Crafting a compelling application can be challenging, especially if you’re a student with limited work experience.

CV examples for students serve as valuable guides, helping you structure your document effectively and highlight your skills, education, and extracurricular activities. Whether you’re applying for an internship, part-time job, or scholarship, having a well-organized CV can make a significant difference.

In this article, we’ll explore various CV templates and tips to help you create a professional and impressive paper that sets you apart.

What is a CV?

A Curriculum Vitae is a detailed document that outlines a person’s education, work experience, skills, contributions, and qualifications. It is typically used for job applications, academic positions, and research opportunities.

Key features of a CV:

  • Personal Information (Name, Contact Details)
  • Professional Summary (Optional, a brief overview of qualifications and goals)
  • Education (Degrees, institutions, and graduation dates)
  • Work Experience (Job roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments)
  • Skills (Technical, soft, languages, etc.)
  • Certifications & Training (Relevant courses or certificates)
  • Publications (For research positions)
  • Awards & Achievements (Recognitions or honors)
  • References (Optional, contacts for recommendations)

A CV is usually longer than a resume and provides an in-depth look at an individual’s career and qualifications. In some countries (e.g., the UK, Europe, and academic settings in the US), a curriculum vitae is used instead of a resume.

How to write a student CV?

Since most students have limited work experience, the focus should be on school accomplishments, internships, extracurricular activities, and relevant projects.

1. CV format for students

When writing an undergraduate CV, you can choose between different formats depending on your experience, the role, and the strengths you want to highlight.

The two most common options are:

1. Chronological student CV

This is ideal if you have a clear work history, even if it includes part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering. It focuses on listing your background in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent job or education appears first.

2. Functional student CV

Focuses more on skills and achievements rather than experience. This format is especially useful if you have little or no expertise, or if you're switching career fields and want to emphasize your transferable abilities.

2. Student CV layout

Personal Information

At the top, include:

  • Full Name
  • Phone Number
  • Email
  • LinkedIn Profile
  • Portfolio or Website

Emma Carter
Chicago, IL
emma.carter@gmail.com | (312) 456-7890

Opening Statement
AspectSummaryObjective
PurposeHighlights key skills, experience, and achievements.States goals and what the student hopes to achieve.
ContentWhat you bring to the table.What you want to gain from the position.
Length2-4 sentences.1-2 sentences.
ExampleMotivated Computer Science student skilled in Python, Java, and web development. Completed multiple projects demonstrating problem-solving and teamwork skills. Seeking to apply technical expertise in a software development internship.Seeking an internship in software development to gain hands-on experience and apply my knowledge of programming in a real-world setting.
Education on student CV

List your most recent degree first, followed by any previous credentials.

Add:

Example of education on student CV:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 2022 – Present

GPA: 3.8/4.0 | Dean’s List (2022, 2023)

Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Web Development, Machine Learning

Work Experience

Even if you haven’t had a formal job, incorporate internships, part-time work, volunteer experience, or freelance projects.

Mention:

Example of work experience on a student CV:

Marketing Intern

Bright Media Solutions | June – August 2023

  • Designed and managed social media campaigns, increasing engagement by 35%.
  • Conducted competitor research to improve branding strategies.
  • Assisted in developing content for digital marketing campaigns.
5. Skills

In a pool of applicants with similar educational backgrounds, your abilities can be what sets you apart. By showcasing both technical (coding or writing) and interpersonal skills (communication and collaboration), you provide a well-rounded profile that employers find attractive.

  • Hard skills are teachable competences or knowledge sets that can be measured. These are acquired through training.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes that help you interact effectively with others. These are more subjective and are not easily quantified.

Hard skills for student CV:

  • Programming: Python, Java, C++
  • Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • Data Analysis: Excel, SQL, Tableau
  • Graphic Design: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator
  • Social Media Management
  • Content Writing/Editing
  • Research and Data Collection
  • Database Management
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
  • SEO/SEM
  • Project Management Software (e.g., Trello, Asana)
  • Video Editing: Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro
  • CAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD)
  • Cloud Computing (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud)
  • Digital Marketing

Soft skills for student CV:

  • Communication (Written and Verbal)
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Leadership and Initiative
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Attention to Detail
  • Organizational Skills
  • Creativity
  • Decision-Making
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Negotiation
  • Public Speaking
  • Customer Service
6. Extracurricular Activities

If you have participated in clubs, societies, sports teams, or student organizations, list them.

