How to Write an Internship Resume + Examples

Securing an internship can be a pivotal step in your career journey. It's your chance to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting and start building your professional network.

However, how to write an internship resume if you don't have much experience yet?

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of creating a compelling resume.

From picking the right structure to effectively showcasing your qualifications, we'll provide you with practical tips and descriptive examples to help make a strong impression.

Whether you're a college student, a recent graduate, or a Master's degree candidate, writing an effective resume requires a strategic approach that highlights your strengths, theoretical foundation, and potential.

Let's get started on building your intern resume!

Internship Resume Examples

College internship resume samples with no experience

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Ola McGarvey

ola-mcgarvey@email.com | 610-846-3099 | Philadelphia, PA

Objective:

Energetic and ambitious undergraduate student seeking an internship opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of marketing. A quick learner with strong communication skills and a passion for creativity and problem-solving.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing | Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)

• Expected Graduation: May 2026
• Current GPA: 3.90
• Relevant Coursework: Introduction to Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Advertising and Promotion, Market Research, Digital Marketing

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Creative thinker with a knack for problem-solving
• Ability to work collaboratively in team settings
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills

Extracurricular Activities:

Member, Drexel Marketing Club (2022 - Present)

Philadelphia, PA

• Help organize and facilitate a campus-wide marketing fair showcasing student-run businesses and entrepreneurial ventures.
• Coordinated a series of workshops on social media marketing strategies, attracting over 100 attendees.

Volunteer, Chestnut Community Food Bank (2021 - Present)

Philadelphia, PA

• Help organize food drives and distribute meals to families in need

Honors and Awards:

• Dean's List (all semesters)

References:

Dr. Carole C. Hillman | Drexel University
Associate Professor of Marketing
c.hilman@drexel.edu

Examples of a college student's resume for an internship

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Enrique Hamilton

enrique-hamilton@email.com | 631-354-7511 | New York, NY

Objective:

Motivated and detail-oriented senior journalism student seeking an internship to gain hands-on experience in the field of journalism. A passionate storyteller with strong writing and research skills, eager to contribute to a dynamic media organization.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism | Columbia University

• Expected Graduation: May 2025
• GPA: 4.00

Relevant Coursework:

• News Writing and Reporting
• Feature Writing
• Multimedia Journalism
• Investigative Journalism
• Media Ethics and Law

Skills:

• Proficient in AP style and journalistic writing techniques
• Strong research and interviewing skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital content creation
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines

Experience:

Freelance Writer, Columbia University Magazine (September 2022 - Present)

New York, NY

• Write 10 articles per month, resulting in an average of 500 shares and 100 comments per article on social media platforms
• Conduct interviews with sources and gather relevant information for articles
• Collaborate with editors to revise and refine articles, maintaining a 90% acceptance rate for submitted pieces

Intern | The Gotham Times (Summer 2023)

New York, NY

• Researched and wrote 15 articles for print and online publication, reaching an audience of over 10,000 readers per month
• Conducted interviews with 20 sources and fact-checked information for accuracy
• Assisted in generating 5 front-page stories, contributing to increased engagement and readership

Honors and Awards:

• Recipient, David Halberstam Journalism Scholarship (2024)

Recent college graduate intern resume examples

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Master's student internship resume examples

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Margaret Curnutt

margaret-curnutt@email.com | 507-444-9182 | Minneapolis MN

Objective:

Motivated and detail-oriented Master of Laws (LL.M.) student looking to secure an internship to acquire hands-on experience in the legal field. A dedicated researcher with strong analytical skills and a passion for advocating for justice.

