: Emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow. Highlight instances where you quickly grasped new concepts or undertook challenges outside your comfort zone.

7. Alignment with Company Values: Showcase how your values align with those of the company. Share specific examples from your experiences that reflect your commitment to similar principles.

8. Internship Resume Template:  Choose a template from Interview Cracker's Resume builder and ace your interview.

Internship Resume Template

One of the most common hurdles students and recent graduates face is the lack of substantial work experience. While it might seem like an uphill battle, it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Rather than viewing your limited experience as a roadblock, consider it an opportunity to showcase your potential through alternative avenues.

Incorporating these tips into your resume and cover letter can significantly enhance your chances of standing out in the competitive job market, even if you lack traditional work experience. Your ability to showcase transferable skills and convey your passion can leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

Internship resumes are not solely centered around paid work experience. They're a canvas to paint a picture of your skills, abilities, and accomplishments, regardless of their origin. Volunteer work, school projects, part-time jobs, extracurricular activities, and even personal hobbies can be leveraged to demonstrate your capabilities and character.

3.How to Make an Internship Resume / CV? 

Creating a standout internship resume involves a strategic approach that highlights your strengths and aligns with the specific internship you're pursuing. 

Here are the key elements that contribute to an impactful resume. This is the well accepted  internship resume format for freshers.

Contact Information: Ensure your name, phone number, email address, and professional social media profiles (such as LinkedIn) are clearly displayed.

Internship Resume Objective /Summary: Craft a concise and compelling career objective or summary that encapsulates your aspirations, skills, and what you can bring to the table.

Education: Detail your educational background, including the name of your institution, degree pursued, graduation date (or anticipated date), and any relevant honors or awards.

Skills: Highlight both technical and soft skills that are pertinent to the internship. This could encompass software proficiency, language skills, leadership abilities, and more.

Relevant Coursework: Showcase coursework directly related to the internship, indicating your academic prowess and alignment with the role.

Projects and Achievements: Describe noteworthy projects, accomplishments, or extracurricular involvements that demonstrate your practical abilities and dedication.

Internship-Specific Tailoring: Customize your resume for each internship application. Emphasize skills and experiences that directly correlate with the internship's requirements and responsibilities.

Formatting and Presentation: Opt for a clean, organized layout that is easy to read. Use bullet points, bold text, and headings to enhance readability.

In the upcoming sections of this article, we will delve deeper into each of these elements, providing you with actionable tips, strategies, and examples to help you craft an internship resume that sets you apart from the competition. Remember, your resume is a reflection of your potential, and with the right approach, you can create a document that opens doors to exciting internship opportunities.

Understanding the Basics of an Internship Resume: Navigating the Path to Success

Creating an effective internship resume requires more than just listing your academic achievements. It's a strategic process that involves understanding the nuances of different resume formats, tailoring your document to match specific internship opportunities, and selecting the right format to showcase your skills. In this section, we'll dive into the fundamental concepts that lay the groundwork for a stellar internship resume.

While the terms "CV" (Curriculum Vitae) and " resume " are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences, especially in the context of internships. A CV tends to be more detailed and comprehensive, spanning multiple pages and encompassing your entire academic and professional history. It's commonly used in academia and certain fields where a comprehensive overview is essential.

On the other hand, a resume is a concise summary of your skills, qualifications, and experiences relevant to a specific job or internship. For internship applications, a resume is typically the preferred format due to its focused nature. It allows you to highlight your most pertinent accomplishments and abilities while keeping the document concise and reader-friendly. 

Read:  the difference between CV and Resume ​

Generic resumes often fall short of making a significant impact. Tailoring your resume for each internship application is a crucial step that demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and your understanding of its requirements. By aligning your skills and experiences with the specific needs of the internship, you increase your chances of capturing the attention of recruiters and showcasing your suitability for the role.

Research the internship position thoroughly and identify key skills and qualifications emphasized in the job description. Then, strategically incorporate relevant keywords, achievements, and experiences that demonstrate your fit for the role. This approach not only enhances your resume's effectiveness but also displays your commitment to going the extra mile.

Internships are invaluable opportunities for gaining practical experience and kickstarting your career. When applying for internships, it's essential to customize your resume to showcase your eagerness to learn, adaptability, and relevant coursework. Tailoring your resume to the internship requirements can make you a standout candidate and increase your chances of securing the position. Let's explore how to create a compelling resume for internship applications:

​ Practice Interview Questions & Answers ​

Why customization matters for internships:.

