How to Write an Internship Resume (Examples & Templates)

Internships help you gain real-world experience, develop industry-specific skills and enhance your professional network, all while exploring potential career paths and boosting your employability.

A well-crafted resume is the key to landing your dream internship. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating an internship resume that impresses hiring managers and sets you apart from the competition. 

Get ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling and rewarding internship experience! 

How to format an internship resume

Choosing a resume format that effectively highlights your skills and qualifications helps hiring managers see what makes you a great fit for the role. See what your resume should look like for additional formatting guidance from career advice experts.

Explore the three resume formats below to determine which one is right for you. Each one has its own benefits, and the choice of format depends on your individual circumstances, career goals and the requirements of the internship you're applying for. 

What to put on a resume for an internship

Explore how to write an internship resume and what information to include to stand out from the competition.

See our guide on what to put on a resume for a detailed description of each section. 

Objective statement

Start your resume with a compelling objective statement that highlights your career goals and showcases how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for the internship. 

Here is an example resume objective statement for a summer internship resume: 

If you have relevant work experience or prior internship experience, you may choose to add a resume summary rather than a resume objective. 

A resume summary is a brief statement at the beginning of your resume that summarizes your professional experience, skills and achievements. It provides a quick overview of your qualifications and helps the employer understand your unique value.

Academic awards and honors

Employers often value academic achievements as an indicator of potential performance in the workplace, so it is important to showcase your academic accomplishments on your internship resume.

This can include scholarships, dean's list, academic excellence awards or any other recognition you have received for outstanding academic performance. 

You can list academic achievements in the education section of your resume or in a separate section at the bottom of your resume with the heading, “Awards” or “Awards & Honors.”

Below are a few examples of awards you might list on an internship resume. 

Volunteer or work experience

If you have any work experience or volunteer experience, you’ll want to include it in your internship resume. 

This shows potential employers that you have real-world experience and are capable of handling tasks and responsibilities in a professional setting. 

When you are crafting an application for an internship, you can get creative with the work history section of your resume rather than focusing solely on paid roles. 

Here are a few examples of what you can include in this section: 

If you have any previous internships, include them here. Take a look at the example below to see how to list an internship on your resume: 

Measurable accomplishments

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements and results to demonstrate the impact you made. 

For example, mention the number of people you managed, the percentage of improvement in a project or the amount of money you raised for a charity event.

Here are a few examples of measurable achievements that could be included on an internship resume: 

• "Increased student engagement in the English Club by 25% by organizing weekly events and activities."
• "Assisted in the planning and executing of a career fair, resulting in a 40% increase in employer attendance."
• "Coordinated a community service project that involved 20 volunteers and resulted in the completion of 100 hours of volunteer work."
• "Developed and implemented a social media campaign that increased awareness of a campus event, resulting in a 50% increase in attendance."

Transferable skills 

By including a skills section on your resume, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the necessary strengths to succeed in the role, even if you have limited work experience.

Focus on transferable skills that can be applied across different industries or roles. Some examples include interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, time management and organization.

For instance, if you were a team leader for a group project in college, you can highlight your leadership and teamwork skills by describing how you effectively delegated tasks, facilitated collaboration and achieved project goals.

You can also emphasize transferable skills gained from part-time jobs or volunteer work. For example, if you worked as a server, you can highlight your customer service skills, ability to work under pressure and strong communication skills.

Certifications or trainings

Including certifications and training on an internship resume can be a great way to demonstrate that you have pursued additional education or training related to the internship position and that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge.

For example, if you're applying for an internship in the marketing field, including certifications such as Google Analytics or HubSpot Inbound Marketing can demonstrate your understanding of marketing analytics and digital marketing strategies.

When including certifications and training on your resume, make sure to list the name of the certification, the organization that provided it and the date it was earned. Provide a brief description of the skills or knowledge gained from the certification or training.

Relevant hobbies or extracurriculars 

Include any extracurricular activities that showcase your involvement, leadership and skills relevant to the internship. This can include clubs, sports teams or community organizations.