Education:

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Law | Mitchell Hamline School of Law

• Expected Graduation: May 2025
• Relevant Coursework: International Human Rights Law, International Trade Law, Public International Law, Comparative Constitutional Law, Legal Research and Writing

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) | University of Minnesota

• Graduated: May 2023
• magna cum laude

Skills:

• Proficient in legal research and analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with international legal frameworks and treaties
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team settings
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research databases

Experience:

Research Assistant, Department of International Law (Mitchell Hamline School of Law)

September 2023 - Present

• Conduct research on topics related to human rights law and drafted literature reviews and annotated bibliographies
• Assist in editing and proofreading scholarly articles and research papers for publication
• Manage professor's schedule and coordinated meetings and appointments

Legal Intern, Anderson & Parker Law Firm (Minneapolis MN)

Summer 2023

• Conducted legal research on international trade law issues and drafted memoranda for senior attorneys
• Assisted in preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs for cases before international tribunals
• Participated in client meetings and assisted in case management activities

Extracurricular Activities:

Member, International Law Society | Mitchell Hamline School of Law

September 2023 - Present

• Participate in organizing guest lectures, workshops, and networking events for law students
• Assist in coordinating moot court competitions and mock trial exercises

Languages:

Fluent Spanish

Formatting tips

Crafting a resume for an internship requires a careful balance of precise wording and professional formatting.

Below are the guidelines on how you can ensure your resume stands out.

• One Page Length. Keep your resume to one page. Employers prefer concise resumes that highlight the most relevant information quickly.
• Margins and Spacing. Ensure adequate margins (typically 1 inch) and ensure there is enough white space to enhance readability.
• Professional Font. Choose easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep the font size between 10-12 points for the main text and slightly larger for headings.
• Concise Language. Use direct language to communicate your qualifications effectively. Avoid long paragraphs.
• Consistency. Maintain the same formatting throughout the internship resume. For example, align all dates and locations to the right to keep the document organized.

Structure your resume with clearly defined sections such as "Contact Information", "Objective", "Education", "Experience", "Skills", etc. Use bullet points to break down information for better comprehension.

By keeping in mind these formatting tips, you can create an effective resume that showcases your qualifications and makes a strong impression on potential employers.

Remember, your internship resume is the first impression you make, so invest the time to make it as polished as possible.

Types of resumes

There are several types of resumes that help highlight different aspects of your experience and skills. The right structure depends on your career situation, the job you are applying for, and the strengths you want to emphasize.

A chronological resume is best suited for experienced professionals with a consistent work history in the same field, particularly those with minimal job changes or employment gaps. It's ideal for industries like finance, healthcare, and law.

A functional resume is ideal for individuals who want to highlight their qualifications rather than the order in which they worked in different places. It's beneficial for career changers, recent graduates or interns, or those with employment gaps.

A combination resume is advantageous for candidates with diverse skill sets and a stable work history. It's particularly effective for highlighting key qualifications and achievements, making the format suitable for mid-career professionals.

If you're writing a resume for academic internships, consider building a CV, an in-depth document that includes a comprehensive list of your academic and professional achievements.

By understanding the various types of resumes and choosing the one that best fits your situation, you can effectively showcase your qualifications and improve your chances of landing the desired internship.

Mandatory resume sections

There are several mandatory parts you should include in your resume to ensure it effectively communicates your qualifications to potential employers.

These include:

Now, let's delve into each section to understand its significance and how to optimize its content for maximum impact.

Contact information

When listing personal information on your internship resume, make sure you include only the most important details.

At the top of your internship resume, list the following:

• Your name. State your full legal name to provide recruiters with a way to easily identify you among other applicants.
• Location. Write the city and state where you're located or where you're looking for a job.
• Phone number. Share a valid number to be accessible when you are invited for an interview.
• Email. Indicate a professional email address.

If you do not have an email yet, create one for the purpose of job seeking. Usually, it consists of a combination of your first and last name, initials, and/or numbers (but not your birthday). Do not include funny emails you came up with for texting your friend.

Depending on the position you apply for, it might also be beneficial to insert a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio if you have them.

Ensure that all of the details provided are accurate and up-to-date.

Resume summary or objective

Including a summary or objective can greatly enhance your internship resume. Both provide recruiters with a concise overview of your qualifications, career goals, and what you can bring to the role. Let's see how to effectively incorporate each section.

Summary for an internship resume

A resume summary is a short recap of your professional background, key skills, and accomplishments. It's typically 2-3 sentences, intended to grab the reader's attention, and highlights your most relevant experiences and strengths.