Internship applications are highly competitive, and employers seek candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in the role and the company. Customizing your resume shows that you've done your research and are enthusiastic about the opportunity.

1. Highlight Your Eagerness to Learn:

Emphasize your willingness to learn and grow in the internship position. Showcase instances where you've taken the initiative to develop new skills or pursue additional coursework related to the internship's focus.

2. Showcase Adaptability:

Internships often involve exposure to new challenges and tasks. Highlight experiences where you demonstrated adaptability and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments.

3. Align with Relevant Coursework:

Tailor your resume to highlight coursework that aligns with the specific skills required for the internship. Emphasize your knowledge of relevant subjects and any projects you've worked on that directly relate to the internship's focus.

4. Demonstrate Passion for the Industry:

Internships are stepping stones toward your desired career path. Use your resume to convey your passion for the industry or field and how the internship aligns with your long-term career goals.

5. Showcase Extracurricular Activities:

In addition to relevant coursework, highlight extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to the industry or field. Participation in clubs, competitions, or conferences related to the internship can reinforce your enthusiasm.

6. Prioritize Relevant Experience:

While your work experience might be limited, prioritize any previous experiences that align with the internship's focus. This could include part-time jobs, volunteer work, or freelance projects that showcase relevant skills.

7. Tailor Your Objective Statement:

Consider adding an objective statement to your resume that specifically addresses your interest in the internship position. Mention why you're excited about the opportunity and what you hope to gain from the experience.

8. Showcase Soft Skills:

Internships are excellent opportunities to develop and demonstrate essential soft skills. Showcase your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management skills in your resume.

​ Internship Resume Template - Free ​

Components of an internship resume for students with no experience: paving the path to success.

When crafting a winning internship resume, students with limited experience need not feel discouraged. Your resume serves as a canvas to portray your potential, skills, and enthusiasm. Here, we break down the essential components that will empower you to construct a compelling resume that shines even in the absence of extensive work history.

Your contact information is the gateway to your professional identity. Ensure that your full name, phone number, and email address are prominently displayed at the top of your resume. Including a link to your LinkedIn profile, if available, offers an opportunity for recruiters to explore your digital presence and gain deeper insights into your qualifications.

Remember, simplicity and professionalism are key. Use a clean and legible font, and double-check the accuracy of your contact details to ensure potential employers can easily reach out to you.

​ Interview Preparation - Free ​

How to write internship resume objective .

Include these  points to write a compelling internship resume objective. 

5 Tips to write internship resume objective:

1. Career aspirations, professional ambitions

2. Genuine enthusiasm for the internship opportunity

3. Soft Skills

4. Eagerness to learn and contribute

5. Read internship description carefully and personalize this objective section accordingly

While students with no experience may lack a lengthy work history, a compelling career objective or summary can help bridge the gap. Craft a concise statement that highlights your career aspirations, your relevant skills, and your genuine enthusiasm for the internship opportunity. This section should capture the essence of your professional ambitions and set the tone for the rest of your resume.

Use action words and emphasize how your skills align with the internship's description. By showcasing your eagerness to learn and contribute, you demonstrate your dedication and potential value to the organization.

Your education section provides insight into your academic background and achievements. List your high school name, location, and anticipated graduation date. Highlight any honors, awards, or relevant coursework that showcase your dedication and aptitude.

Furthermore, make the most of your extracurricular activities. Engaging in clubs, volunteer work, or sports demonstrates your teamwork, leadership, and time management abilities. This section is an opportunity to highlight transferable skills that can impress prospective employers, even if they don't directly relate to your desired internship.

Leveraging a high school resume template can help you organize this information in a visually appealing manner. Such templates provide a structured format that maximizes the impact of your education and extracurricular involvements.

Frequently Asked Questions: Showcasing Your Internship-Related Strengths

Suggested Read: How to  add strength and weaknesses in a resume ​

A: Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that are usually quantifiable and technical in nature. For example, programming languages, data analysis, or graphic design are considered hard skills.

Q2: What are soft skills and why are they important?

