Try to Quantify Accomplishments on Your Resume -- Even If You're a Student

This posting is a guest entry from the Career Doctor, Randall S. Hansen, PhD:

Shreena writes:

I am applying for a summer undergraduate work placement in a large company of opticians. One of the questions of the application forms is as follows: “Provide details of key achievements in your current role including facts and figures and performance targets to indicate the business outcome that resulted.”

Do I need to write about my role as a student at university? There is no real business outcome that results from being a student.

The Career Doctor responds:

Thank you so much for asking this question. Everyone reading this blog who knows a college student should be sure that s/he reads my answer.

Most college students should leave college with two types of experience: actual work experience gained through internships and part-time jobs and practical experience gained through class projects and papers.

When writing their resume, most students don’t have too hard a time describing work experience, but one of the most common errors I see is that students often discount those class projects.

As the application states, the company is looking for your key achievements/accomplishments to date. If you have previous work experiences, list those along with their outcomes. But don’t forget about those class projects.

For example,at the university where I previously taught, many major courses required completing a project, often with a real client. For example, in a marketing research class, students might work with a local business in uncovering a problem and suggesting solutions.

When describing those student experiences, remember the same rules that apply to describing your work experiences: always try to quantify your descriptions, focus on outcomes and project objectives.

A sample explanation of a student project:

Market Research Project for DeLand Electronics
Developed detailed SWOT Analysis

Assisted in writing survey questionnaire

Managed survey mail-out to 1,000 residents

Compiled strategic solutions based on survey results

For more information, consider reading this article on Quintessential Careers: For Job-Hunting Success: Track and Leverage Your Accomplishments.