Crafting a Winning Resume for Studying Abroad
Crafting a Winning Resume for Studying AbroadHow to Enhance Your Resume for Studying Abroad – Ms. Suchitra Surve shares information on how one can make their resume presentable while applying for study abroad. Lots of discussion has been done on careers, aspects that bring out the professionalism in you, and even about studies abroad. Surely you must be watching and following it too.
In one of the earlier episodes we have spoken about, Resume, what are the tips on resumes and how to make a resume. I hope you have gone through it. But today we are going to talk about something, very specific. This is for the students who are intending to apply abroad.
So if you have decided that you are going to apply abroad for further studies then your resume is going to be the snapshot, your first introduction. So let’s see typically what happens in a resume, what are the things you should focus on and what are the things you should try and avoid.
Let’s begin with the beginning. Let’s look at a typically written resume. Typically a resume has a name, something called personal information, which has its date citizenship, and gender, followed by career objective, then you have education, and then something written about additional courses related to curriculum, work experience, followed by volunteer work, skills, hobbies and interest, and Indian contact information.
Do you really think this format is interesting, is it easy to follow? And does it convey what it is supposed to? If we really look at it, the information under these headings is vague. For example, career objective, Education starts with secondary school, goes on to Junior college, and then goes on to graduation.
An additional course related to curriculum, of course, the student has attended a lot of programs related to their field, which is a good thing, but the way it has been presented is something that we need to work on. If we look at the timeline of work experience, the individual has not mentioned where and for what duration he/she has worked.
The volunteer work that follows just talks about the work that they have done. The skills are self-skills or self-proclaimed skills that are there along with hobbies and interests. The contact information just has the email, landline, and mobile number.
Since this is a person who has a work experience of more than three years, applying for a Master’s degree, he needs to focus on some other things. As discussed earlier, universities abroad are looking at individuals who can bring something interesting, and valuable to the class. Somebody, who can bring their work experience, somebody who can add to the value of the class with their theoretical proficiency, so, what are the things you are supposed to keep in mind while making a resume for applying abroad?
Let’s take a look quickly, at how the same earlier resume, now looks after making the changes. Start with your name, followed by the address; include the country code in your contact details, along with an official email ID. This has to be followed by educational qualification which should be in reverse chronological order, which means, the latest degree has to be mentioned first.
While mentioning the degree that you have pursued, mention any kind of specialization or specialization subjects that you have studied, along with the university you hail from, and the percentage or CGPA’S that you have obtained. The next in line is work experience, for individuals who have work experience after completing their graduation and now who are applying for studies abroad; try to focus on the kind of work that you did, the profile that you handle, the designation that you had, the organization name and the duration for which you worked with the organization.
If as a student, you had internships mention that as well, because as a student when you apply, it’s just not the academics, but also internships that matter, which shows the kind of focus you have for a particular career. For the internship as well include the area of work, what were the learning, and for how long you worked there. If you have any other educational qualifications, add them as well.
It might be related to the course or something that you have done online, do mention it. Universities, abroad appreciate students who have done some kind of volunteer work. This speaks volumes about the student being beyond academics. So if you have done any kind of volunteer work or associated yourself with any NGO, or any social work organisation, please, do mention it.
Followed by any kind of extracurricular or co-curricular activities that you have done. While highlighting the extracurricular activity, focus on the ones where you have won any major competition. Do not just mention any local events that you have just participated in. After extracurricular activities, add on the computer or technological skills if you have them.
If you are in the field of IT, ensure that you mention all the technical skills that you have. Whether, it is working on the platforms, working on databases, or the languages that you know. But if you are not applying for any computer-related course, or if you do not have a degree which is in computers, at least mention the proficiency in computers or software that you are aware of.
After this, please ensure that you add on the personal details, which should include your date of Birth, maybe marital status, especially for students who are applying after a certain age, what are you interested in, and what languages you know.
You may mention the career objective, after the basic details. Please keep in mind that your career objective has to be specific and true to you. Do not just copy-paste or use flowery language. Once you have this, you are set to apply for the university, of your choice. Your resume will be the knock at the door, so ensure you make an impactful one, cross-check the language, check the font, and check the clarity, simplicity, and authenticity of all the information that you have given.
Do not forget you are applying as a student, or to be a student there. So let there be a good reason while you are planning to continue your studies and focus on your academics, your extracurriculars, and any projects that you have undertaken. I hope that this information will be a good start for you to make an effective Resume.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about enhancing your resume for studying abroad:
Q. Why is it important to enhance my resume for studying abroad?
Enhancing your resume is crucial because it helps you stand out from other applicants and demonstrates your qualifications, making it more likely for you to secure admission to your desired overseas institution.
Q. What should I include in my study abroad resume?
You should include your academic achievements, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, language skills, and any international experiences you may have.
Q. How can I highlight my international experiences on my resume?
You can emphasize international experiences by listing study abroad programs, exchange programs, international internships, or volunteer work in foreign countries. Include details about what you learned and how it contributed to your personal and academic growth.
Q. Should I include my GPA on my study abroad resume?
Yes, including your GPA is a good idea, especially if it is strong and relevant to your application. It can demonstrate your academic excellence.
Q. How can I tailor my resume to a specific study abroad program or country?
Research the program or country you’re applying to and tailor your resume to match their requirements and preferences. Highlight skills, experiences, or coursework that align with their expectations.
Q. Is it important to include language skills on my study abroad resume?
Yes, language skills are valuable assets when studying abroad. Include proficiency levels for any languages you speak, as well as any language courses or certifications you’ve completed.
Q. Should I include references on my resume for studying abroad?
You can provide references if the application requires them, but it’s more common to provide them separately when requested. Focus on showcasing your qualifications and experiences in the resume itself.
Q. How long should my study abroad resume be?
Aim for a one-page resume if possible. Keep it concise and relevant by highlighting the most important qualifications and experiences.
Q. What should I do if I have limited work or volunteer experience?
If you have limited experience, focus on your academic achievements, coursework, relevant skills, and any personal projects or initiatives that demonstrate your commitment and potential.
Q. Is it necessary to use a specific format for my study abroad resume?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all format, ensure your resume is clear, well-organized, and easy to read. Use bullet points and headings to make it visually appealing and easy for admission committees to scan.
Q. Should I seek professional help to create my study abroad resume?
Seeking assistance from a career counselor, resume writer, or academic advisor can be beneficial, especially if you’re unsure about the best way to showcase your qualifications for studying abroad.
Remember that your resume is a reflection of your achievements and qualifications, so take the time to make it as strong and relevant as possible for your study abroad applications.
