How To Write a Graduate School Resume
To stand out from the competition for graduate programs, you’ll need to craft an accomplishment-driven document that showcases your most compelling academic achievements. Providing descriptions of specific research projects and internships is one way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. Many universities also place a great deal of weight on associations you were involved in and your volunteer efforts. We’ll provide expert tips to help you translate your academic background and experience into a powerful resume.
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
1. Summarize your graduate school qualifications in a dynamic profile
When applying to graduate school, develop a professional summary at the top of your resume that encapsulates your key skills and academic expertise. Even if you lack hands-on experience in the field, this section will allow you to make a strong case for why you should be considered for graduate programs.
For example, showcasing emotional intelligence and client relations skills you may have acquired through volunteerism could resonate with the university if you intend to pursue a field of study in health care. Pay close attention to what qualities the program is looking for in its candidates and consider how your academic career aligns with the university’s values.
Professional Profile - Example #1
Profile
A speech pathology graduate specializing in speech-language therapy, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), American Sign Language (ASL), and team leadership. A proven track record of mentoring students within the speech-language program and providing English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring services.
Professional Profile - Example #2
Profile
An economics graduate specializing in statistical analysis, accounting, financial analysis, risk management, and return on investment (ROI) analysis. Experience in conducting economic research to evaluate statistical trends and inform financial decision-making for businesses.
2. Create a powerful list of your graduate school experience
Crafting a professional experience section can be difficult for graduate students due to a lack of hands-on experience within your field. If you’ve completed an internship or research fellowship, feature this experience as the flagship of your resume. But if you haven’t had this type of opportunity, don’t panic. Leveraging your academic projects can also be highly impactful in demonstrating your qualifications for graduate programs.
Professional Experience Example
Professional Experience
Internship, Anderson Financial Firm, San Francisco, CA
April 2020 – April 2021
- Performed statistical analysis on economic and financial trends for a financial investment firm, which included evaluating potential ROI of startup businesses
- Supported a team of financial analysts and economists in evaluating business models, analyzing risk, and forecasting financial outlook to inform investment decisions
- Attended meetings with the finance team and assisted with the preparation of financial presentations and reports
Academic Projects Example
Academic Projects
Psychology Research Projects, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
May 2021 – June 2022
- Wrote a 25-page research paper for the psychology capstone course analyzing the cultural experience of Chinese American immigrants in urban and rural areas and the relationship between institutionalized racism and anxiety
- Developed a 10-page research paper evaluating the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to treat depression symptoms
3. Include graduate school-related education and certifications
When applying for graduate school programs, feature your education, coursework, and academic achievements prominently on your document. Depending on your field of study, you may also want to consider pursuing a certification to strengthen your application. For example, if you were pursuing a graduate degree in economics or finance, you could obtain a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification after completing the FINRA exam. This shows universities you’ve been proactive in expanding your knowledge and expertise while pursuing graduate programs.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Speech-Language Pathology
- Columbia University, New York, NY September 2019 – June 2023
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), 2023
4. List key graduate school skills and proficiencies
When building your resume for your graduate school application, create a robust skills section highlighting a mix of both hard and soft skills. Universities use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out unqualified candidates. Include as many relevant keywords as possible to maximize your chances of advancing to the next phase of the application process. Before you apply, carefully evaluate the graduate program you’re pursuing and ensure you include all the necessary coursework and skills in your document. Below are some potential keywords to use during the application process:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Academic research | Accounting |
| Actuarial science | Biology |
| Business modeling | Calculus |
| Cell-based assays | Cognitive behavioral therapy |
| Curriculum development | Drug development |
| Economics | Engineering |
| Finance | Financial analysis |
| Kinesiology | Nursing theory |
| Pharmaceutical science | Psychology |
| Public health | Social sciences |
| Social work | Statistics |
| Teaching | Team leadership |
| Written communication | |
5. Highlight Academic Achievements
Featuring key academic projects and educational achievements is essential for building a strong graduate school application. Be sure to include all of your relevant degrees, academic associations, GPAs, and coursework. For example, as a speech pathologist student, you may want to include your knowledge of ASL. If you were an engineering graduate, highlight projects where you collaborated with student teams to create prototypes.
How To Pick the Best Graduate Resume Template
It’s best to select a well-organized, straightforward template when applying for graduate school applications. Although flashy colors and graphics may be visually appealing, these types of modern templates often distract the reader from your content. When in doubt, prioritize structure and organization over style.
Graduate School Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Example #1
- Example #2
- Example #3
- Example #4
Christine Li
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345
Profile
A Psychology Graduate specializing in behavioral analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and developmental psychology. Adept at executing complex research initiatives and collaborating with diverse academic teams.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Psychology
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, September 2017 – May 2021
GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Vice President, Temple Student Psychology Association, 2019-2021
- Member, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society, 2017-2021
- Dean’s List 2017-2021
- Magna Cum Laude
Professional Experience
Research Assistant, Dr. William Stern, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
September 2020 – May 2021
- Conducted research on a variety of psychology topics and trends, including emotionally-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
- Coordinated with a team of scholars to conduct a research project analyzing the psychological effects of poverty in food desert areas, including conducting interviews, developing surveys, and evaluating statistical trends
Academic Projects
Psychology Research Projects, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
September 2017 – May 2021
- Wrote a 25-page research paper for the Psychology capstone course analyzing the cultural experience of Chinese American immigrants in urban and rural areas and the relationship between institutionalized racism and anxiety
- Developed a 10-page research paper evaluating the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to treat depression symptoms
Coursework
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Development Psychology
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy
- Behavioral Analysis
- Trauma Intervention
Key Skills
- Academic Research
- Relationship Building
- Team Collaboration
- Written Communication
- Leadership
Frequently Asked Questions: Graduate School Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for graduate school resumes?-
It’s easy to run short on action verbs when describing your internships, research fellowships, and academic projects. In many instances, there are only a limited number of verbs you can use to convey your academic experience accurately. Differentiating your word choice sends a message to the reader that you’ve put time and effort into your graduate school application. We’ve compiled a list of verbs to build your resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyze | Build |
| Calculate | Collaborate |
| Conduct | Construct |
| Coordinate | Create |
| Deliver | Design |
| Develop | Diagnose |
| Evaluate | Execute |
| Implement | Led |
| Manage | Plan |
| Provide | Resolve |
| Respond | Support |
| Taught | Test |
How do you align your resume with a job description?-
The top graduate school programs are highly competitive. Numerous factors come into play, including your undergraduate program, GRE scores, internship experience, and letters of recommendation. To maximize your chances, carefully tailor your resume to the program you’re applying for. However, determining what key terms to include can be challenging on a graduate school resume, as not all programs will provide you with a robust description to build off of. Integrate as many key terms and courses from your field as possible in this situation.
What is the best graduate school resume format?-
The ideal graduate school format varies depending on your field of study and professional experience. If you’ve completed an internship, a reverse chronological approach is the best option. Other candidates may opt to feature their education and academic projects directly below their opening summary. Ultimately, choose a format that allows you to feature your most compelling qualifications and academic achievements towards the top of your resume.
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Most graduate programs require some form of cover letter from applicants. To garner interest from universities, highlight how your background and personal values align with the programs you’re targeting. Avoid crafting generic cover letters. They won’t generate results. Be thoughtful in your messaging and display a genuine passion for your field of study. For more information, visit our recent graduate school cover letter page.
