The education section of your resume is a crucial component that showcases your academic achievements, qualifications, and relevant training. Whether you're a recent graduate, a working professional, or someone without a college degree, this section allows you to present your educational background effectively. I want to address some common client questions regarding the education section of the resume, including how to handle incomplete college, honors, studying abroad, and whether to include your GPA.
If you didn't obtain a college degree but completed some college coursework, you can still demonstrate your educational pursuits in the following ways:
Completed 20 credit hours toward Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Completed Marketing Principles, Financial Accounting, Business Communication courses toward Bachelor of Business Administration
If you received academic honors during your studies, highlight this accomplishment as follows:
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Dean’s List five semesters
If you participated in a study abroad program, you should absolutely highlight this experience in the education section of your resume. List out the university name, state the program, and the semester attended. For example:
Anglo-American University, study abroad program in Prague, CZ, Spring 2016
If your GPA is impressive (generally a 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale) and you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience, I recommend including it.
On the other hand, if you have substantial work experience or your GPA is not particularly strong, it is okay to leave it off your resume. Focus on highlighting your professional achievements and skills instead.
The education section of your resume provides an opportunity to showcase your academic accomplishments. By presenting your educational background thoughtfully, you can strengthen your overall resume and impress potential employers with your academic achievements and dedication to continuous learning. For more resume tips, subscribe to Resume All Day and receive a free copy of the Resume Do’s and Don’ts Guide.
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