Building Your Resume in College

Your resume is a living document that you should build throughout your college years. Here's a strategic approach to developing a strong professional profile.

Freshman Year: Foundation

Academics

Focus on maintaining a strong GPA (3.0+ minimum for most employers)

Explore introductory courses to identify your interests

Join one academic organization related to your potential major

Involvement

Join 2–3 clubs or organizations

Attend career fairs (just to observe and network)

Start a LinkedIn profile

Skills to Develop

Microsoft Office / Google Workspace proficiency

Basic communication and teamwork (through group projects)

Sophomore Year: Exploration

Experience

Apply for on-campus jobs (research assistant, peer tutor, library, student government)

Seek a summer internship or volunteer position in your field of interest

Attend industry events and networking sessions

Leadership

Take on a committee or leadership role in a student organization

Volunteer for meaningful community service projects

Skills to Develop

Field-specific software and tools

Public speaking (take a communications course or join a club)

Project management basics

Junior Year: Focus

Internships

Complete a summer internship in your target field (this is critical)

Apply early — many deadlines are in September–November for the following summer

Attend every career fair and employer information session

Research and Projects

Pursue undergraduate research with a professor

Complete significant class projects that demonstrate your abilities

Consider presenting at a conference or publishing in a student journal

Networking

Conduct informational interviews with professionals

Attend alumni events

Build genuine relationships with professors and mentors

Senior Year: Polish

Full-time Job Search

Begin applications in August–October for post-graduation roles

Tailor your resume for each application

Prepare for interviews (use career center mock interviews)

Capstone Work

Highlight your senior thesis, capstone project, or portfolio

Document quantifiable results from your experiences

Resume Format Tips

**One page** for undergraduates (no exceptions)

**Education** at the top (until you have 2+ years of work experience)

**Action verbs** to start each bullet (Led, Developed, Analyzed, Managed)

**Quantify results** whenever possible ("Increased membership by 40%")

**Relevant coursework** only if it directly supports the role

**No high school activities** after freshman year

What Employers Actually Want

Based on employer surveys, the top qualities are:

Communication skills (written and verbal)

Problem-solving and critical thinking

Teamwork and collaboration

Leadership experience

Technical skills relevant to the role

Work ethic and initiative

Building Your Resume in College