Lesson 5: Education and Training Sections

Part 1: Presenting Your Education and Academic Achievements

Whether you’re a recent graduate ready to take on the professional world or a seasoned scholar with a wealth of academic experience, the Education section reveals your academic qualifications and continued pursuits of knowledge.

Here are some key guidelines to consider when adding your schooling and formal education to your resume. (We’ll cover how to add continuous learning to your resume next in Part 2.)

Have A Dedicated Education Section

Be proud of your education! It holds a significant role in shaping your qualifications and expertise. Clearly state your diploma(s) or degree(s), major(s), institution(s), and graduation date(s).

But be aware that the placement of your education section can greatly impact the overall impression you create.

Generally speaking, you should have less and less about your schooling on your resume as you gain more on-the-job experience:

• Recent graduate with limited professional experience: Place your education section near the top to highlight your academic achievements and demonstrate your foundation of knowledge.
• An extensive work history that aligns with the desired role: Add your education section below your professional experience.

Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance that showcases your educational background without overshadowing other relevant sections. 

Highlight Relevant Degrees

If you have multiple diplomas or degrees, emphasize the most relevant one(s) for the job you’re applying for, especially if they are advanced or specialized.

However, don’t overlook the importance of including all degrees earned, as they showcase your commitment to education and add credibility to your qualifications.

Example: Aspiring Executive Chef 

Education:

• Diploma in Culinary Arts – Gourmet Cooking Academy, Montreal, Canada [2019]
• Bachelor of Business Administration – Sunshine University, Los Angeles, CA [2023]

In this example, if you want to be an executive chef, put your (highly relevant) culinary education first, even though it wasn’t your most recent schooling.

Graduation Dates

Including graduating dates on your resume is up for debate. On the positive side, graduation dates can give a clear picture of your education and work timeline. However, including these dates might inadvertently hint at your age–which you might not want to share upfront.

So, here’s the question: Is it worth including them? 

If your education history is recent and relevant to the job you’re aiming for, then it can be a good addition. Employers will know that your knowledge is up to date.

On the other hand, if those graduation days are a bit further back, you might choose to leave them out. This should help keep the focus on your skills and experiences that matter most for the job rather than how old you are.

And remember, while you can skip graduation dates on your resume, recruiters often peek at LinkedIn profiles. So, if you’re concerned about age biases, your online presence could be the place to disclose more details.

Include Academic Achievements

Within the education section, highlight any notable academic achievements, such as honors, scholarships, awards, or research projects. 

Modesty won’t get you noticed in a competitive job market, so don’t be shy! These remarkable accomplishments differentiate you from other candidates and speak volumes about your capabilities and drive toward excellence.

You have lots of options for how to brag a little on your resume professionally. 

Example: Teacher 

Professional Summary:

Dedicated and passionate elementary school teacher with a strong academic background and a proven track record of academic achievements, including graduating with honors and receiving the Outstanding Education Graduate Award.

Education:

Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education, Central University, May 2020

• Graduated with honors (GPA: 3.9/4.0)
• Received the Outstanding Education Graduate Award for exceptional academic performance and dedication to teaching

Professional Experience:

Elementary School Teacher, Elm Street Public School 2020 – Present

• Recognized for excellence in teaching with the Teacher of the Year Award in 2021 for outstanding dedication and positive impact on student learning.

Skills:

• Applied research skills developed during an independent research project on student motivation, analyzing the impact of different teaching strategies on academic performance.
• Recipient of the Tech in Education Scholarship for innovative technology integration in the classroom, resulting in improved student participation and achievement.

Mention Your Thesis or Projects

If you completed a thesis or noteworthy project as part of your education, include a brief description highlighting the topic, research methodology, and any significant findings or contributions.

Projects, whether academic or personal, demonstrate expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to produce tangible outcomes. By presenting it with pride, you set yourself apart as a candidate who embraces challenges, thrives on intellectual exploration, and demonstrates your ability to undertake independent research—all within a few concise lines.

PRO TIP:

Include links to your work! This demonstrates your technological skills and showcases your commitment to transparency and accessibility. By providing a link to your thesis or major projects, you escape the confines of traditional resumes, inviting employers to actually see your academic achievements.

Example: Data Analyst

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Northeast University, New York, NY [2023]

• Thesis: “Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Data Analysis”
  • Conducted in-depth research on the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in data analysis, specifically focusing on machine learning algorithms and predictive modeling techniques.
  • Analyzed large datasets and developed AI-based models to derive valuable insights, improving data-driven decision-making processes.
  • Presented findings and recommendations in a comprehensive thesis report, showcasing strong research, critical thinking, and data analysis skills.