A: Soft skills refer to interpersonal, communication, and behavioral qualities such as teamwork, adaptability, and leadership. They are crucial as they determine how effectively you can work with others and navigate various situations in the workplace.

A: Focus on courses that directly relate to the skills and knowledge required for the internship. Look for subjects that mirror the job description and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

Q4: Can I include online courses or certifications in my internship resume?

A: Absolutely! Online courses or certifications can be valuable additions, especially if they are relevant to the internship. They showcase your proactive attitude towards learning and expanding your skillset.

A: Include projects that highlight your problem-solving abilities, creativity, and application of skills. These could be class projects, personal initiatives, competitions, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your capabilities.

Q6: Should I include non-academic achievements in my internship resume?

A: Yes, if they demonstrate qualities relevant to the internship. Non-academic achievements such as winning a debate competition or organizing a charity event can showcase your leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.

​ Internship Resume Template- Free ​

Crafting the perfect finance/accounting internship resume.

A: Mention specific instances where attention to detail was crucial. For instance, describe how you meticulously reviewed financial reports to identify discrepancies.

A: Highlight experiences where you analyzed data or solved complex problems. Mention any quantitative coursework, research projects, or situations where you applied analytical skills.

Q3: What's the best way to showcase financial analysis skills in my internship resume?

A: Detail instances where you performed financial analysis, such as budgeting, forecasting, or investment analysis. Highlight any software or tools you're familiar with, like Excel or financial modeling software.

​ Resume for Internship for Freshers ​

Q4: should i include software proficiency in my skills section of my internship resume.

A: Absolutely. Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Excel, Bloomberg Terminal, QuickBooks) is highly valuable in finance roles. Be honest about your level of expertise.

A: List specific finance courses that are relevant to the internship. Briefly describe the skills or knowledge gained from each course.

A: Yes, being part of finance or investment clubs demonstrates your commitment to the field and your proactive engagement in finance-related activities beyond the classroom.

Remember, your resume is a dynamic tool that evolves based on your experiences. Always tailor it to the specific internship and emphasize the strengths that make you a valuable candidate.

Suggested Read: Prepare for Internship Interview ​

Customizing your resume for internship applications is a proactive step in demonstrating your enthusiasm and dedication to the opportunity. Highlight your eagerness to learn, adaptability, and relevant coursework to showcase your fit for the internship position. Tailor your resume to align with the specific internship requirements and industry. With a well-crafted resume, you'll stand out as a passionate and motivated candidate, making a compelling case for why you're the perfect fit for the internship. So, go ahead and seize the opportunity to craft a resume that captures the attention of potential employers and opens doors to invaluable learning experiences in your desired field!

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• Hello, CEO, It's Me! Get on...

Hello, CEO, It's Me! Get on the Radar

6 min read · Updated on November 22, 2019

Shine bright, get noticed.

Let's face it, we all want to be recognized for our accomplishments. We want the big person on campus who still notices the little things. However, in reality, the little accomplishments go unnoticed for the most part. It's the big accomplishments that receive attention from the CEO.

If you want to get on the CEO's radar, it takes a little more than doing a good job. They simply don't have the time to notice the small things. CEOs are some of the busiest people in any company structure. Meetings with the Board of Directors and wining and dining bigwigs, not to mention tons of paperwork and reports to review every day.

On the other hand, CEOs often say building relationships with their subordinates is more important than impressing those major clients. Without a doubt, your CEO wants you to be a huge success, as the company can only benefit from your greatness. Here are five steps get you on the CEO's radar:

Show confidence, not arrogance.

No one will notice you if you hide in the shadows and never show initiative. Step out of the closet and start mingling a bit with your colleagues. Show you know what you are doing and not afraid to take chances. Introduce yourself to other departments and ask if you can join their meetings and discussions from time to time. This shows interest in the company as a whole. Team members will start talking to their supervisors about you, and soon the entire building starts buzzing.

Don't be arrogant though. No one likes a know-it-all. Confidence is key; arrogance is fatal. Try not to answer every question, but, instead, ask questions to learn more about the topic. Once you feel confident you have something to contribute, ask if you can offer suggestions. Discuss your ideas with the group and ask for their feedback. Collaboration goes a long way in reducing tension and prevents you from coming off as arrogant.

Show them you care.

