Computer Skills for Your Resume
Discover top computer skills for your resume and learn how to list ...
Why the Education Section Matters
Listing your education on a resume might seem straightforward, but there are specific strategies that can make this section impactful.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, presenting your educational background properly can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview. Hloom’s online resume builder can help you structure this section effectively.
The Role of Education in the Hiring Process
Unsurprisingly, the education section of a resume provides a snapshot of your academic background and qualifications. Employers use it to assess if you have the required knowledge and skills.
This section also reflects your ability to commit to and complete a program, which is crucial for many roles, regardless of the type of education obtained.
-
Resume Education Example
-
Resume Education Example
Education for Different Types of Job Seekers
Depending on your professional experience, the education section on your resume plays a varying degree of importance. Consider the following and see how where your current needs align:
New Graduates
For new graduates, this section is key as you may lack extensive work experience. Highlight your degree, GPA (if high), and any honors or awards to show your readiness for the workforce.
Professionals
Experienced professionals should highlight advanced degrees, certifications, and relevant ongoing education. This shows career progression and a commitment to staying updated in your field.
Career Changers
For career changers, this section demonstrates your preparedness for a new field. Highlight relevant courses, certifications, or recent training that align with your new career goals.
In the end, make sure to tailor the education section based on your experience and the job you are applying to so that you can effectively communicate your qualifications and readiness for the role.
What to Include in the Education Section
When you list education while writing a resume, there are several key bits of information you want to include. This is what most employers expect and clearly demonstrates your educational background:
Basic Information
In the education section, include the following basic details:
- Degree(s) obtained: Clearly state your degree(s) to provide clarity on your qualifications.
- Name of the institution(s): Include the full name of the college or university you attended.
- Location (city, state): Mention the location of the institution to give context to your educational background.
Education on Resume Example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science,
ABC University, Los Angeles, CA
Optional Information
Depending on your situation and relevance to the job, consider adding these optional details. This is particularly true if you have educational experience that either complements your work experience or compensates for a lack of one.
- GPA (if 3.5 or higher): Include your GPA if it is strong to highlight your academic performance.
- Graduation date (month, year): Indicate when you graduated only if it’s required or relevant. Otherwise, this may contribute to a hiring bias based on age.
- Relevant coursework: List specific courses that are directly related to the job you’re applying for to show your specialized knowledge.
- Honors and awards: Mention any honors or awards to demonstrate your achievements and recognitions.
- Extracurricular activities: Highlight activities that show your skills, leadership, and well-roundedness.
- Study abroad programs: Include any study abroad experiences to showcase your global perspective and adaptability.
Education of Resume Example
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science,
ABC University, Los Angeles, CA
Graduated May 2023
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Relevant coursework: Algorithms, Data Structures, Database Systems
- Honors: Dean’s List, Phi Beta Kappa
- Extracurricular activities: President of Coding Club, Volunteer at Tech Outreach Program
- Study abroad: Semester at University of Tokyo, Japan
Try Our Resume Templates
Using our resume builder comes with professional-quality templates to make it easier for you.
How to Format the Education Section
The education section of a resume has a straightforward format. To communicate your educational experience clearly, keep in mind the following features as you outline your resume.
Reverse Chronological Order
The most common format for listing education is reverse chronological order.
This means starting with your most recent educational achievement and working backward.
This format ensures that the most relevant and recent information is at the top, where it is most likely to catch the employer’s attention.
Example
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
XYZ University, New York, NY
Bachelor of Science in Marketing (BS)
ABC University, Los Angeles, CA
Students and Recent Graduates Format
For students and recent graduates, the education section is often the most significant part of the resume.
Include your degree, institution, location, and graduation date.
Additionally, you can add GPA, relevant coursework, honors, and extracurricular activities to showcase your academic achievements and involvement.
Example
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS)
ABC University, Los Angeles, CA
- Graduated May 2023
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Relevant coursework: Algorithms, Data Structures, Database Systems
- Honors: Dean’s List, Phi Beta Kappa
- Extracurricular activities: President of Coding Club
Experienced Professionals Format
Experienced professionals should focus on higher education degrees and relevant ongoing education.
You can omit details like GPA, graduation date, and coursework unless they are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Emphasize degrees and any additional certifications or training that highlight your expertise.
Example
Master of Business Administration
XYZ University, New York, NY
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
ABC University, Los Angeles, CA
Format for Career Changers
Career changers need to highlight education that supports their new career path.