For example, if you are applying for a marketing internship and you mention that you enjoy creating and managing social media content as a hobby, it can demonstrate your passion for the field and your ability to apply your skills outside of the academic or professional setting.

Avoid listing hobbies that are irrelevant or potentially controversial. For example, mentioning your love for extreme sports or political affiliations may not be appropriate and can potentially overshadow your professional qualifications.

Internship resume template

Check out the resume template for an internship below for a snapshot of what to include on your resume.

For a preformatted option crafted by professional graphic designers, see our library of 40+ resume templates and find one that suits your unique style.

Internship resume examples

See the sample resumes for internships below to get inspired. We also recommend browsing our library of 800+ resume examples for additional samples for various roles, industries and experience levels.

Accounting internship resume

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Legal internship resume

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Marketing internship resume 

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Nursing internship resume 

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Software engineering internship resume 

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Internship resume writing tips from Certified Resume Writers

Top qualities employers look for in an intern

​​When it comes to landing an internship, it's not just about having good grades or a polished resume. Employers are seeking candidates who possess a unique set of qualities that go beyond technical knowledge. 

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conducted a 2017 Internship & Co-op Survey to determine the top skills that employers want to see in potential interns. 

Employers responding to the survey indicated the following as critical competencies for intern hires:

Whether you're a student looking to secure an internship or a young professional aiming to enhance your employability, understanding and developing these qualities will significantly increase your chances of standing out and excelling in the competitive world of internships.

You can also check out our Harvard resume guide for additional resume tips and templates. 

Strategies for finding an internship 

The search for the perfect internship can feel overwhelming, especially if you're not sure where to start.

To help you navigate this process, we've compiled a list of strategies for finding an internship that aligns with your goals and interests. 

1. Explore online job boards

Many websites specialize in listing internship opportunities. Some popular ones include Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, InternMatch and Internships.com. Use filters to narrow down your search by location, industry or specific keywords.

2. Attend career fairs

Career fairs are a great way to meet employers and learn about internship opportunities in your field. Dress professionally, bring copies of your resume and be prepared to introduce yourself and ask questions.

3. Check with your university

Many colleges and universities have career services offices to help you find internship opportunities. They may have job boards, networking events or connections with local employers. Reach out to your career services office for guidance and resources.

4. Network with professionals

Networking can be a valuable way to discover internship opportunities. Attend industry events, job fairs and career expos to meet professionals in your field and learn about potential internships. 

5. Utilize your personal network

Let friends, family, professors and acquaintances know that you are seeking an internship. They may have connections or know of opportunities that could be a good fit for you.

6. Use social media

Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook can be useful for finding internships. Follow companies and organizations you're interested in, and use relevant hashtags to search for internship opportunities.

7. Leverage your alumni network

Reach out to alumni from your college or university who work in your field of interest. They may be able to offer guidance or help you find internships.

Be proactive and persistent, and take advantage of all available resources to increase your chances of finding the right internship for you.

Common internship interview questions

• What is Your Availability: Highlights the importance of having a flexible schedule, which is often crucial for internships, allowing you to accommodate various responsibilities and tasks.
• What is Most Important to You in a Job: Insights into aligning personal values and priorities with the internship role, demonstrating your fit and dedication to potential employers.
• Describe a Time When You Were Forced to Think on Your Feet: Techniques for showcasing quick decision-making and adaptability, crucial skills during an internship where tasks and responsibilities can change rapidly.
• Give an Example of Accomplishing a Personal Goal: Methods for illustrating determination and the ability to set and achieve objectives, reflecting how you can contribute to internship projects and team goals.
• Describe a Time Where You Put Your Needs Aside to Help Another: Examples of teamwork and a collaborative spirit, critical for thriving in internship roles and contributing positively to the team’s success.
• What Can You Bring to the Team: Advice on effectively communicating your unique strengths and how they can be an asset to the team, especially relevant for interns looking to make a positive impact.

Key takeaways