Companies don't want team members on auto-pilot who come to work, do their job and wait for the paycheck. They want people who honestly care about the business. Make an effort to understand the big picture and how every decision impacts the company. How do you show caring for a company without coming across as insincere? Easy answer, you have to be sincere. If you don't care about the company, do not try to fake it and consider looking for a new job at a company you believe in.

Take ownership of all projects and assignments, even mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Most CEOs will tell you it's not what you did but how you react to the mistake that matters. They want to see how you think on your feet.

Actions speak louder than words. Treat the company's success as you would your own accomplishments. Don't think in terms of promotion or self-advancement. Tie the company's needs to your own.

Do more than “think outside of the box.”

Companies look for candidates who bring innovation and creativity to the conference room. And, yes, while most CEOs want team members who think outside the box, it's going to take a lot more to get them to notice you. Most executive leaders are impressed with those who are continuously looking for ways to improve processes and solve problems. CEOs want team members who make the business better. Be that person!

Do you notice a daily task or procedure that slows work, efficiency and effectiveness? Don't just complain about it in the breakroom, look for ways to improve or replace the task. If clients complain about the current communication wait time, work on developing a way to speed up the communication process. It may be as simple as creating a few scrips or canned messages.

Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.

If you don't, prepare for a long career of mundane tasks and few promotions. Top business strategists know that running a company takes grit. There are risks involved in every decision they make and they're not afraid to get the job done and take chances. Show the Big Boss you mean business. Take initiative, and take chances. Just be careful and speak with your direct manager before making decisions that could impact the company on a larger scale.

CEOs often learn early on that you have to gain a ton of experience before moving to the top. With this realization, they may have volunteered for the menial, tough jobs when they were starting out. Don't be afraid to follow suit. Look for opportunities to get your hands dirty. Whether it's a difficult client no one wants or auditing the night shift's records for the last two years, be the first to raise your hand and volunteer for these tasks. Your colleagues may think you're a little off in the head, but the CEO will see a star pupil.

Lend a helping hand.

Selfishness is the weakest link. Always remember, there is no “I” in team. Real leadership is about more than doing great work yourself. Leadership is about the success of the entire team. Support others in reaching their potential. Mentoring the new employee, assisting a colleague with a large box of files or simply stepping in when someone is sick goes a long way in showing the CEO you are management material.

Just don't go overboard. We don't want to make others feel incapable of succeeding. There's a difference between helping and doing the work for them. This is the key mistake most micromanagers make. They assume they must do the work for it to be right. Let team members perform their own tasks. Don't hover in the background. Instead, let them know you are there if the need any assistance.

Getting noticed by the right people is difficult. Competition continues even after you are hired. Colleagues with more experience and skills jockey for higher pay and higher positions, while some team members are comfortable staying put. Try not to get caught up in the competitive nature or step on any toes. Sabotaging other team members heading up the ladder is a big no-no. This is a friendly game with rules and respect. In the end, it's not your effort to get notice that counts, it's your ethics and how you benefit the company that draws attention.

Need help with your resume? Our TopResume writers can help!

Photo Credit:  Christer van der Meeren/ Flickr

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5 Tips for Turning Your Internship into a Full-Time Job

• Share This: Share 5 Tips for Turning Your Internship into a Full-Time Job on Facebook Share 5 Tips for Turning Your Internship into a Full-Time Job on LinkedIn Share 5 Tips for Turning Your Internship into a Full-Time Job on X

By:  Andrew Fennell

Published: Jul 24, 2023

Below are five tips that will help you prove that you’re proactive, enthusiastic, skilled, and collegial—which will maximize your chances of securing a full-time offer at the end of your internship.

1. Build strong relationships

Whether it’s your supervisor, coworker, or another intern, it’s crucial that you build strong relationships with as many of your colleagues as possible. By establishing strong rapport, you’ll prove that you’re friendly, approachable, and enjoyable to work with. This will also result in your colleagues being more likely to pass on positive feedback about you to their supervisors.

To build good relationships with colleagues, you should be polite, respectful, and adaptable. You should also offer to help others whenever you can and show that you’re enthusiastic about the role. In addition, you can find common interests and topics of conversation. Just be sure to avoid gossip about the company or your colleagues at all times.

2. Exceed expectations

It’s likely that your supervisor will have a few tasks lined up for you or a few projects you can assist with during your internship. However, if you want this to become a full-time role, you need to go the extra mile and exceed their expectations wherever possible. This starts with the basics like always meeting deadlines, being punctual, and always double-checking your work.