Include relevant courses, certifications, or recent training that aligns with the new field.
This demonstrates your proactive approach to gaining the necessary knowledge and skills for your new career.
Certificate in Digital Marketing, DEF Online Academy
- Relevant coursework: SEO, Social Media Marketing, Content Strategy
Bachelor of Arts in History (BA),
GHI University, Chicago, IL
Formatting your education section appropriately can make a significant impact on how potential employers perceive your qualifications and readiness for the job.
Tailor the format to best reflect your career stage and the relevance of your education to the position you’re targeting.
Use Our Resume Builder
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Listing High School Education When Unnecessary
Unless you are a recent high school graduate with no college experience, it is generally unnecessary to include high school education on your resume.
Employers typically expect to see higher education qualifications if you have them. Focus on your most recent and relevant educational experiences to make the most impact.
-
Including Outdated or Irrelevant Information
Avoid including outdated or irrelevant educational details that do not add value to your application.
For example, listing every single course you took can clutter your resume and detract from more important information.
Instead, tailor your education section to highlight the most relevant degrees, courses, and achievements that align with the job you are applying for.
-
Inaccurate Dates or Details
Ensure that all dates and details in your education section are accurate and up-to-date. Inaccuracies can raise red flags for employers and may harm your credibility.
Double-check the names of institutions, degree titles, and graduation dates to avoid any potential issues during the hiring process.
Resume Education Section Examples
Check out the following examples to get a better idea about how you can list your education on a resume.
Example for a Recent Graduate
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, ABC University, Los Angeles, CA
- Graduated May 2023
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Relevant coursework: Algorithms, Data Structures, Database Systems
- Honors: Dean’s List, Phi Beta Kappa
- Extracurricular activities: President of Coding Club, Volunteer at Tech Outreach Program
- Study abroad: Semester at University of Tokyo, Japan
Example for an Experienced Professional
Master of Business Administration, XYZ University, New York, NY
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, ABC University, Los Angeles, CA
Example for a Career Changer
Certificate in Digital Marketing, DEF Online Academy
- Relevant coursework: SEO, Social Media Marketing, Content Strategy
Bachelor of Arts in History, GHI University, Chicago, IL
Key Takeaways
- Tailor the education section to include your most recent and relevant academic achievements, focusing on degrees and institutions.
- Use reverse chronological order to ensure the most recent and significant education is listed first. This helps catch the employer’s attention immediately.
- Adjust the details included in your education section based on whether you are a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or a career changer to best showcase your qualifications.
- Consider adding GPA (if 3.5 or higher), relevant coursework, honors, extracurricular activities, and study abroad experiences to make your education section more comprehensive and impactful.
Pro Tip:
Do not list high school education unless it’s your highest level of education, and avoid outdated or irrelevant information. Ensure all dates and details are accurate.
FAQ
Updated: June 11, 2024
You should include your GPA if it is 3.5 or higher and if you are a recent graduate. A strong GPA can highlight your academic performance and commitment.
However, if you have been in the workforce for a few years, your professional experience will likely be more important to employers than your GPA.
If you have not completed a degree, you can still list it on your resume. Include the degree you were pursuing, the institution, and the dates attended.
You can also mention any relevant coursework or achievements.
For example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (incomplete), ABC University, Los Angeles, CA
2019-2021
- Relevant coursework: Algorithms, Data Structures, Database Systems
If you attended multiple institutions, list them in reverse chronological order.
Focus on the most relevant degrees and coursework that align with the job you are applying for. Only include the most important details to keep your resume concise.
You should list your high school education only if it is your highest level of education or if it is particularly relevant to the job you are applying for.
If you have completed any college or higher education, it is generally unnecessary to include high school details.
List additional certifications or courses in a separate section titled “Certifications” or “Professional Development.”
Include the name of the certification, the institution or organization, and the completion date.
For example:
Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP), Digital Marketing Institute, Completed June 2021
Yes, you can include relevant online courses in your education section or in a separate “Certifications” or “Professional Development” section.
Ensure the courses are relevant to the job you are applying for and include the name of the course, the platform or institution, and the completion date.
If your degree is from a foreign institution, include the degree title, institution name, and location.
You may also want to mention if the institution is well-known internationally or provide an equivalent degree title familiar to employers in your country.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering,
University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Graduated March 2020
(Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering in the US)
RATE OUR TEMPLATES
