Getting a new job is often not an easy task.
Especially if you are straight out of college and don't have much work experience.
In this case, you would want to focus on your Education and Skills.
However, your potential employer would still be most interested in your Work Experience.
Lucky for you, Internships qualify as Work Experience as well.
That is, if you do it right.
No matter if your internship is paid or unpaid, it can really work in your favor.
And we are going to show you how.
In this article, we are going to cover the most important topics:
- What Is An Internship?
- Why Should You Include Internships on Your Resume?
- When Should Your Include Internships on Your Resume
- How to Include Internships on Your Resume
And after we answer all those questions, we are going to leave you off with some great examples.
If you think that you have room for improvement for your whole resume, we can really show you How to Make Your Resume Stand Out.
But if you want to focus on your Internships on your resume, stick around.
What Is An Internship?
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The first thing we need to do is understand what an internship is.
Internships are usually part-time opportunities for college students to gain some practical experience in their field of study.
They can be either paid or unpaid, but either way, it is a great way to gain some valuable skills that you are going to need later in your professional career.
It is often the right step to take on an internship while you are still in college, and you are not ready for a full-time work.
Above all else, it is also a great way to broaden your horizons and create a great professional network for yourself.
Why Should You Include Internships on Your Resume?
Now that you know what an internship is, you are probably wondering why do you need it on your resume.
Often, if you are a recent college graduate and don't have much work experience, an internship can really bring up your chances.
That’s because without any work experience, it is really difficult for the hiring manager to see why you would be right for the job.
Internships can show that you are dedicated and eager to learn new things.
Furthermore, it shows that you have used your student time in the best possible way and have gained some important qualifications.
No matter if your internship was paid or not, your potential employer will appreciate the skills you gained, if they are relative to the job position.
So don’t miss out on listing your internships.
When Should Your Include Internships on Your Resume
Now you have a better understanding of what internships are and why you should include them.
But listing internships on your resume should not be at all cost.
There are a few situations when you should include your internships on your resume.
First of all, if you are a recent college graduate, or you are still a student, your internships might play a crucial role in your job-seeking.
That’s because at that time you have limited work experience and every relative experience and skills can be of service.
Another reason to include your internships is when you have taken on a career change.
In this case, you might have sufficient amount of work experience, but most of it would no longer be relevant.
Last but not least, you should consider listing your internships if you think they might be relevant.
If you think that some of the skills you gained might help you, don’t miss out on improving your chances.
On the other hand, your work experience might actually be enough on its own.
If it is actually relevant to the job position you are applying for, your internships would no longer be needed on your resume.
Leaving them out in this case would open up more space for your work-related accomplishments and skills.
How to Include Internships on Your Resume
So far, so good.
But the hardest part is up ahead.
Simply listing your internships on your resume would not do the trick.
You need to know how to do it right.
But that’s just why we are here.
When it comes to placement, your internships should be in your Work Experience Section, as that’s what is most important for the hiring managers.
If you want, you can also make a separate section for your internships, if you want, but we advise you to use your Work Experience Section for that.
When it comes to formatting, your internships should not look any different from any other job in your Work Experience Section.
Make sure you list the title of the company and the years spent there.
As for the title, don’t write just “Intern”.
You should specify as much as possible what was the professional direction of your internship.
Don’t forget to make a bullet list under your internship listing as well.
That’s where you should specify all your responsibilities and accomplishments, relevant to the position you are applying for.
Remember that your Work Experience Section should follow reverse chronological order and make sure you list your internships in the right place.
And once again, don’t forget to make your internship look just like a job position in your Work Experience Section.
You need to make sure your resume has consistent formatting.
Example of Internship on Your Resume
We have gone through everything that you need to know about internships on your resume.
Now you know the answers for the what, the why, the when and the how.
But, as promised, we are not going to leave you off without showing you an example of all that.
Google: 05/2017 - 05/2019
IT Intern
- Developed an app using Java with the help of mentors
- Participated in weekly meetings and brainstorming sessions
- Worked in a development team and assisted with app development
Takeaways: Internship on resume
We are all done.
Now you know what internships are and how to use them in your Work Experience Section.
You are now ready to start listing your internships and what experience and skills you have gained from them.
Make your internships relevant, and consider the amount of work experience you have before listing them.
Don’t forget to specify what was your internship and what responsibilities and achievements it brought you.
Keep our examples in mind and make your internships perfect for the job you seek.
Make one that's truly you.
