Landing your first internship can feel overwhelming — especially when you're still in college and don’t have years of work experience to lean on. But here’s the good news: your resume doesn’t need to be loaded with jobs. What matters most is how well you highlight your skills, academic background, and any hands-on experiences like volunteer work, projects, or part-time jobs.
In this guide, you’ll find a complete example of resumes for college students applying to internships along with expert tips on how to write one that stands out. Whether you're applying for a marketing internship, a research position, or a role in tech, this example is tailored to show you how to turn your college experience into a strong application.
SAMPLE RESUME FOR A COLLEGE STUDENT APPLYING TO INTERNSHIPS
Jessica Carter
123 College Lane | Boston, MA 02115 | (555) 123-4567
jessica.carter@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jessicacarter
Objective
Motivated and detail-oriented second-year Marketing major at Northeastern University seeking a summer internship to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Passionate about digital campaigns, social media strategy, and brand storytelling.
Education
Northeastern University – Boston, MA
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major: Marketing
Expected Graduation: May 2026
GPA: 3.7/4.0 | Dean’s List (2023, 2024)
Relevant Coursework
Marketing Principles, Consumer Behavior, Digital Media Strategy, Business Writing
Skills
Social Media Management (Instagram, LinkedIn, X)
Google Analytics, Canva, Hootsuite
Content Writing and Copy Editing
Team Collaboration and Presentation Skills
Time Management and Organization
Projects
Campus Campaign Project – Northeastern University
Team Lead | Spring 2024
Led a 4-person team to create a semester-long social media campaign for a local nonprofit. Increased engagement by 40% using Instagram Reels and weekly newsletters.
Experience
Student Ambassador – Northeastern Admissions Office
Boston, MA | Sep 2023 – Present
Conduct campus tours and provide information sessions to prospective students
Helped onboard and train new ambassadors
Cashier & Customer Service Associate – Target
Boston, MA | June 2023 – Aug 2023
Managed transactions efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Resolved customer concerns with empathy and professionalism
Volunteer Work
Event Volunteer – Boston Arts Foundation
Boston, MA | Mar 2024
Assisted with setup, social media coverage, and guest coordination at a weekend arts and culture festival.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WRITING INTERNSHIP RESUMES
Start with a Clear Objective
Tailor your objective statement to show your enthusiasm and how you want to grow. Avoid generic goals — be specific about what you hope to gain from the internship.
Focus on Transferable Skills
Even if you’ve never worked in the field, chances are you’ve got valuable skills from coursework, group projects, or part-time jobs. Highlight communication, teamwork, time management, or research abilities.
Add Academic Projects
Don’t underestimate the power of academic work. Projects demonstrate initiative, critical thinking, and real-world application — all things employers value.
Keep it One Page
Internship resumes should stay concise. Stick to one page unless you have extensive experience that directly aligns with the role.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What should a college student put on a resume for an internship?
Focus on your education, skills, projects, volunteer work, and part-time jobs. Include any leadership roles or extracurriculars that show responsibility or initiative.
2. Should I include a GPA on my internship resume?
Yes, if your GPA is above 3.0. It adds credibility, especially if you don’t have a lot of work experience yet.
3. Can I use a resume template for internships?
While templates can help with formatting, avoid overused designs. Customize your resume’s content to match the internship description and keep it professional.
4. How long should an internship resume be?
Keep it to one page. Employers reviewing internship applications typically prefer short, focused resumes that highlight relevant strengths quickly.
By following the structure and example above, you'll be equipped to build a compelling internship resume that makes a great first impression — even without extensive experience. Remember, your college years are full of valuable learning moments — and your resume is your chance to showcase them.
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