Graduate School Resume Examples and Templates for 2023

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Frank Hackett

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Continuing your education can have a profound impact on your job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with doctoral or professional degrees earned median weekly incomes of over $1,750 in 2020. Those with master’s degrees made over $1,550 per week on average, compared to $1,330 for those with bachelor’s degrees. To differentiate yourself from other applicants, you’ll need to craft a compelling resume to enhance your graduate school application. Below, you’ll find four examples of graduate school resumes across different fields of study.

Downloadable Resume Examples

Example #1
Graduate-School_Example-1.pdf

Example #1

Example #2
Graduate-School_Example-2.pdf

Example #2

Example #3
Graduate-School_Example-3.pdf

Example #3

Example #4
Graduate-School_Example-4.pdf

Example #4

Graduate School Resume Examples

Years of Experience
  • Example #1 #1
  • Example #2 #2
  • Example #3 #3
  • Example #4 #4

Christine Li
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345

Profile

A Psychology Graduate specializing in behavioral analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and developmental psychology. Adept at executing complex research initiatives and collaborating with diverse academic teams.

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Psychology
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, September 2017 – May 2021
GPA: 3.8/4.0

  • Vice President, Temple Student Psychology Association, 2019-2021
  • Member, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society, 2017-2021
  • Dean’s List 2017-2021
  • Magna Cum Laude

Professional Experience

Research Assistant, Dr. William Stern, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
September 2020 – May 2021

  • Conducted research on a variety of psychology topics and trends, including emotionally-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
  • Coordinated with a team of scholars to conduct a research project analyzing the psychological effects of poverty in food desert areas, including conducting interviews, developing surveys, and evaluating statistical trends

Academic Projects

Psychology Research Projects, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
September 2017 – May 2021

  • Wrote a 25-page research paper for the Psychology capstone course analyzing the cultural experience of Chinese American immigrants in urban and rural areas and the relationship between institutionalized racism and anxiety
  • Developed a 10-page research paper evaluating the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to treat depression symptoms

Coursework

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Development Psychology
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy
  • Behavioral Analysis
  • Trauma Intervention

Key Skills

  • Academic Research
  • Relationship Building
  • Team Collaboration
  • Written Communication
  • Leadership

Luis Rodriguez
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345

Profile

A Speech Pathology Graduate specializing in speech-language therapy, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), American Sign Language (ASL), and team leadership. A proven track record of mentoring students within the Speech-Language program and providing ESL tutoring services.

Education

Bachelor of Art (B.A.) Speech-Language-Hearing Science
Columbia University, New York, NY September 2017 – May 2021
GPA: 3.75/4.0

  • Member, American Sign Language Club, 2018-2021
  • Member, National Honors Society, 2017-2021
  • Dean’s List, 2017-2021
  • Summa Cum Laude

Professional Experience

Speech-Language-Hearing Writing Tutor, Columbia University, New York, NY
September 2020 – May 2021

  • Coordinated with students weekly to identify weaknesses, resolved questions with speech, language, and hearing science course material, and developed strategies for academic success
  • Resolved concerns regarding paper structure, prompts, revisions, and MLA and APA citation formatting

Classroom Assistant, Columbia University, New York, NY
September 2019 – September 2020

  • Supported a professor in the execution of two English preparatory courses for incoming first-year students
  • Taught two thirty-minute sessions five days a week based on the needs of the students and focused on improving writing abilities and critical thinking skills

Volunteerism Experience

Volunteer Teaching Assistant, Brooklyn Literacy Center, New York, NY
June 2020 – Present

  • Supported one instructor in facilitating a three-hour class for ESL students, conducted evaluations to identify academic weaknesses, and assisted with implementing lesson plans and activities

Key Skills

  • Speech-Language-Hearing Therapy
  • American Sign Language
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Teaching
  • Lesson Plan Implementation
  • ESL
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Sandra Carlisle
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, San Francisco, CA 12345

Profile

An Economics Graduate specializing in statistical analysis, accounting, financial analysis, risk management, and ROI analysis. Experience in conducting economic research to evaluate statistical trends and inform financial decision making for businesses.

