Look through these sample resumes to get an idea of what to include in your own. Do not copy them directly!
A resume should highlight your relevant skills and experience, tailored to the company and position to which you are applying.
Read our tips for getting started on your resume and how to create strong bullet points. We suggest that you read through job descriptions closely and take time to reflect on your experience. Once you’ve created your first resume, those that follow will be much easier.
Develop your understanding of what ingredients add up to a great resume by perusing this resume sample where we’ve added pop-outs with explanations of each section.
Please note: Many of these resumes have been adapted from resumes from real students at Columbia University, and they are all one-page resumes.
The following resumes demonstrate ways to incorporate:
Clinical Experience
Abigail L. Carpentier 60 Morningside Drive, New York, NY 10027 | alc1111@columbia.edu | 234-456-6789| https://www.linkedin.com/alc111
EDUCATION Columbia University, Columbia College, New York, NY Expected May 2024 Bachelor of Arts, Biology | GPA 3.6 University of Cambridge, Newnham College, Cambridge, England, U.K. September 2022 – June 2023 Columbia College Oxbridge Scholars Program RESEARCH & CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Lister Institute Summer Studentship June 2023 – August 2023 University of Cambridge Department of Pathology, Cambridge, England • Investigated Vaccinia virus protein and mechanism by which it degrades host cell proteins in HEK293T and HeLa cells through immunoprecipitation, as part of team of 3 researchers Summer College Intensive Program June 2022 – August 2022 New York–Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship May 2021 – August 2021 Columbia University Medical Center Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, New York, NY
EXTRACURRICULAR EXPERIENCE Teaching Assistant, Introductory Biology — Columbia University September 2023 – May 2024 Peer Adviser — Office of Global Programs, Columbia University September 2023 – May 2024 Crew Captain and Coxswain — Newnham College Boat Club October 2022 – June 2023 SKILLS & INTERESTS Language & Computer Skills: Proficient in French and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) |
Military Experience
BRENDAN WEAVER 549 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10025 • (212) 716-0964 • bdw102@columbia.edu EDUCATION: Columbia University, School of General Studies, New York, NY Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, GPA: 3.4/4.0 Expected May 2024 Related Coursework: Strategy Formulation, Leadership in Organization, Constitutional Law: Presidential-Congressional Relations, Strategic Intelligence/Political Decision Making EXPERIENCE: NBC Universal, Business Development Intern, NBC News, New York, NY 2023-Present The New York Times “At War” Blog, Contributor, New York, NY 2022-Present US Army, Airbone Infantry Training Room Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Ft. Richardson, AK; Charlie Troop Air Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Combat Outpost, Afghanistan 2016-2017 Airborne Infantryman, C TRP 1-40 Cavalry, Airborne, Ft. Richardson, AK; Baghdad, Iraq 2013-2016 LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES: Columbia University, Military Veterans Club, New York, NY Community Service Chair, New York, NY 2020-2021 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE: East Bronx Futures Academy, New York, NY 2020-Present SKILLS & INTERESTS: |
Engineering Experience and Project Work
Devin Jones 0000 Lerner Hall, 2920 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 (917) 123-4567 | dj9876@columbia.edu
EDUCATION Columbia University, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science New York, NY — May 2024
SKILLS Design: AutoCAD, Arichitectural Desktop 2020, Maya 3-D Animation, SAP2000 ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE Walt Disney/ABC Television Group New York, NY
Martin Horn Inc. Charlottesville, VA
ENGINEERING PROJECTS Engineers Without Borders-Morocco, Columbia University Chapter New York, NY and Ait Bayoud, Morocco Project Team Lead, Design Team Lead December 2020 – Present
AISC-ASCE Student Steel Bridge Competition, Columbia University Chapter New York, NY Architecture, Construction, Engineer (ACE) Mentor Program Charlottesville, VA ACTIVITIES The Society of Women Engineers, Marketing Committee, New York, NY September 2019 – Present |
Research Experience and Campus Leadership Positions
Katerina Williamson 212-456-7890 • kw12340@columbia.edu
EDUCATION Columbia University, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science New York, NY Bachelor of Science: Biomedical Engineering, GPA 3.9 May 2024 Relevant Coursework: Biomedical Engineering Lab II, Solid Biomechanics
Boston University Boston, MA Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry, Dean’s List all semesters Sep. 2019 — May 2022
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Undergraduate Research Assistant New York, NY Biocomplexity Lab, Columbia University Nov. 2022 – Present Undergraduate Research Assistant Boston, MA Khalil Lab, Boston University Sept. – Aug. 2022
WORK AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE CSPA Convention Assistant New York, NY Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Columbia University Mar. 2023