But more than this, you should never be sitting around twiddling your thumbs. If you’ve completed your given task, ask what you can do next. If you’re given feedback, always listen and consider it carefully. This will help you to make a lasting impression on your supervisor and make them more inclined to put you forward for a full-time role.

3. Showcase your skills

One of the most important ways you can help to secure a full-time job is to showcase your impressive skill set. Tell your supervisor about any technical skills you have and always jump at the chance to show these off. If you notice that a colleague is struggling, or you know you have expertise that can be put to good use, always speak up and prove yourself. By showcasing your skills, you’ll prove to your supervisor that you have what it takes to succeed in a full-time role and bring important skills to the team.

4. Network strategically

There are lots of reasons you need to network strategically during your internship, and you can do this in meetings, at lunch, by socializing, or even just asking your supervisor if you can go and speak to others about what they’re doing. So, don’t simply engage with your direct reports or those in your department; take every chance you get to meet or work with other teams and build a holistic view of the company. This will highlight your interest as well as increase the amount of positive feedback you receive. You might even find that you work better in another department and get on with the team there, and that they are hiring for a full-time position.

5. Express your interest in a permanent position

Last but certainly not least, you should express your interest in a full-time position. Otherwise, how is the company supposed to know that you’d be interested in taking your internship to the next level?  You could mention this to your supervisor or colleagues, or even speak directly to the HR or hiring team. Just let it be known that you’ve enjoyed the experience and that you’d like to continue working there in the future, even if that’s a few months down the line after you’ve finished your studies.

This article was initially posted on Vault

Finance jobs are more competitive than ever, so some college students are sitting for the industry's most grueling exam before they even graduate

• More undergraduates are signing up for the CFA exams, a series of three difficult tests.
• Students are doing it to change career paths and boost their résumés.
• CFA registration numbers have dropped significantly since 2020.

Candidates taking the financial world's toughest exam are getting younger.

More college students are signing up for the tests to get a leg up in competing for internships and jobs, according to the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, which administers the tests.

The CFA is a three-exam qualification , often regarded as the industry's most rigorous and prestigious certification. It's a prerequisite for certain roles in banking or private equity. Only 46% of those who took the first level in May passed the test.

About one in five people who start the CFA process are students, Rob Langrick, chief product advocate at the CFA Institute, told Business Insider. Recently, the average age of candidates fell from 24 to about 23 as the number of undergraduates enrolling for the program increased, he said.

Langrick said that more people prefer to start the process while they are still used to studying and are not yet tied to a full-time work schedule. And for students coming from less-known schools, the CFA designation stands out for employers, Langrick said.

The increase in college students starting the CFA process comes as fewer people overall are taking the exams.

CFA Level I sign-ups first dropped in late 2020, given pandemic-induced cancellations and exam deferments. But the numbers have dropped significantly since then.

In 2018 and 2019, an average of about 162,000 people took the Level I exam each year. But in 2022 and 2023, that annual average dropped to about 87,000, according to the CFA Institute.

Helpful for portfolio managers but not for bankers

Eric Wye, who graduated last year from the National University of Singapore, prepared for the Level I and II exams as a student. He thought his economics degree didn't cover enough applied finance for the kinds of jobs he wanted to do.

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But getting partway through the CFA didn't change his trajectory, Wye said.

"I felt that it did not explicitly give me an advantage in searching for finance internships, as I believe prior experience in related roles might be more valued," he said.

Wye is now working at a multinational bank while preparing for the Level III exam.

While the certification may be important for roles like portfolio managers and securities analysts, Wye does not think its value applies to all finance careers , including investment banking or sales and trading. On the job for a year now, he hasn't found many peers who passed all three CFA levels, nor that there is an implicit expectation of holding the designation.

Another candidate, who is in his third year of school at Singapore Management University and is preparing for Level I, agreed that the exam is more helpful for those outside finance looking to break in.

The student spoke to BI on the condition of anonymity, because he is a summer intern not authorized to speak with the media. His identity is known to BI.

"I think it's important if I didn't have access to finance at all. But if you're already in a finance major, then maybe it's not as necessary," he said.

Do you have a story to share about your career in finance? Email this reporter: [email protected]

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