With the latest announcement that the United States government will no longer be prioritizing education over skills, many are left wondering what that means for their resume. However, your education section is not “one-size fits all.” There are different standards, depending on where you are in your career. But don’t worry, we’re breaking down the education section of your resume, whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent grad.
If You’re A Seasoned Professional
When you’ve been out of school for a while, the resume section of your resume loses its importance. Of course, it’s still important to include it, but you won’t need to add nearly as much detail. Things like GPA, academic achievements, and relevant courses do not need to be included once you are a few years past earning your degree. Simply use the space to note where and when you attended and the degree you earned.
Example:
EDUCATION
ABC University – Chicago, Illinois – May 2012
Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering
If You’re a Recent Grad
When you’re fresh out of college, you may have less content and experience to include on your resume. This is where your education shines! Feel free to include details that highlight your qualifications for the job to which you’re applying. Significant achievements or awards and an impressive GPA help to show your self-motivation and accomplishments. (However, only include your GPA if it is noteworthy – 3.5 or above.) List out your relevant course work to showcase your experience in certain areas.
Because your education may be the most relevant display of your qualifications, recent grads can choose to move it to the top of their resume. Featuring the education section of your resume first will catch a hiring manger’s attention right off the bat and will be a bit more appealing than your summer job at GAP.
Example:
EDUCATION
ABC University, Chicago – Illinois – May 2020
Bachelor of Business Administration – Concentration in Marketing,
GPA: 3.8 – Achievements: Dean’s List 2019-2020, Senior Class President
Relevant Coursework: Marketing Research, Graphic Design, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research
Overall best practices, no matter your experience, keep it simple! If you have a college degree, there’s no need to mention anything before that. And as a general rule, if you find yourself questioning whether you should include something – leave it off!
Now that you have the education section of your resume in tip-top shape give the rest of your curriculum vitae a refresh with our resume tips!