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Economics
University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA September 2017 – May 2021
GPA: 3.6.5/4.0

  • Member, UC Berkeley Economics Club, 2017-2021
  • Dean’s List, 2018-2019
  • Summa Cum Laude

Professional Experience

Internship, Anderson Financial Firm, San Francisco, CA
April 2020 – April 2021

  • Performed statistical analysis on economic and financial trends for a financial investment firm, which included evaluating potential ROI of startup businesses
  • Supported a team of Financial Analysts and Economists in evaluating business models, analyzing risk, and forecasting financial outlook to inform investment decisions
  • Attended meetings with the Finance team and assisted with the preparation of financial presentations and reports

Academic Projects

Economic & Financial Research Projects, UC Berkeley, Berkeley CA
September 2017 – May 2021

  • Wrote a 20-page research essay using quantitative and qualitative analysis to investigate the potential long-term financial outlook of hospitality businesses in the Covid-19 era
  • Coordinated with a team of students to conduct a financial research project analyzing the scalability and sustainability of hypothetical business models

Key Skills

  • Economics
  • Financial Analysis
  • Risk Management
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Qualitative Analysis
  • ROI Analysis
  • Team Leadership

Ted Johnson
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Boston, MA 12345

Profile

A recent Social Work Graduate specializing in psychotherapy, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), public health, and client relations. A strong background in working with non-profit agencies to execute community outreach initiatives.

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Social Work
Boston University, Massachusetts, MA September 2017 – May 2021
GPA: 3.6/4.0

  • Member, Student Diversity Council, 2018-2021
  • Dean’s List, 2017-2018, 2020-2021
  • Summa Cum Laude

Professional Experience

Internship, Boston Community Resource Center, Boston, MA
June 2020 – April 2021

  • Collaborated with a team of social workers at a non-profit organization to provide resources, housing, and food to the homeless population
  • Interfaced with clients to provide information on available resources, including mental health services, job fairs, employment opportunities, and rehab centers
  • Fielded phone inquiries, gathered client information, and updated case files in coordination with the social services team

Volunteerism Experience

Volunteer, St. Margaret’s Homeless Shelter, Boston, MA
December 2018 – Present

  • Provided operational support for a homeless shelter with over 250+ clients per day, assisted with meal preparation, and distributed hygiene supplies
  • Communicated with clients to discuss needs, provided emotional support, and delivered referrals on available resources to improve quality of life and daily functioning

Coursework

  • Substance Abuse
  • Child Welfare
  • Psychotherapy
  • Public Health
  • Behavioral Analysis

Key Skills

  • Client Relations
  • Community Outreach
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Team Leadership
  • Written Communication
  • Microsoft Office Suite

Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Graduate Student Resumes

When building out your resume for your graduate school application, you’ll want to create a robust skills section that highlights a mix of both hard and soft skills. Universities use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out unqualified candidates, so it’s important to include as many relevant keywords as possible to maximize your chances of advancing to the next phase of the application process. Before you apply, carefully evaluate the graduate program you’re pursuing and ensure that you include all the necessary coursework and skills on your document. Below, you’ll find a list of some potential keywords and action verbs below that you might encounter.

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Academic Research Accounting
Actuarial Science Biology
Business Modeling Calculus
Cell-based Assays Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Curriculum Development Drug Development
Economics Engineering
Finance Financial Analysis
Kinesiology Nursing Theory
Pharmaceutical Science Psychology
Public Health Social Sciences
Social Work Statistics
Teaching Team Leadership
Written Communication
Action Verbs
Analyze Build
Calculate Collaborate
Conduct Construct
Coordinate Create
Deliver Design
Develop Diagnose
Evaluate Execute
Implement Led
Manage Plan
Provide Resolve
Respond Support
Taught Test

Tips for Writing a Better Graduate Student Resume

Showcase your education achievements for graduate school

Featuring key academic projects and education achievements is essential for building a strong graduate school application. Be sure to include all of your relevant degrees, academic associations, and coursework. For example, as a Speech Pathologist student, you may want to include your knowledge of American Sign Language. If you were an engineering graduate, you might want to highlight projects where you collaborated with student teams to create prototypes. It’s also important to include your GPA and any honors you were awarded during your time as an undergraduate. Below, you’ll find some examples to help you better showcase your academic accomplishments.

