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.
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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
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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.
As a hiring manager, I see many engineers in training miss simple yet vital details on their resumes. Remember, even small errors can make a big difference. Start by checking your contact information. Make sure your email and phone number are correct. A mistake here could mean we can't reach you.
Next, focus on the projects you list. You need to show the results clearly. Describe what you did and what you learned. But keep it short. Use bulleted lists to make it easy to read. Like this:
Only list the skills and software you know well. Do not add things just to seem strong. Be honest. It shows good character. And it prevents problems later if you get the job.
When you apply for an engineering internship, using the right verbs can help you stand out. You want to show that you are active and can add value to the team. Choose verbs that make your work and achievements sound impactful.
Remember, you must demonstrate your skills and experiences in a way that is easy to understand. Use verbs that are clear and show you have the skills to do the job well.
Want inspiration for other action verbs you can use? Check out synonyms to commonly used action verbs like Work with, Worked with, Acted as, Pursue, Coordinated.
As a hiring manager, I urge you to focus on your achievements rather than just listing your past responsibilities. You want to stand out as an engineering intern candidate by showing what you've done, not just what you were supposed to do. Resumes that show clear results and improvements catch attention.
When you list your experiences, consider changing:
Another example:
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
If you've held any positions of responsibility, it's crucial to show this on your resume. As an aspiring engineer, you might have led a team project or been promoted in a part-time job or club. These details can set you apart from other candidates.
Think about the times you were entrusted with leading others or when you took initiative to go beyond your assigned tasks. Here are ways to reflect this experience:
Even if your leadership roles weren't in paid positions, they are still valuable. Consider any academic projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work where you had a leadership role. Each experience where you guided others or were recognized for your leadership should be on your resume.
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.