Columbia University: Office of Residential Programs New York, NY Resident Adviser Sep. 2022 – May 2023
Sabor Latin Dance Troupe, Columbia University New York, NY Vice President and Dance Performer Aug. 2021 – Present
SKILLS AND INTERESTS Computer: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word; STATA, Python, Java, MATLAB |
Campus Involvement and Freelance Work
JORDAN BAILEY 522 W. 112th St., #43 • New York, NY 10025 EDUCATION: Columbia University, Columbia College, New York, NY Expected May 2024 Bachelor of Arts in History, Concentration in Middle Eastern Studies MEDIA EXPERIENCE: Comedy Central, Los Angeles, CA June – Aug. 2023 West Coast Talent and Development Intern
LEADERSHIP & PROJECTS: Columbia University Undergraduate Admissions, New York, NY June 2021 – Present Columbia University History Department, New York, NY June – Aug. 2022 Present, Past, Future (One-Man Play), West Palm Beach, FL June 2018 – May 2020 SKILLS & INTERESTS: Computer: Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, social media |
Administrative Skills and Film/Arts Experience
Joseph Alan Kempner 0101 Lerner Hall, New York, NY 10027 jak917@columbia.edu | 642-555-0000 www.josephalankempner.com EDUCATION Columbia University, Columbia College New York, NY BA in English & Comparative Literature, 3.4 GPA May 2025 Relevant Coursework: Statistics, Sociology, Readings in Law & Justice, Literary Texts — Critical Methods New York University, Tisch School of the Arts New York, NY Summer Filmmaker’s Workshop Jul. 2020 – Aug. 2020
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Columbia University Libraries New York, NY Circulation Desk Specialist Jan 2023 – Present
Brooklyn Small Business Development Center Brooklyn, NY Administrative Intern May 2022 – May 2023 • Maintained primary calendar for office and scheduled consultations between entrepreneurs and business advisors for coaching services.• Processed expenses, documented event attendance, prepared physical materials, and reserved space to contribute to Center’s efficiency. • Grew Facebook and Instagram presence, prepared email campaigns distributed to 5,000+ subscribers, and updated website to improve Center’s marketing initiatives. • Implemented center’s first self-scheduling system, reducing administrative time spent on scheduling by 50%. • Developed crowdfunding campaigns with clients to help support business plans.
Office of Undergraduate Student Life, Columbia University New York, NY Social Programmer for New Student Orientation Program Feb. 2022 – Aug. 2022
EXTRACURRICULARS Latenite Theatre, Columbia University New York, NY President May 2023 – Present
Undergraduate Recruitment Committee, Columbia University New York, NY Student Admissions Volunteer Dec. 2021 – Present
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTIONS CENTO Director Columbia University Performing Arts League Unweaving the Core Athena, Narcissus, Suitor Columbia University Center for the Core Curriculum The Morning Show Producer Stage Manager Chicago Public High School
SKILLS Creative Software: Adobe (Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop), Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express, iMovie Productivity Software: Microsoft (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook), Apple Pages, Google Docs |
Dual Degree Student and Community Impact Experience
NAJA A. KABIR 000 West 110th Street, New York, NY 10025 • (212) 555-1234 • nak001@columbia.edu
EDUCATION Dual Bachelor of Arts Degree Program May 2022
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Wamda Research Lab, Amman, Jordan June 2020—August 2022 Research Fellow • Conducted research through personal interviews and literature review in support of the first major study of entrepreneurship in the healthcare information and technology sector in the Middle East and North Africa region • Enhanced cultural competency, professional communication skills, and industry knowledge on biotechnology through workshops and mentoring • Presented on internship experience to 15 peers as a Tamer Center for Social Enterprise Summer Fellow
Arab-American Family Support Center, Queens, NY January 2022—May 2022 Critical Language Scholarship International Language Scholar
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Hackley School Alumni and Development Office, Detroit, MI May 2019—July 2021 Community Impact, Student Health Outreach, Columbia University, New York, NY September 2020—May 2021 Student Teacher • Taught nutrition curriculum to sixth grade class at Mott Hall School and introduced students to nutrition concepts including the food groups, serving sizes, diet-related diseases, and the importance of exercise during weekly classes
Columbia University Women’s Rugby Football Club, New York, NY September 2020—May 2021 Player, Fundraising Chair (December 2018—December 2018)
SKILLS Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook |
International Business and Consulting Experience
Elizabeth Lee (212) 555-0649 || Liza.Lee@columbia.edu || 70 Morningside Drive, #2948, New York, NY 10027
EDUCATION Columbia University, Columbia College New York, NY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Kaiser Associates (Global strategy & management consulting firm serving Fortune 500 clients) Washington, D.C. Summer Associate Consultant June 2023 – August 2023 • Benchmarked pricing strategies for Fortune 100 construction equipment manufacturer