Example #1

Good


Bachelor of Arts, Speech-Language-Hearing Science, New York University, 2017-2021

GPA: 3.7/4.0

  • Advanced training in American Sign Language, 2020-2021
  • Member, Speech Pathology Honors Club, 2017-2019
  • Dean’s List, 2019-2021
  • Magna Cumlaude

Bad


Bachelor of Arts, Speech-Language-Hearing Science, New York University, 2017-2021

  • Numerous honors
  • Involved in school associations on campus
  • Excelled in Speech-Language coursework

Example #2

Good


Financial Research Projects, UC Berkeley, CA

September 2017 – May 2021

  • Conducted a complex research project to analyze the economic trends impacting the housing market, including evaluating potential financial factors such as rising student loan debt
  • Wrote a 25-page research essay for the Finance capstone course investigating the potential long-term financial outlook of the plant-based meat industry

Bad


Financial Research Projects, UC Berkeley, CA

September 2017 – May 2021

  • Conducted various financial research projects, wrote papers and essays, received high grades on assignments, and developed financial knowledge

Write an eye-catching professional profile

When applying to graduate school, you should develop a professional summary at the top of your resume that encapsulates your key skills and academic expertise. Even if you lack hands-on experience in the field, this section will allow you to make a strong case for why you should be considered for the program you’re applying for. For example, showcasing emotional intelligence and client relations skills you may have acquired through volunteerism could resonate with the university if you intend to pursue a field of study in healthcare. Pay close attention to what qualities the program is looking for in their applicants and consider how your academic career aligns with those attributes. Below, you’ll find some examples of how to build out your professional profile.

Example #1

Good


A recent graduate in public health with a strong background in community relations, team collaboration, and cultural awareness. A compelling track record of volunteering at healthcare agencies to provide support and empathetic care to vulnerable populations.

Bad


A hardworking recent grad looking to advance education in public health at your university. Possesses strong communication and problem-solving skills needed to succeed.

Example #2

Good


A recent graduate in finance specializing in financial planning, investment strategy, ROI analysis, and economics. A solid entrepreneurial background working as an intern with a startup company to support financial reporting activities in support of long-term financial goals.

Bad


An enthusiastic finance graduate who excels in working with teams and analyzing metrics. Looking to complete a master’s program in finance to further develop financial expertise.

How to Align Your Resume With the Graduate Program

Competition to enter graduate programs has only increased over the past decade. To maximize your chances, you’ll want to carefully tailor your resume to your program and field of study. This involves optimizing the document for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) using a mix of important keywords and academic terms. That said, you’ll also need to include academic experience that stands out within the crowded field of applicants. Providing descriptions of specific research projects will showcase your unique skill set. Many universities also place a great deal of weight on associations you were involved in and your volunteer efforts. By including a balanced mix of academic achievements and community service, you’ll be able to position yourself as a well-rounded candidate.

Determining what key terms to include can be challenging on a graduate school resume, as not all programs will provide you with a robust description to build off of. In this situation, you’ll want to make sure that you integrate as many key terms and courses from your field as possible into the document. Below, you’ll see an example of how to align your resume with the academic requirements of the graduate program.

Graduate Program Description Example


Charleston University is a top-ranked university with a comprehensive Master of Social Work Program (MWS) for qualified applicants. Our track will help prepare you to enter the social work field and achieve your Licensed Social Worker (LSW) certification. We provide a wide array of academic professional resources to help our students succeed. Our university is seeking applicants with a volunteerism background and strong emotional intelligence.

Featured Social Work Courses:

  • Public Health
  • Psychotherapy
  • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Clinical Social Work for Families
  • Child Welfare
  • Social Work for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Social Justice Advocacy
  • Program Development
  • Community Outreach in Diverse Communities
  • Human Behavior

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in social work from an accredited university
  • Strong volunteerism experience
  • Leadership and relationship building skills
  • Excellent written communication and verbal communication skills
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
  • Ability to deliver social services in diverse community settings

According to the job description, the ideal job applicant should have the following qualities and/or experience:

  • Social Work
  • Social Services
  • Volunteerism
  • Leadership
  • Relationship Building
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
  • Community Outreach
  • Social Justice Advocacy
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Psychotherapy
  • Human Behavior

Next, take what you highlighted from the job description and include your experience and skills that match. Below is an example of how to incorporate them in your resume to your advantage:

Graduate Student Resume Example


Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Social Work

Richmond University, Richmond, VA September 2017 – May 2021

GPA: 3.6/4.0

  • Served as a member of the Campus Student Diversity Committee to foster cultural awareness amongst the student body and drive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

 

Volunteerism Experience

Volunteer, Richmond Community Resource Center, Richmond, VA

April 2016 – Present

  • Provided support to licensed social workers to deliver social services to children, adults, and families across a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds
  • Drove relationship-building efforts and collaborated with volunteers to execute a variety of community outreach programs and events

 

Key Skills

  • Client Relations
  • Community Outreach
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Team Leadership
  • Written Communication

 

Coursework

  • Human Behavior
  • Psychotherapy
  • Social Justice Advocacy
  • Child Welfare
  • Substance Abuse Treatment