How to Highlight Your Thesis in a Resume

An academic thesis can be more relevant than work-study or other employment experience.

Translating academic achievements into a professionally oriented format can require a degree of creativity. For many individuals transitioning from academics to full-time employment, a thesis can be among their most significant accomplishments to date. Simply including the title of the thesis in the body of a resume can undercut the many hours of relevant, independent research and organization dedicated to the project. Listing various aspects of the project, particularly group work or response to constructive criticism, can highlight one's potential as a strong employee.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the benefits of using a functional format for the resume, instead of the more common chronological format. In a functional format, achievements are organized by relevance and significance, rather than the date of accomplishment. This format is optimal for highlighting specific achiements.

2. Define relevant, individual aspects of the thesis project through the use of bullet points. If the independent research aspect of the project required significant oral interviews in a second language, it is important to delineate this information. Expounding on the title and completion date of the thesis can emphasize the significant work that went into the project.

3. Include any official recognition the thesis received from the university or within the academic field. List any awards, conferences or exemplary official grades. If the thesis was published in an academic journal, include this information.

References

• University of Texas Undergraduate Writing Center: How to Construct and Format a Resume
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Resume Writing for Graduate Students