Before You Write the Resume

  • Carefully consider the industry, companies, and positions that you will be applying for.
  • Review engineering company websites and job descriptions to identify the sought-after skills.
  • Look for keywords that consistently repeat in these job descriptions.
  • Read the Writing a Resume Tip Sheet or Design Your Next Steps guide for example resumes and general guidance.

Consider both your hard and soft skills

Hard Skills

Ensure that your resume focuses on your training and experience in the field. Highlight this background in your bullet point statements and Skills section, which should show that you’ve learned or used the skills that the employer is looking for. Your resume should include:

  • engineering projects (school, internships or other work experience)
  • research conducted
  • quantitative knowledge
  • specialized technical training and certifications
  • computer skills
  • specific engineering skills
  • programming languages
  • lab equipment and techniques

Soft Skills

As a Columbia undergraduate, you’ve been exposed to the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences. You may also have been involved in activities, organizations, or volunteer work in which you developed non-technical skills that are attractive to employers. In your bullet point statements you can showcase soft skills such as:

  • leadership skills
  • ability to work well as part of a team
  • communication and presentation skills
  • critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving
  • planning and organizing

Highlight Your Accomplishments

When describing your engineering experience, be sure to emphasize your accomplishments and achievements. Identify what was unique and what you are proud of. This emphasis helps you stand out and distinguish yourself from other candidates. You want the hiring manager to be thinking: “I really want to meet this candidate.”