How to write an internship resume (with an example)
Are you ready to bridge the gap between what you’ve learned in school and the real world? Do you want to learn new skills, build connections, and make your mark in your chosen industry? Internships serve as stepping stones during your professional journey and provide opportunities for personal and career growth.
Securing a great internship starts with a killer resume. Your professional resume is your ticket to the interview and your chance to impress potential employers from the get-go. That's why we've put together this helpful intern resume writing guide with six simple steps to help you create an internship resume that stands out.
From organizing your resume's structure to highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we'll even provide an example resume to guide and inspire you along the way.
Whether you're a college student eager to land your first internship or a recent graduate ready to make your mark, an effective internship resume is a game-changer. Let's jump right in and start crafting a resume that opens doors to exciting internship experiences.
How to write an internship resume in 6 steps
When it comes to internships, recruiters know that you might not have years of experience under your belt. But don't worry! The key is to highlight your potential, eagerness to learn, and genuine enthusiasm for the internship. Use each resume section to show how your qualifications and skills make you a valuable asset to the organization.
Step 1: Resume heading
Kick things off with a clear and professional header at the top of your resume, including all the essential contact information (full name, phone number, and email address). Ensure your email address sounds professional — avoid any wacky or unprofessional aliases — and consider adding a link to relevant social media accounts (like your LinkedIn profile).
Step 2: Objective or summary statement (optional)
A resume objective or resume summary statement gives hiring managers a sneak peek into your career goals by highlighting specific skills that make you perfect for the internship. Tailor this section to the internship you're after. Show them how your objectives align with the organization's goals.
Step 3: Education
The education section is your chance to show off your college or university experience. Tell them your major or area of study and consider including your GPA. Don't forget to mention any cool coursework that's relevant to the internship. If you're still in the process of getting your degree, give them a heads up on when you'll be crossing that graduation finish line.
Step 4: Work experience
In the experience section, include any internships, volunteer work (a great resume builder!), or any other relevant work history. Describe the tasks you handled and any achievements you rocked in each role. Focus on those transferable skills that make you a superstar — things like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and organization. Highlight how your previous professional experiences have set you up for success in this internship and contributed to your personal growth.
Step 5: Certifications/special projects/skills
This skills section showcases the professional certifications and specific soft skills (personal skills and abilities that can help in any job) or hard skills (technical or job-specific skills) that make you stand out from the crowd. Include any special projects or extracurricular activities that show your passion for the field, too. This is your chance to spotlight those unique skill sets and experiences that make you a true rockstar candidate.
Step 6: Awards & honors (optional)
If you've been lucky enough to receive any awards, honors, scholarships, or recognition for your academic or professional prowess, this is the perfect spot to showcase them. Highlighting your accomplishments shows your dedication and excellence and lets potential employers know you're a true go-getter.
Resume formatting tips
Let's talk about some other ways to make your internship resume shine. First off, keep it to a single page. Internships usually involve limited experience, so a concise resume works best. Be selective and focus on highlighting the most relevant information that showcases your qualifications.
When it comes to spacing, give your text some room to breathe. Leave enough white space between sections and paragraphs to make it visually appealing and easy to read. Break up the content using bullet points, headings, and subheadings to make it more organized and reader-friendly.
Stick to a legible font throughout your resume so it's easy on the eyes (aim for a font size of 10 or 11 points for the main content). You can make headings and section titles a bit larger (around 12 or 14 points) to create visual emphasis and hierarchy.
Margins matter, too! Ensure you have enough space on all sides of your resume. A margin size of 0.5 to 1 inch is standard and gives your resume a clean, professional look.
Lastly, don't forget to proofread for any grammar or spelling errors. A polished and error-free document shows your attention to detail and professionalism.
Following these tips to craft a well-organized, visually pleasing internship resume will make a memorable impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing that dream internship.
You can also get help with formatting your resume by downloading our free internship resume template.
Internship resume example
Use this resume sample as a guide to create a resume that will dazzle hiring managers. Customize your resume based on the specific job description you are applying for.
[Your full name]
[Address]
[City, state, ZIP code]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
[LinkedIn profile link]
Objective
Motivated and dedicated individual seeking an internship opportunity to gain practical experience and further develop skills in [specific field]. Committed to contributing to an organization’s success through a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a passion for learning.
Education
Bachelor of [Degree], [Major]
[University Name], [City, State]
[Year of graduation]
Relevant coursework
- [Course 1]: [Course description]
- [Course 2]: [Course description]
- [Course 3]: [Course description]
Skills
- Technical skills: [List relevant technical skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency)]
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated through [specific examples, such as presentations or publications]
- Problem-solving: Ability to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions
- Teamwork: Collaborative approach to working with diverse teams to achieve common goals
- Adaptability: Quick learner with the ability to thrive in fast-paced and changing environments
- Organization: Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Relevant work experience
[Company/Organization name], [Location]
[Position title], [Dates]
- [Responsibility 1]: [Describe your key responsibilities and achievements]
- [Responsibility 2]: [Describe your key responsibilities and achievements]
[Company/Organization Name], [Location]
[Position Title], [Dates]
- [Responsibility 1]: [Describe your key responsibilities and achievements]
- [Responsibility 2]: [Describe your key responsibilities and achievements]
Projects
[Project Name], [University/Company], [Dates]
- [Describe the project, your role, and the skills utilized or developed]
- [Highlight any notable achievements or outcomes]
Leadership and extracurricular activities
- [Club/Organization Name], [Position/Role], [Dates]
- [Describe your responsibilities and contributions]
- [Volunteer Organization Name], [Role], [Dates]
- [Describe your responsibilities and contributions]
Certifications
- [Certification 1]: [Certifying authority], [Year]
- [Certification 2]: [Certifying authority], [Year]
What about an internship cover letter?
When it comes to internship applications, a cover letter may not always be required (check the internship description for requirements) but it can make a world of difference. A carefully crafted cover letter has the power to make you shine amidst a sea of candidates and increase your chances of landing that coveted internship.
Read our tips for writing an internship cover letter, where we spill the secrets of how to write a killer cover letter that perfectly complements your resume and sets you up for success.
Which companies are hiring for internships on Handshake?
Land an amazing internship
As you wrap up crafting your winning internship resume, remember that it's not just about the length or the formatting — it's also about showcasing your potential, passion, and unique qualities that make you a perfect fit for the internship. Tailor each section to align with the internship position and emphasize your relevant skills and experiences. With this resume as your tool, you're ready to make a lasting impression and land that dream internship.
Need help finding the perfect internship? Head over to Handshake, download our app, and create your profile. You’ll have access to the most opportunities of any job platform for students and new college grads, as well as tons of helpful advice and tips for launching your career.
Now go out there and get that internship!