Tips for First Year Students

What is a resume?

A resume showcases education, relevant work, volunteer, and other experience to potential employers or internship sponsors. It includes activities, leadership roles, language, laboratory skills that acquired over time.

As a first-year student, do I need a resume? Yes!

Many internships and volunteer positions require a resume. Although some positions may require only the completion of an online application form, others require a resume. If a company/organization does not require a resume at the time you apply, bringing a resume to an interview will make a good impression. Resumes may also be needed for leadership and other positions at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Since first-year students are just getting started, it is acceptable to include high school experience. As you advance through your program, this information will be replaced with more recent work or projects.

A resume is a great way to track your experience while in school. Update your resume each semester, or after an internship/service experience should help you summarize your accomplishments, and keep track of key details such as dates of involvement and responsibilities.

Things to include on a first-year student resume

• High school activities (particularly during the junior and senior year of high school): clubs, organizations, and sports teams, especially if you held a leadership role or were very active.
• As long as it’s relevant: Both paid and unpaid experience, listing the skills and experience you gained.
• Examples of customer service and teamwork.

Important information for a first-year student resume

• Avoid resume templates/wizards as they can be difficult to edit.
• Use bullets under each experience, start with action verbs, and include skills you acquire in one setting that can be transferred or used to future employment settings (transferrable skills).
• Write accomplishment statements in bullets. Describe what you accomplished in your positions.
• List Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences first with your degree, major, and anticipated graduation date.
• Organize experiences by sections (i.e. Work Experience, Activities) and by reverse chronological order
• Do not include birth date, social security number, photo, hourly wages, or previous supervisor’s info.
• References: Listed on a separate page, and include name, title, company/organization, phone number, email address, and relationship (e.g. former supervisor).
• See more useful info on writing a great resume and cover letter on Blackboard, under “Career Development Center.”

Appointments

Schedule a 30-minute appointment with an advisor through the Student Success Hub at least 24 hours in advance. 

Word document with resume template.