Writing Tips:

• Tailor the summary to the internship position you're applying for, emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
• Use action words and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your capabilities and accomplishments.
• Keep it concise and focused, highlighting your most impressive qualifications and what makes you unique.

Sample resume summary for an internship:

"Results-driven marketing student with a passion for digital media and content creation. Proven ability to conceptualize and execute innovative marketing campaigns, leveraging social media platforms to drive engagement and brand awareness. Seeking an internship opportunity to apply my creative skills and strategic mindset in a dynamic marketing environment."

Objective for an internship resume

A resume objective is a brief statement that outlines your career goals and conveys your enthusiasm for the opportunity. It's especially useful for students, recent graduates, or those transitioning into a new field who may not have extensive work experience.

Writing Tips:

• Customize the objective for each internship application, highlighting your interest in the specific role and company.
• Focus on what you can offer the employer and how the internship will help you achieve your professional goals.
• Keep it short and impactful, capturing the recruiter's attention from the start.

Internship resume objective sample:

"Driven computer science student eager to gain hands-on experience in software development through an internship position. Proficient in coding languages such as Java and Python, with a strong foundation in algorithms and problem-solving. Excited to apply my technical skills and collaborate with a team of industry professionals to tackle real-world challenges."

By incorporating a well-crafted summary or objective into your resume for an internship, you can effectively introduce yourself to potential employers and convey your enthusiasm, qualifications, and readiness to contribute to their organization.

Education

Since interns are students or recent graduates, their academic background is often the primary qualification they can offer. Place the "Education" section near the top of your internship resume to allow prospective employers to quickly assess your credentials.

Academic information should be listed in reverse chronological order. Start with the most recent degree or certification you've earned (or are in the process of completing).

Include the following details for each entry:

• Degree. Specify the degree you are pursuing or have obtained (e.g., Bachelor of Science).
• Major/Field of Study. Highlight your area of specialization or concentration.
• Institution. Provide the name of the college or university you are studying at.
• Location. Include the city and state (or country) where the institution is located.
• Graduation Date. Indicate the month and year you expect to graduate if you are still pursuing your degree.
• GPA (Optional). Consider writing your GPA if it's above 3.50 or if the employer specifically requests it.
• Certifications or training programs that helped you enhance your qualifications for the internship will also be beneficial to include.

If you lack significant work experience or if your coursework is particularly relevant to the internship, you can create a subsection listing relevant courses. Focus on courses that demonstrate your skills or knowledge related to the position you're applying.

If you have received any academic awards or scholarships, incorporate them into your intern resume as well. They highlight your academic achievements and demonstrate your dedication to excellence.

In most cases, it's not necessary to list your high school information on an internship resume, especially if you have completed some level of higher education. However, if you achieved notable academic honors during that time, you might consider briefly mentioning them.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively position yourself as a strong candidate for the role.

Experience

When in the process of constructing your resume for an internship for the first time, you may not possess any work experience yet. However, you can list any volunteering activities you have done or campus involvement initiatives you are a part of.

Each experience offers unique opportunities for growth. Let's see how to articulate your engagements to demonstrate your readiness for taking on an internship position.

If you're active in your community and have a variety of involvements, focus on internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills and knowledge sought by the employer.

For each position, provide the following details:

• Job Title. Specify the position or role you held.
• Organization Name. Provide the name of the company or institution where you worked.
• Location. Include the city and state (or country) where the organization is located.
• Dates of Employment. Indicate the start and end dates of your commitment (month and year).
• Key Responsibilities. Use bullet points to outline the tasks, projects, and responsibilities you undertook in the role.
• Achievements and Impact. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to show the impact of your contributions.

If you don't have direct work experience in the field of the internship, emphasize other roles where you gained relevant skills that are applicable to the position you're currently applying.

Keep your descriptions concise and specific, focusing on the most relevant details. Avoid vague language and provide concrete examples to support your claims.

With the help of these guidelines, you can effectively demonstrate your qualifications and suitability for the internship role.

