How to write a college freshman résumé
Freshman year is the awkward middle: your high school résumé is getting old, but you don't have college experience yet. Here's how to bridge it for campus jobs, research spots, and first internships.
1. Update your education section
Put your college first with your intended major and expected graduation year. You can keep your high school for your first year only — drop it by sophomore year.
2. Keep your strongest high school items
Keep leadership roles, jobs, major awards, and long-running activities. Drop minor clubs and anything that isn't impressive on its own.
3. Add college activities right away
Joined a club, intramural team, or volunteer group? Add it now, even if you just started. Campus jobs (dining hall, library, front desk) are great experience.
4. Example bullets
- Checked in 150+ students per shift at the campus recreation center front desk.
- Planned two fundraising events as freshman representative for the Business Club, raising $800.
- Tutored three high school students weekly in algebra and chemistry.
5. Add relevant skills
Excel, Google Workspace, Canva, a coding language, a second language, or lab techniques from class — only what you can actually use.
Common questions
Should a college freshman include high school on a résumé?
Yes, during freshman year it is fine to include high school achievements. Remove most of them by sophomore or junior year as college experience grows.
What jobs can a college freshman put on a résumé?
Any job counts: campus jobs, retail, food service, babysitting, tutoring, and summer jobs all show responsibility.
Do college freshmen need a résumé?
Yes. You will need one for campus jobs, research positions, scholarships, clubs, and early internship programs.
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