Building a resume for an engineering intern role is different from other industries. This article will provide proven examples and strategic advice to make your resume strong and industry-ready. We'll discuss essential sections like education, skills, and projects. Whether you are fresh out of school or looking for a change, this guide will help you create a resume that aligns with industry standards.
Next update scheduled for
Here's what we see in the best resumes for engineering interns:
Show Impact Using Numbers: Include metrics to show your impact. Common metrics:
Include Relevant Skills From The Job Description: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Highlight Hands-on Experience: Resumes should show hands-on experience. Use phrases like
Want to know if your engineering intern resume stands out? Our resume scoring tool gives you instant feedback on how well your resume meets industry standards. You'll get a clear picture of your resume's strengths and areas for improvement.
Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. Our tool will evaluate key elements that hiring managers look for, helping you create a resume that gets noticed in the competitive engineering field.
When detailing your education for an engineering intern position, prioritize what will interest your potential employer. If you have participated in engineering labs or design projects, make sure these are prominent. Such details offer proof of practical experience, which is valuable in the engineering field.
Mention any academic honors or recognitions you have received too. These achievements show you are not only knowledgeable but also excel in your field. Keep your descriptions brief and focused on how your education makes you a good fit for an engineering intern role. No need for complex terms; be direct and to the point.
Include any engineering projects you have worked on, whether they were part of your coursework or personal initiatives. Projects show practical skills that employers value.
Detail your role and the technical skills you used in each project, such as software or tools. This helps hiring managers assess your hands-on experience.
Your resume as an engineering intern should be concise and clear. You are starting your career, so a single page should be enough to show your best work and skills. Focus on your education, relevant projects, and any engineering internships or experiences that display your skills.
Remember, a shorter resume is not a sign of less experience. It shows you can identify and share the most important information about your background. Include only the experiences and skills that align with the job you want. This helps hiring managers see your potential quickly.
List specific engineering courses you have taken that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This gives employers insight into your academic background.
Include courses that cover key areas like data analysis, software development, or mechanical design. This shows your theoretical grounding in essential engineering concepts.
When you apply for engineering intern roles, your resume might first be read by a computer program known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This system looks for keywords and phrases that match the job description. To get through this first round, you need to make sure your resume is ATS-friendly.
Remember, a resume that the ATS can read easily will also be easy for a hiring manager to read. Keep your layout simple, with standard fonts and clear headings. This ensures that both the ATS and the people hiring for engineering intern positions can find the information they need quickly.
You want your resume to stand out when applying for an engineering intern role. By tailoring it, you show that you've thought about how your experiences fit the job. This makes it easier for hiring managers to see why you're a good match. Remember, speak directly about relevant skills and projects.
When you are applying for an engineering intern position, your resume should show that you have the necessary technical skills for the job. Here's a list of skills you might include:
You don't need to have all these skills, but include those you know. Think about the engineering role you want and choose skills that are a good match. Place these skills in a dedicated section or weave them into your experience descriptions. This helps with applicant tracking systems (ATS), which employers use to filter resumes. Make sure you use the same words for skills as the job ad if they apply to you.
Always be honest about your level of expertise. If you have used
As you write your resume, remember that numbers speak louder than words. They provide clear evidence of your achievements. As an intern in engineering, you might not have vast experience, but you can still show your impact with metrics.
Think about any projects you took part in. Did you help to improve a process? Maybe you assisted in reducing material waste, or you worked on a project that led to a cost saving. Here are some ways to measure your contributions:
Even if you're unsure about exact figures, make a reasonable estimate. Think about the size of the team you were part of, the budget of the projects, or the scale of the operations. Your numbers will make it much easier for hiring managers to see your potential value to their team.
When you apply for an engineering intern position at a small company or startup, like SpaceX or Rivian, your resume should show your adaptability and initiative. You might include phrases like 'contributed to a team project from concept to execution,' or 'initiated a new coding solution that increased efficiency.'
For a big company, such as General Electric or Lockheed Martin, focus more on how you can fit into large, structured teams. You could write 'collaborated with a team of 10 on a complex engineering project,' or 'supported cross-departmental efforts to streamline processes.'