Introduction
Internships provide a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in their field of study.
However, securing an internship can be competitive, and having a well-crafted resume is essential.
In this blog post, we will provide examples of effective internship resumes for 2023 and tips on how to create a standout resume.
1. Choose the right resume format
The first step in creating an effective internship resume is choosing the right format.
The three most common resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination.
For most internship positions, a chronological resume format is the best choice.
This format emphasizes work experience and highlights your most recent and relevant experience.
2. Start with a strong objective statement
Your objective statement is the first thing a potential employer will see on your resume, so it’s important to make it count.
Your objective statement should be specific, concise, and highlight your career goals.
For example:
“Motivated and detail-oriented student seeking an internship position in Marketing to develop skills in market research, social media marketing, and content creation.”
3. Highlight your education
Your education section is essential when applying for internships.
List your most recent educational achievements and include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher.
If you have completed any relevant coursework or projects, make sure to highlight them.
4. Emphasize relevant experience
If you have previous work experience or have completed any internships, make sure to include them on your resume.
Emphasize any experience that is relevant to the internship position you are applying for.
For example, if you are applying for a marketing internship, highlight any experience you have in social media marketing, content creation,
or market research.
5. Showcase your skills
In addition to highlighting your work experience, it’s important to showcase your skills.
Include any relevant skills you have that are applicable to the internship position you are applying for.
For example, if you are applying for a marketing internship, highlight your skills in social media marketing, content creation, and market
research.
6. Use bullet points and action verbs
To make your resume easy to read, use bullet points to highlight your achievements and responsibilities.
Use action verbs such as “developed,” “created,” and “managed” to describe your experiences.
For example:
- Conducted market research to identify customer preferences and trends
- Created social media campaigns to increase engagement and brand awareness
- Managed a team of volunteers to plan and execute a successful fundraising event
7. Customize your resume for each internship position
When applying for internships, it’s important to customize your resume for each position you apply for.
Research the company and the internship position to identify the specific skills and experiences they are looking for.
Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Example Internship Resume:
Objective: “Motivated and detail-oriented student seeking an internship position in Marketing to develop skills in market research, social media marketing, and content creation.”
Education:
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, XYZ University, expected graduation date May 2023
- GPA: 3.5
Relevant Coursework:
- Marketing Research
- Consumer Behavior
- Advertising and Promotion
- Social Media Marketing
Experience:
Marketing Intern, ABC Company June 2022 – August 2022
- Assisted in the development of social media campaigns to increase engagement and brand awareness
- Conducted market research to identify customer preferences and trends
- Created content for the company’s blog and social media channels
Sales Associate, XYZ Store September 2021 – May 2022
- Assisted customers with product selection and purchase
- Managed inventory and restocked shelves
- Processed customer transactions and handled cash and credit card payments
Skills:
- Social media marketing
- Market research
- Content creation
8. Relevant coursework
If you have relevant coursework that demonstrates your skills and knowledge for the internship, you can include it in a separate section on
your resume.
This can show the employer that you have studied topics that are relevant to the internship position and can potentially set you apart from
other candidates.
Be sure to include the course name, number, and brief description.
Example:
Relevant Coursework:
- Introduction to Marketing (MKT 101)
- Principles of Finance (FIN 200)
- Digital Marketing Strategies (MKT 450)
9. Awards and achievements
If you have received any awards or achieved notable accomplishments that are relevant to the internship position, you can include them on
your resume.
This can help demonstrate your skills and accomplishments, and show the employer that you are a high-performing candidate.
Example:
Awards and Achievements:
- Dean’s List, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023
- First place in the 2022 Business Case Competition
- Volunteer of the Year, XYZ Nonprofit Organization, 2021
10. Relevant volunteer experience
Volunteer experience can be just as valuable as work experience, especially if it demonstrates skills or experience relevant to the internship
position.
Be sure to include any volunteer experience that may be relevant to the internship, and describe how it has helped you develop skills or gain
experience that will benefit you in the position.
Example:
Volunteer Experience:
- Volunteer Marketing Coordinator, XYZ Nonprofit Organization, 2022-Present
- Assisted in creating and implementing marketing campaigns to increase awareness and funding for the organization
- Coordinated with social media team to create engaging content and increase online presence
11. Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities can also be valuable in demonstrating your skills and experience outside of the classroom or workplace.
Include any relevant extracurricular activities, such as clubs or organizations, that can help demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, or other
relevant skills.
Example: Extracurricular Activities:
- President, Business Club, 2021-Present
- Coordinated with club members to plan and execute events related to business and entrepreneurship
- Facilitated discussions and workshops to help members develop their business skills
Conclusion
An internship resume is an important tool in landing the internship position of your dreams.
Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific position and highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Including sections such as a summary or objective statement, education, relevant coursework, awards and achievements, relevant volunteer
experience, and extracurricular activities can help demonstrate your qualifications and set you apart from other candidates.
With a well-crafted internship resume, you can increase your chances of landing the internship position and gaining valuable experience in
your field.