Note:

  • Role & Organization Name
  • Years of Participation
  • Key Contributions

Example of extracurricular activities on student CV:

President, AI & Robotics Club | 2022 – 2024

  • Organized workshops on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
  • Led a team of 20 students to develop a chatbot for university queries.

Member, Student Government Association | 2021 – 2022

  • Represented student concerns in monthly meetings with faculty.
7. Projects

If you have worked on academic, personal, or freelance projects, highlight them.

Write:

  • Project Name
  • Technologies Used
  • Key Features

Example of projects on student CV:

Smart Expense Tracker App

  • Developed an Android application to help users track daily expenses.
  • Used Java, Firebase, and Android Studio for implementation.
  • Achieved 200+ downloads within the first month of release.
8. Certifications

Outline any online courses, workshops, or certificates relevant to your field.

Example of certifications on student CV:

  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera, 2023)
  • Introduction to Web Development (Udemy, 2022)
9. Languages

If you speak multiple languages, write them with proficiency levels.

Example of languages on student CV:

  • English – Native
  • Spanish – Advanced
  • French – Intermediate
10. References

References are individuals who can vouch for your character and work ethic. This part is optional, but it can be a helpful addition.

Structure for reference section of student CV:

  • Full Name
  • Job Title
  • Company/Organization
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Relationship

Example of references on student CV:

Dr. Sarah Lee
Professor of Marketing
University of Springfield
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: sarah.lee@springfield.edu
Relationship: Course Instructor, Marketing 101

11. Formatting of student CV
  • Margins: Standard 1-inch (2.5 cm).
  • Font: Use legible ones like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica (10-12 pt for body text, 14-16 for headings).
  • Spacing: 1.15–1.5 line, with space between sections.
  • Alignment: Left-align text, except for your name at the top (can be centered).
  • CV length: 1 page for limited experience.
  • Active Words: Utilize action verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Organized."
  • Clarity: Avoid jargon; be straightforward.
  • Brevity: Keep content concise and impactful, add bullet points.
  • Keywords: Match job descriptions to improve chances with ATS.

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CV examples for students

Curriculum vitae template for tech students

Name: John Smith
Email: john.smith@example.com
Phone: (555) 123-4567
LinkedIn: /in/johnsmith
GitHub: /johnsmith
Address: Springfield, IL

Objective

A highly motivated Computer Science student with experience in software development and problem-solving. Seeking a software engineering internship to apply coding skills and contribute to innovative projects in a dynamic tech company.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University of Springfield — September 2021 – Present

  • Expected Graduation: May 2025
  • Relevant Courses: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development, Machine Learning
  • GPA: 3.8/4.0

Skills

  • Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++, HTML/CSS, JavaScript
  • Web Development: React, Node.js, Bootstrap
  • Database Management: MySQL, MongoDB
  • Version Control: Git, GitHub
  • Tools & Platforms: Visual Studio Code, Docker, AWS
  • Soft Skills: Problem-solving, teamwork, communication

Work Experience

Junior Software Developer Intern

Tech Innovators Inc. — June 2024 – Present

  • Contributing to the development of a real-time data analytics application using Python and Django.
  • Collaborating with senior developers to build user-friendly features in a cloud-based environment.
  • Conducting unit testing and debugging code to ensure the quality of software releases.
  • Participating in daily stand-up meetings and sprint planning.

Software Development Intern

CodeWorks Solutions — June – August 2023

  • Assisted in the development of internal tools using JavaScript and Node.js.
  • Worked on a team that improved system performance by 20% through code optimizations.
  • Helped implement a secure user authentication system using OAuth2.

Projects

  • Developed a weather forecasting app using React, integrated with OpenWeatherMap API for real-time data.
  • Created a student database system with CRUD functionalities using MySQL and Python.
  • Built and maintained a personal portfolio website showcasing projects and skills using HTML/CSS and JavaScript.

