Crafting a resume that effectively highlights an internship can pose a challenge for many job seekers. Internships often serve as key experiences that demonstrate skills and work ethic, especially for those early in their careers. This post explains how to present internship experiences clearly and professionally on a resume. It covers selecting relevant details, organizing information for maximum impact, and tailoring descriptions to fit different job applications.
Key Takeaways from How To Put Internship On Resume
Understanding the Importance of Including Internships
- Internships demonstrate practical experience and skills relevant to the job.
- They help fill gaps in employment history, especially for students or recent graduates.
- Internships can differentiate candidates by showing industry exposure and initiative.
Where to Place Internships on Your Resume
- Include internships in the Experience section if they are relevant and substantial.
- Alternatively, create a separate Internship Experience section if you have multiple internships or limited other work experience.
- For students, internships can also be highlighted under Education if closely tied to academic projects.
How to Format Internship Entries
- Start with the internship title followed by the company name.
- Include the location and dates (month and year) of the internship.
- Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities, achievements, and skills gained.
- Quantify accomplishments where possible to demonstrate impact.
What Information to Highlight
| Aspect | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| Role & Company | Official internship title and organization name |
| Duration | Start and end dates (month/year) |
| Key Responsibilities | Core tasks performed during the internship |
| Achievements | Specific projects completed or goals met |
| Skills Developed | Technical and soft skills gained or improved |
Tips for Maximizing Internship Impact on Resume
- Tailor the internship description to match the job you are applying for.
- Use action verbs and concise language to describe your experience.
- Focus on results and contributions rather than just duties.
- Keep the format consistent with the rest of your resume.
- If the internship was unpaid or short-term, emphasize skills and achievements to add value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing internships without details or context.
- Using vague or generic descriptions that don’t highlight your role.
- Failing to update dates or mixing formatting styles.
- Including irrelevant internships that distract from your career goals.
How To Put Internship On Resume
Including internships on a resume effectively can significantly enhance your candidacy, especially if you lack extensive professional experience. Internships demonstrate practical skills, industry exposure, and work ethic. Here’s a detailed guide on how to present internships professionally, making your resume stand out.
Where To Place Internships On Your Resume
Your internship’s placement depends on your overall experience level and the role you’re applying for.
For Students and Entry-Level Candidates
If internships form the bulk of your relevant experience, list them under a dedicated section such as:
Experience
Internships
Relevant Experience
Use whichever title best reflects the nature and quantity of your experiences.
For Experienced Professionals
If you have full-time roles, include internships only if they are highly relevant. Place them under a subheading like “Additional Experience” or fold them into your broader experience section.
Formatting Internship Entries
Each internship should clearly convey what you did, where, and when, along with your achievements. Follow this structure:
[Job Title] – [Internship Position]
[Company Name], [Location]
[Month Year] – [Month Year]
- [Responsibility or achievement 1]
- [Responsibility or achievement 2]
- [Responsibility or achievement 3]
Example:
Marketing Intern
Bright Marketing Solutions, New York, NY
June 2023 – August 2023
- Conducted market research that increased customer insights by 20%
- Assisted with social media campaigns, contributing to a 15% engagement boost
- Created weekly performance reports using Excel and Google Analytics
Choosing The Right Job Title
Be precise and honest about your role label, but feel free to adjust it if the official title is vague or unconventional.
Common Internship Titles
1. Marketing Intern
2. Software Development Intern
3. Finance Intern
4. Graphic Design Intern
5. Editorial Intern
If your official title was unclear, opt for a descriptive title that matches the tasks you performed.
Example Adjustments
– Original: “Temporary Assistant”
– Revised: “Administrative Intern”
This helps recruiters immediately understand your function.
Highlighting Responsibilities and Achievements
Focus on what you accomplished rather than merely listing duties. Use active verbs and quantify results wherever possible.
Action Verbs To Use
– Analyzed
– Developed
– Coordinated
– Implemented
– Designed
– Presented
– Researched
– Supported
Quantifying Impact
Numbers catch attention and provide scale:
– Increased social media followers by 25%
– Reduced data processing time by 30%
– Managed a budget of $5,000 for events
If you cannot quantify, emphasize skills or tools used.
Showcasing Skills Gained During Internship
Internships are excellent for demonstrating both hard and soft skills. Consider adding a “Skills” section or embed skills within descriptions.
