In the 21st century, every student is seeking to finesse their skills with the right internship or part-time experience, which will also facilitate a smooth school-to-work transition. This should dismantle our rigid perspective on resumes being only for job seekers; they are much more than that.

Just like finding a job, securing an internship requires a focused search. To land a good internship that provides the right skills, a student must have a well-crafted resume. So, here we are—mind you, not giving you unnecessary gyaan—but sharing a few necessary tips to help make your resume stand out.

Before we begin, remember this key point: limited work experience doesn’t mean a bland resume. As a high school or pre-university student, no one expects you to have built a spaceship!

Do not hesitate to state your career goals! 

Your resume should begin with a compelling objective statement that succinctly captures your career goals and what you hope to achieve through the internship. This is your chance to make a positive first impression, so be clear and concise. For example:

“Motivated high school junior with a passion for environmental science seeking a summer internship at Green Earth Initiative to gain hands-on experience in conservation efforts and sustainable practices.”

Dwell sufficiently on your educational background!

As a student, your education is one of your strongest assets. Include the name of your school, your expected graduation date, and your current GPA if it’s strong. 

Additionally, list any relevant coursework/subject that aligns with the internship you’re applying for. When listing relevant coursework for an internship application, it’s essential to prioritise the most recent one you have done. This section demonstrates your knowledge base and commitment to the field.

Add a certificates section!

Any courses you have completed as part of your academics or on your own can come in handy. Mention these courses along with your certifications. Do not limit this section to course certifications; you can also include certifications you have won in school, such as extempore competitions, which will accentuate your speaking and communication abilities.

Do boast about your involvement in extracurricular activities!

Whether you’re involved in student government, clubs, sports, or volunteer work, these activities showcase your organisational skill, leadership, teamwork, and dedication. Be sure to talk about any positions of responsibility or significant projects you’ve undertaken.

Do talk about your volunteer experience, if any!

Volunteer work is an excellent way to demonstrate your initiative and willingness to contribute to the community. It also helps develop a range of soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and organisation. Detail your volunteer roles, the organisations you worked with, and the impact of your contributions.

Always try to align your involvement with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, because a student with a sustainable mindset will never fail to impress companies.

Do list relevant skills!

Include a skills section where you can talk about both hard and soft skills that you can offer to the internship. You can mention skills acquired through classroom or extracurricular activities.
As for developing these skills, try utilising online resources. If you are not confident about your skills, do not worry; you can always learn them with experience. After all, that is what an internship is supposed to teach you. So do not hesitate to show your enthusiasm to learn!

Do not forget to proofread! 

A tiny spelling or grammatical error could be the difference between a strong resume and a missed opportunity, so do not hurry to send your resume without giving it one final look. 

These are a few of the simple tips for you to draft a simple, yet powerful resume. If you have any more doubts, do not hesitate to contact us! We are always happy to support young people who are passionate about acquiring the right skills. In addition, remember that you shouldn’t send the same resume to all companies. Tailor it to match the specific requirements of each role. All of this reflects your commitment to the internship!!