Asia Society (International non-profit organization with $100+ million in assets) Hong Kong • Negotiated with Japanese Consulate General, All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Peninsula Hotel etc., to seek sponsorship for 180-person banquet promoting Japanese culinary culture
Dearest, Inc. (Childcare start-up serving 200+ families in New York) New York, NY Business Development Intern January 2022 – May 2022 • Researched competitor landscape in $4.7 billion NY State child care industry to determine differentiation strategies; formulated analyses on industry competition to gauge company standing, presented by CEO to investors LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT Symposium Summer Teaching Fellowship sponsored by Columbia University Beijing, China • Selected from 50+ applicants to receive fellowship to teach humanities to high school and university students in Beijing
Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs New York, NY Senior Advisor (formerly Business Head) of Entrepreneurship Publication “Impulse” October 2020 – August 2022 • Spearheaded marketing strategies and led team of 8 to analyze reader data, increasing readership size by ~20%
Oliver Wyman New York, NY Selected Participant in Women’s Leadership Series February 2021 – April 2021 • Selected from 300+ applicants to participate in series of professional development and consulting case workshops
SKILLS & INTERESTS Computer: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Photoshop, Google AdWords |
Service Work and Non-traditional Experience
PAT HENDRICKS 1 W. 72nd Street, New York, NY 10022 ● (212) 111-1111 ● prh908@columbia.edu
SUMMARY: Nimble and creative team player with 12+ years of experience in training, operations, and events. Proven track record of building and maintaining client relationships, delivering superior customer service, and motivating diverse teams. Excels in fast-paced environments. Seeking positions in human resources, bridging knowledge of entertainment and hospitality.
EDUCATION: Columbia University, School of General Studies, New York, NY Expected May 2023
Community College of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 2019–2020
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Entertainer, Atlanta, GA | New York, NY 2013–Present Singer/Songwriter/Multi-instrumentalist The Prime Rib of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 2012–2020
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE: Columbia Bartending Agency, New York, NY 2022–Present
The Shipwreck Grille, Hoboken, NJ 2013–2014
ACTIVITIES: GS Alliance, Member, Columbia University 2021–Present
SKILLS & INTERESTS: Skills: Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel), social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter); intermediate Spanish |
First Year Student and High School Experience
Michael Mason 000 Lerner Hall, New York, NY 10027 mm000@columbia.edu • 212-555-5555 EDUCATION Columbia University, Columbia College, New York, NY Expected May 2026 Bachelor of Arts
Boston High School, Boston, MA May 2022
HONORS Columbia University Kluge Scholar (Four Year Scholarship) National Honor Society (2019–2022)
EXPERIENCE Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA Jan. 2020–Feb. 2022 Medical Volunteer, Neural Connections • Organized patient recreational activities including memory and card games as well as hand-eye coordination exercises • Liaised with patients to provide emotional support and aid with mobilization and mealtime assistance for an average of 10 patients per shift • Interacted with patients of all ages with neurological conditions including brain tumors, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke
Joe’s Bagels, Brookline, MA Nov. 2020–Sept. 2021 Cashier and Sales Associate • Operated cash register by totaling bills, receiving payments, and distributing receipts • Provided fast, efficient, and courteous service to all customers • Ensured adequate supplies of change and correct amount of money at ends of shifts for proper reconciliation
LEADERSHIP Columbia University, NCAA Division I Varsity Football Team, New York, NY Sept. 2022–Present Defensive Back, Linebacker • Dedicate 40 hours per week to practice, conditioning, competition, and team meetings • Volunteer at community organizations including local schools, homeless shelters, and sports camps
Boston High School Student Paper, Boston, MA Dec. 2020–Mar. 2022 Member, Writer • Identified and pitched potential feature stories on student and administration issues • Edited final drafts of stories to accord with house style; performed final fact-checking • Restructured the existing system of submission, revision, and publication, improving feedback process and ensuring quality control over final publication
ACTIVITIES Columbia University Black Student Organization, Member Sept. 2022–Present • Attend monthly meetings and contribute to brainstorming, discussing and planning campus events First-Generation Low-Income Partnership (FLIP), Member Sept. 2022–Present
SKILLS Computer: Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe (Photoshop, InDesign) Language: Intermediate Spanish Interests: Writing, Digital Art, Community Events, Tennis |