You’ve spent years in the classroom, and now it’s time to showcase all that you’ve learned. Regardless of where you are in your academic career, an up-to-date resume is a valuable asset. An academic resume is a helpful reference when it comes time to fill out your college applications, and it may be required when applying for opportunities, such as internships. A resume that highlights your experiences inside and outside the classroom can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are a few ways to round out your academic resume.
Highlight Your Extracurriculars
Activities are especially important for high school students interested in attending college. According to a survey by The Ohio State University, students who participated in one sport and one non-sport extracurricular activity were not only more likely to go to college than those who did not, they also went to more selective schools. Colleges are looking for well-rounded students to help diversify their student bodies and enrich overall campus life. Underscoring your extracurriculars will help define who you are beyond academics.
For those graduating from college or beyond, non-academic interests can provide valuable insight into your skills and experiences. Your extracurriculars may require you to utilize skills that would be beneficial to the job you are applying for, so be sure to spotlight them when appropriate.
Include Awards
While your resume should focus on academics, it should also highlight other accomplishments. If you have received relevant recognitions, be sure to include them. Listing awards also can help your resume stand out. You want to make it easy for reviewers to see your potential value to their college or organization.
Paint a Full Picture
According to Gallup, only 11 percent of C-level executives agree that college graduates have the skills and competencies their businesses need. While your academic resume shows what classes you have taken and your aptitude in certain subject areas, it doesn’t show your ability to create relationships or navigate difficult conversations. Those skills are valuable at any stage of life and career, so use your resume to create a fuller picture of your competence. Think about including certifications, trainings, and courses you have completed or initiatives you have been involved with that showcase your soft skills.
Volunteer Work Counts
People often believe that volunteering, while meaningful, doesn’t add anything to their resume. However, studies have shown that organizations value volunteer work, and including it on your academic resume highlights areas that you are not only passionate about but willing to dedicate your time to. Sharing this information allows reviewers to gain a greater understanding of what is important to you and how your priorities may align with the values of their organization.
Language/Cultural Proficiencies
More and more employers are looking for employees who have additional language and cultural proficiencies. As the world becomes more globally connected, it’s important to find individuals who understand and can connect with other cultures. Including your language fluency and your cultural affiliations can help your resume stand out.
While your academic achievements should be front and center on your resume, don’t forget to include other aspects of yourself, such as extracurriculars, awards, and volunteer work. The full package will provide greater insight into who you are and how your skills and experiences make you an asset. By highlighting your strengths and experiences, you will create a well-rounded resume that puts your best foot forward.
ON TOPIC
Participating in extracurriculars is important — they’re a great way to meet new people, have some fun, get involved in your school or local community, and grow as a leader. But how much is too much?
The right number of extracurricular activities is different for everyone. Determining factors include the time required for each activity as well as the demand of your academic workload. For example, is the commitment seasonal but intense, such as an athletic team with daily practices and games, or weekly and less physically taxing, like the school newspaper or a club? Understanding how much time is needed to fully participate in a particular activity is vital to striking the balance between extracurriculars and your academic workload.
If you start questioning whether you’re doing too much, you probably are. Similarly, if you find you’re stressed out or frequently sick, you might want to consider cutting back. Track how many hours you spend on various activities, commitments, and your studies each week and determine how much time is left for yourself. It is important to understand your limits and live within them. Time management is a particularly useful skill in college, when the demands and responsibilities placed on you become even more pressing. Always try to keep things in perspective and put your well-being first.