Technical Skills
– Programming languages (Python, Java)
– Software (Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Tableau)
– Tools (CRM software, Git)
Soft Skills
– Communication
– Teamwork
– Time management
– Problem-solving
Example Integration
- Utilized Python to automate data analysis, improving report generation speed by 40%
- Collaborated with a team of 5 to design a marketing campaign, enhancing teamwork skills
Handling Multiple Internships
If you have several internships, prioritize relevance to the job you’re targeting.
Strategies
1. Group similar internships under one heading like “Marketing Internships”
2. Highlight the most recent or impactful experiences first
3. Summarize earlier or less relevant internships briefly or in a separate section
When To Include Unpaid Internships
Unpaid internships still provide valuable experience. Include them unless they are unrelated or very brief.
How To Present
Label the position clearly as “Intern” and focus on skills and results rather than compensation.
Sample Internship Section For Resume
Here’s a practical example illustrating these principles:
Internships
Software Development Intern
Tech Innovators Inc., Boston, MA
May 2023 – August 2023
- Developed a user authentication module using Java, reducing login errors by 15%
- Collaborated with UI/UX team to improve mobile app interface, enhancing user satisfaction scores
- Employed Git for version control in a team of 6 developers
Marketing Intern
Green Leaf Communications, Remote
June 2022 – August 2022
- Conducted competitor analysis that informed content strategy, leading to a 10% increase in web traffic
- Managed social media platforms, boosting engagement by 20%
- Created performance dashboards using Excel and Google Data Studio
Additional Tips For Internship Entries
- Use bullet points for clarity and readability
- Keep descriptions concise (2-4 bullets per internship)
- Tailor keywords to the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Include relevant coursework or projects if the internship was short or limited
- Maintain consistent formatting (dates, font, layout)
When To Exclude Internships
Consider omitting internships if:
- You have multiple years of full-time professional experience in the same field
- The internship is unrelated to your current career goals
- The role was too brief or insignificant to add value
Instead, focus on roles with more substantial contributions.
Summary Checklist For Internship Resume Entries
1. Choose appropriate section and title
2. Use clear job titles, modify if needed
3. List company, location, and dates
4. Write 2-4 bullet points focusing on achievements
5. Use action verbs and quantify results
6. Highlight relevant skills and tools
7. Tailor content to the job description
8. Keep format neat and consistent
Conclusion
Effectively presenting internships can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional experience. By strategically positioning your internships, emphasizing accomplishments, and tailoring content for each application, you boost your chances of landing interviews. Keep descriptions focused and data-driven, and always align your resume with your career objectives.
How to List an Internship on Your Resume
1. Include the Internship in the Experience Section
When you have relevant work experience, your internship should be listed under the “Experience” or “Work Experience” section. Treat it like a job by including the company name, your role, location, and dates of the internship.
Example:
Company Name: ABC Marketing Agency
Role: Marketing Intern
Location: New York, NY
Dates: June 2023 – August 2023
Responsibilities and achievements:
– Assisted in developing social media campaigns that increased engagement by 15%
– Conducted market research to support client proposals
– Collaborated with the design team to create promotional materials
2. Create a Separate Section for Internships (If You Have Limited Work Experience)
If you’re a student or recent graduate with limited full-time experience, consider adding a dedicated “Internships” section. This allows you to highlight relevant internships without mixing them with part-time jobs or unrelated roles.
Example:
Internships
Company Name: XYZ Tech Solutions
Role: Software Development Intern
Location: San Francisco, CA
Dates: January 2023 – May 2023
Key Contributions:
– Developed a feature for the company’s mobile app using React Native
– Participated in daily Agile stand-ups and sprint planning
– Improved app loading speed by optimizing code
3. Emphasize Skills and Achievements Related to the Internship
Focus on the skills you gained and the results you achieved during your internship. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments wherever possible to make your experience stand out.
Example:
Company Name: Green Energy Corp
Role: Environmental Research Intern
Location: Boston, MA
Dates: Summer 2022
– Conducted data analysis on renewable energy usage trends using Excel and Python
– Presented research findings to senior management, influencing project direction
– Supported the launch of a community awareness campaign that reached 1,000+ participants
Summary Table: Internship Resume Examples
| Example Type | Where to List | Key Elements to Include | Example Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relevant Work Experience | Experience Section | Company, Role, Location, Dates, Responsibilities | Marketing Intern |
| Limited Work Experience | Separate Internships Section | Company, Role, Location, Dates, Contributions | Software Development Intern |
| Skills & Achievements Focus | Experience Section | Action verbs, Quantified results, Relevant skills | Environmental Research Intern |