10 Ways to Build Your Resume in College

“Where did the time go?” is a phrase often said by college graduates upon receiving their hard-earned degree. It’s strange how time seems to speed up the moment you become an adult. 

Your plans for life after college are not as far away as you might think. When you finally walk across the graduation stage, you want to be prepared to score a well-paying job in your field. And for that to happen, you need to have a strong resume showcasing your relevant experience and skills. If you are not sure what to include in your resume and whatnot, you can also contact certified professional resume writers, who will guide you through the resume making process, so that you secure the job of your dreams.

Fortunately, there are many ways to gain such experience as a college student. From participating in internships and job shadowing to getting involved in the community, here are 10 ways to build a flawless resume in college.

1. Join clubs and organizations

Clubs and organizations are a huge part of campus life, and the benefits of joining a few of them are vast. On top of being an easy way to make new friends in college, partaking in clubs and organizations provides an amazing opportunity to grow your network, gain new experiences, and expand your knowledge in different areas. Plus, they’re fun! There’s nothing better than meeting people who are passionate about the same things as you are. 

2. Apply for internships

These days, internship experience is more important than ever. In today’s competitive job market, many employers want job candidates to have relevant experience to be considered for an entry-level job. Having an internship or two under your belt by the time you graduate can give you a big leg up on the competition when you’re ready to apply for jobs. Check out this blog post on how to get an internship in college and get ready to kickstart your career. 

3. Ask to job shadow someone in your field

There are so many benefits to job shadowing in college. If you’re not sure what you want to do with your life, job shadowing can help you decide one way or another by allowing you to observe a “day in the life” of someone in your ideal occupation. And, in case you’re wondering, the answer is yes – you can put job shadowing on your resume. Simply create a short section titled “job shadow experiences” and mention all the things you learned while shadowing.

4. See if you qualify for a work-study program

Plan to work your way through school? Consider looking into a work-study program. Work-study programs are designed to help students with financial need earn money to pay for college. If you qualify, your school will do their best to provide you with part-time employment that is relevant to your field of study. For example, if you’re studying chemistry, your school might have you work in one of their labs on campus. Check out the Federal Student Aid website to learn more.

5. Get a part-time job

If you don’t qualify for a work-study program, consider getting a part-time job. While getting a job that’s relevant to your field of study is ideal, your four years of waitressing or grocery stocking still counts for something. Holding down a part-time job in college comes with other benefits, such as helping you pay down your student debt and helping you learn valuable time management skills. 

6. Give back to the local community

Volunteerism is extremely attractive to employers because it shows a high level of community engagement and suggests potential leadership skills. But according to a Deloitte survey, only 30 percent of job candidates list volunteer experiences on their resume. So, what does that mean for you? It means that by finding volunteer opportunities and putting them on your resume, you can stand out to hiring managers and increase your chances of employment. To find volunteer opportunities, visit your school’s community engagement center or look for local non-profits.

Freelance on the side. Are you a graphic design whiz-kid? Do you enjoy helping friends and family build websites? Consider freelancing on the side. No matter where your special talents lie, freelancing is a great way to gain experience and get paid to sharpen your skills. Plus, you can do it in your spare time and work from home. Although freelancing isn’t always the easiest to get into, it can be a cool way to build your resume while earning cash on the side.

7. Go the extra mile on classroom projects

Many colleges and universities require seniors to take capstone courses. These courses involve completing one or two big projects that allow students to apply the skills they’ve learned outside of a classroom setting. When you finally get to this point in your college career, be sure to give your capstone project all you’ve got! Your hard efforts will be rewarded in the form of a better grade, as well as a project that you’re proud to put on your resume.

8. Consider a virtual study abroad

A typical study abroad program gives you the opportunity to learn a new language, engage in acts of service, and make connections with people from different backgrounds — all things that employers generally like to see on a resume. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, you may not be able to travel overseas for a while. Fortunately, there are many virtual study abroad programs that can still give your resume a nice boost! Check out the Study Abroad Association website and see what a virtual study abroad program can do for you.

9. Find a mentor

A good mentor can be a huge asset to your college career by guiding you through the bumpy parts of college and even helping you find internships and other work opportunities. And, yes, you can and should put your mentorship on your resume! It indicates that you’re the kind of person who takes initiative and wants to further their career. To find a mentor in college, look for someone in your field whom you look up to. This may be a professor, a co-worker, or even a teaching assistant.

10. Let Your Personality Shine

When you’re ready to fill out job applications, remember to show your personality, along with your skills and experience. Let employers see the real you by highlighting your best attributes: your ability to work well within a team; to remain positive in bad situations; your unapologetic ambition. By letting your personality shine through your resume, you’ll be sure to stand out in a sea of other recent college graduates.