Skills to put on resume for internship

Including both soft and hard skills on your internship resume is highly recommended as it provides a comprehensive overview of your capabilities. Let's see both categories in more detail.

Hard skills are technical abilities that are acquired through education or experience. They empower an individual to complete particular tasks in their field of study or profession.

Below are examples of hard skills for a few professions.

Soft skills are interpersonal attributes and personal qualities that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. They are transferable and can be earned on various occasions - at work, at school, through sports, etc.

Internship resume - examples of soft skills:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making
• Time-management
• Leadership
• Empathy
• Adaptability
• Stress-management
• Facilitation
• Persuasion
• Conflict resolution
• Critical thinking
• Creativity
• Emotional intelligence
• Resilience
• Professionalism

When constructing an internship resume, start by listing your most relevant hard skills first. Then, follow up with any soft skills you possess that could be helpful in the role.

It is paramount to utilize job-related expressions when describing your skills so hiring managers can quickly identify what you are capable of doing.

Additional resume sections

These supplementary details can help you distinguish yourself from other candidates. If there is anything else you wish to share that was not mentioned before, you can still include it in your resume for the internship.

Think about what is something special about you: analytical work performed, participation in conferences, and anything else you find relevant to share on the internship resume.

Builder recommendation

If you are unsure of where to begin your internship resume composing, consider using an online builder. Resume Trick offers a wide range of ready-made templates to choose from.

Starting from an internship resume template is the easiest way to produce a job-winning document. You simply need to fill in the pre-made layout with your information to make a unique professionally-looking resume.

Give it a try and see how the internship hunting will become easy and enjoyable!

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How to write a cover letter for an internship

While compiling an internship cover letter with no experience can be a daunting task, with some thought and preparation, you can craft an impactful document that will help you secure the job of your dreams.

Here are the steps to a great supporting letter:

• Research the Company. Understand the company's values, culture, and what will be expected from you if you get the job.
• Personalize Your Letter. Address it to the hiring manager if possible, and tailor the content to match the internship and company.
• Introduction. Start with a compelling opening paragraph that grabs the reader's attention and mentions the position you're applying for.
• Highlight Your Skills. Discuss relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the internship.
• Showcase Your Passion. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company and the internship role by explaining why you're interested.
• Conclude Strongly. End with a confident closing statement expressing your eagerness to discuss the opportunity further and thanking the reader for their time.

For a more detailed guide, check out our article on tips and tricks for successful internship cover letter writing.

Cover letter example to support a resume for an internship with no experience:

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I am writing to express my interest in the Engineering Internship position advertised on LinkedIn. As a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University, I am eager to gain practical experience and contribute to Tech Innovations Inc.'s engineering team.

While I may not have prior professional experience in the field, I have developed a strong foundation in engineering principles and technical skills through my coursework and extracurricular activities.

For instance, my coursework in Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics has equipped me with a solid understanding of fundamental engineering concepts. Additionally, I have participated in the Texas Tech Engineering Club where I gained hands-on experience with CAD software and participated in design competitions.

I am particularly drawn to Tech Innovations Inc. because of its reputation for innovative engineering solutions and commitment to sustainability. I am excited about the opportunity to learn from your team of experienced engineers and contribute to impactful projects that align with my career goals to specialize in renewable energy systems.

I am confident that my passion for engineering and willingness to learn will make me a valuable addition to your team. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to Tech Innovations Inc. and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the internship role further.

Sincerely,

Connie McConnell

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Proofread

Proofreading and spellchecking your internship resume and cover letter is critical to leaving a good first impression.

Well-crafted application papers bring attention to your candidacy. Those papers with errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting can be a major turn-off to employers.

All these steps will guarantee that your internship resume and supporting letter are error-free and present you in the best possible light.

Conclusion

Putting together a resume for an internship could be intimidating at first. However, it does not have to. Follow the above advice and land an interview for your dream job!

To make the writing process easier, use the online resume builder. It will guarantee that all of the important details are included in a professional format.

Do not wait until the last minute - start compiling your intern resume today!