Certifications

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate — June 2024
  • JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures — FreeCodeCamp, May 2023
  • Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp — Udemy, March 2023

Extracurricular Activities

  • University Coding Club — Member, September 2022 – Present
  • Hackathon Team Lead — Won 1st place in Hacktoberfest 2023 competition.

Student CV examples for part-time job

CV example for students in marketing

Name: Emily Parker
Email: emily.parker@example.com
Phone: (555) 987-6543
LinkedIn: /in/emilyparker
Portfolio: emilyparkerportfolio.com
Address: Chicago, IL

Objective

Driven student with hands-on experience in digital marketing and brand management. Looking to leverage my creativity and analytical skills in a dynamic marketing internship to support brand strategies and grow customer engagement.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Marketing

University of Chicago — September 2021 – Present

  • Expected Graduation: May 2025
  • Relevant Courses: Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing, Brand Management, Market Research
  • GPA: 3.7/4.0

Skills

  • Digital Marketing: Social Media, SEO, SEM, Content
  • Advertising Platforms: Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads
  • Analytics: Google, Facebook Insights, HubSpot
  • Creative Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Canva
  • Soft Skills: Creativity, time management, communication, team collaboration

Work Experience

Digital Marketing Intern

Brand Strategy Agency — June 2024 – Present

  • Assist in the creation and execution of digital campaigns across Facebook and Instagram.
  • Manage social media accounts, increasing engagement by 25% over three months.
  • Conduct competitor analysis and SEO research to optimize content visibility.

Marketing Assistant

University of Chicago — January – May 2023

  • Developed marketing materials for campus events, increasing attendance by 15%.
  • Coordinated email marketing campaigns, achieving a 20% open rate.
  • Designed promotional graphics using Canva and Adobe Photoshop.

Projects

  • Created a comprehensive social media strategy for a local café, increasing foot traffic by 30% in two months.
  • Launched a blog optimized for SEO on marketing trends, ranking on the first page of Google for "digital marketing tips."

Certifications

  • Google Analytics for Beginners, February 2024
  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification, January 2024
  • Google Ads Fundamentals, November 2023

Extracurricular Activities

  • University Marketing Club — Member, September 2022 – Present
  • Event Coordinator for university career fair, planning marketing efforts and partnerships.

Student CV sample for research assistant

Student CV template for first job in design

Name: Ava Johnson
Email: ava.johnson@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 321-9876
Portfolio: avajohnsondesigns.com
LinkedIn: /in/avajohnson
Address: New York, NY

Objective

Creative and detail-oriented Graphic Design student with experience in creating visually engaging digital and print designs. Seeking a design internship to apply my skills in Adobe Creative Suite and contribute to innovative design projects.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

New York University — September 2021 – Present

  • Expected Graduation: May 2025
  • Relevant Courses: Typography, Web Design, Color Theory, User Experience (UX) Design
  • GPA: 3.9/4.0

Skills

  • Design Software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, After Effects
  • Web Design: HTML/CSS, WordPress
  • Branding: Logo design, brand identity creation
  • Soft Skills: Attention to detail, creativity, collaboration, time management

Work Experience

Freelance Graphic Designer — March 2023 – Present

  • Design logos, brochures, and website graphics for local businesses.
  • Collaborate with clients to create brand identities and marketing materials.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, delivering designs on time.

Design Intern

Creative Studio NY — June – August 2023

  • Assisted senior designers in creating marketing materials for corporate clients.
  • Developed social media visuals that increased engagement by 40%.
  • Edited photos and created templates for client presentations.

Projects

  • Website Redesign for Local Shop: Led the redesign of a local bakery's website, improving user experience and increasing online sales by 15%.
  • Branding Package for Startup: Created a complete branding package, including logo, color scheme, and typography.

Certifications

  • Adobe Certified Expert (Photoshop) — Adobe, January 2024
  • UX Design Fundamentals — Coursera, December 2023

Extracurricular Activities

  • Art & Design Club — Member, September 2022 – Present
  • Volunteer Designer for a local nonprofit, creating promotional materials for community events.

Conclusion

Creating a strong CV as a student is a crucial step toward securing internships, part-time jobs, or post-graduation opportunities.

The curriculum vitae example for students provided highlight the importance of tailoring your document to your specific field. By showcasing your skills, experience, and achievements, you can effectively communicate your potential to employers.

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