How to Write a Resume for an Internship

An internship resume is a one-page student resume aimed at one internship posting: a two-line summary naming the internship you want, education with relevant courses, then projects, part-time jobs and activities that prove the skills the posting asks for. Because most applicants have little work history, the projects you describe and how closely they match the posting decide whether you stand out.

What internship recruiters look for

• The skills and tools listed in the posting, shown in a course, project or job.
• Evidence you finish things: a project with a result, a role held over time.
• Interest in the field: relevant courses, clubs, competitions, a personal project.
• Practical details: graduation date, availability for the internship period, work authorization if asked.

Internship resume sections, in order

1. Header with name, city, phone, email and LinkedIn or portfolio.
2. Summary: "Mechanical engineering junior seeking a summer 2027 manufacturing internship; built a CNC-cut drone frame for a design course and use SolidWorks daily."
3. Education: school, degree, expected graduation, GPA if strong, three to five relevant courses.
4. Projects: two or three, each with what you built, the tools and the outcome.
5. Experience: any jobs, including unrelated part-time work.
6. Activities and leadership, then skills and certifications.

Make projects do the work

For many internship applicants, projects are the strongest section. Describe them like jobs:

• "Inventory dashboard (course project): pulled sales data with SQL and built a Tableau dashboard that the instructor now uses as a class example."
• "Robotics team, mechanical lead: designed the drivetrain and coordinated 6 teammates through build season."
• "Personal website: wrote and published 10 articles on personal finance; organic search brings a steady trickle of readers."

Use your own projects and figures. The free bullet point generator helps phrase them.

Tailor each internship application

Internship postings at different companies stress different tools and tasks. For each one, adjust the summary, reorder projects so the most relevant comes first, and use the posting's terms in your skills. The job link optimizer shows what a posting asks for and what your resume already covers. A short cover letter written for the company helps too: see cover letter with no experience.

The Campus template gives projects and education the same weight as jobs. Related guides: resume for students and resume with no experience.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an internship with no experience?

Yes. Internships are designed for people building experience. Coursework, projects, activities and part-time jobs are what most applicants have, so present them well.

Should my internship resume include an objective?

A short summary that names the internship and shows one piece of proof does the same job better than a generic objective.

How many internships should I list?

All relevant ones. If you have several, give the most relevant more bullets and shorten the rest.