Your resume can be your best reference

 

After graduation, your resume will act as your calling card. Odds are it will be the first thing potential employers look at when considering you for a job opening.

What impression will they get?

You may not have a ton of work experience to show off, but college gives you plenty of opportunities to flesh out your resume with valuable activities. Here are a few types to consider when browsing extra-curriculars at your school.

Experience
College internships help you gain valuable real-world insight into the industry of your choice. While you may not be able to say you were a salaried employee, showing prospective employers you have hands-on experience in a relevant field can go a long way toward getting jobs after college.

In fact, data shows graduates with internship experience have a better chance of securing higher salaries and receiving a job offer by graduation. Former interns are preferred during hiring by a rate of 75 percent.

Beyond internships, consider organizations at your college that may provide similar experience. For instance, if you’re a journalism major, working at your school newspaper will show you’re able to hit deadlines and follow newsroom best practices, complete with a portfolio of work examples.

Passion
It’s important to show employers you’re passionate about what they do.

A resume featuring club memberships that relate to a specific field, from mechanical engineering to computer programming to environmental science, demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm.

Leadership
Kick things up a notch by going from member to leader. After all, seventy percent of CEOs held at least one office in a college club or organization.

Show future employers you’re willing to take charge and shoulder responsibility by taking on a leadership role. Whether you run for a position in student government or act as the president of a relevant academic club, leadership qualities are impressive.

Commitment
Not all your extra-curricular activities need to be tied to a specific industry. Sometimes giving back to your community is enough to show potential employers you’re committed to helping others, which can indicate you’d be a good teammate and co-worker.

Many schools offer community service opportunities, as well as the chance to partner up with various nonprofit organizations.

See what’s available at your university and start crafting the perfect resume.

Scroll to Top