Experience

Data Analyst Intern – Horizon Innovations, New York, NY [Sep 2022 – April 2023]

• Conducted research for my undergraduate thesis on “The Role of Data Analytics in Marketing Strategies.”
• Applied statistical analysis and data visualization techniques to analyze customer behavior patterns and identify opportunities for improving marketing campaigns.
• Developed and presented a comprehensive report summarizing key findings and actionable recommendations to the marketing team.
• Utilized the skills and knowledge gained from my thesis research to support data-driven decision-making and optimize marketing strategies.

By including your thesis on your resume, you demonstrate your commitment to research, expertise in a specific subject area, and the ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. This can make you stand out to employers who value research-oriented skills or require specialized knowledge in a particular field.

Showcase Relevant Coursework

If you’re light on work experience or aiming for a position tightly intertwined with your academic field, consider including a section that highlights relevant coursework.

Carefully choose the courses that align with the position you’re targeting. Whether it’s an advanced seminar, a cutting-edge research project, or a practical workshop, each course serves as a testament to your dedication and eagerness to learn.

This approach particularly benefits recent graduates or those venturing into internships or entry-level roles. It allows you to bridge the gap between your academic background and the practical skills employers seek.

Example: Human Resources Coordinator  

Education: 

Diploma in Human Resources – Riverside College, Detroit, Michigan [2024]

Relevant Coursework:

• Human Resource Management
• Employment Law and Regulations
• Organizational Behavior and Leadership
• Compensation and Benefits Management
• Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Strategies
• Performance Management and Employee Development

Mention Study Abroad or Exchange Programs

If you had the amazing opportunity to participate in a study abroad or exchange program, include this information in your education section. Doing so unveils a whole new layer of skills and cross-cultural encounters that can set you apart. It shows your openness to new experiences, resilience in the face of challenges, and ability to navigate unfamiliar territories gracefully.

Highlight the program, location, duration, and any specific skills or cross-cultural experiences gained during your time abroad. Did you master a foreign language, adapt to unfamiliar customs, or navigate diverse cultural landscapes? Employers want to know!

Example

Education

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations – Arlen College, Austin, Texas (May 2023)

International Study Abroad Program – Academy of Global Studies, Florence, Italy (Fall 2022)

• Completed a semester-long study abroad program focused on international diplomacy and cross-cultural communication
• Engaged in coursework on global politics, international law, and intercultural relations
• Collaborated with students from diverse backgrounds to complete group projects and presentations
• Developed a deep understanding of the local culture and strengthened language proficiency in Italian

Include GPA and Academic Honors

If you are still new to the working world, elevate your academic achievements by showcasing your GPA (Grade Point Average) — assuming it’s good — and academic honors, such as being on the Dean’s List. These indicate your dedication, discipline, and ability to thrive in an academic environment.

But if your GPA isn’t so good, don’t mention it.

However, employers will care less about your GPA as your work experience increases. So, if you graduated more than 5 years ago, there’s better information you should be including. 

Tailor for Each Job Application 

Review the job description and identify any specific educational qualifications or preferences mentioned. Emphasize the aspects of your education that directly relate to the job, making it clear why your educational background makes you a strong candidate.

Part 2: Including Professional Development, Certifications, and Training

With the rapid pace of innovation, what was once considered cutting-edge can quickly become outdated. Think about how much has changed in recent years—technological advancements, evolving market trends, and changing consumer demands have reshaped the working world. 

To thrive in this dynamic environment, continuous learning and skill development are crucial for staying competitive and advancing in your career. 

Attending training like workshops, courses, and conferences shows your thirst for knowledge and improvement. If you have participated in training programs, consider including them on your resume.

When incorporating professional development and certifications into your resume, remember these key points:

Create a Dedicated Section

Designate a separate section in your resume specifically for professional development and certifications. Place it after the education section or toward the end of your resume, depending on its relevance to the job you’re applying for.

Call this section something logical and easy to understand, such as:

• Additional Training
• Professional Development
• Certifications 
• Training & Certifications
• Continuing Education
• Industry Training
• Professional licenses

PRO TIP:

This works best if you have several things to include in this section. There are better options if you only have one or two additional points to add.

Include Relevant Certifications and Licenses

Flaunt any certifications you have that directly align with your dream job or industry. They validate your specialized skills, technical know-how, and industry-specific competencies. Include the certification name, the organization or institution that granted it, and the completion date.

Example: Fitness Instructor

• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) – 2021
• Group Exercise Instructor Certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) – 2020
• Certified Nutrition Coach from Precision Nutrition – 2019
• Valid CPR and First Aid Certification from the American Heart Association

Example: Content Writer

Content Writing Certifications:

• Content Marketing Certification from HubSpot – 2023
• SEO Copywriting Certification from Yoast – 2022
• Professional Writing Certification from the American Writers and Artists Inc. (AWAI) – 2021

Writing and Editing Skills Certifications:

• Technical Writing Certification from the Society for Technical Communication (STC) – 2023
• AP Stylebook Certification from the Associated Press – 2022
• Proofreading Certification from the Proofreading Academy – 2022

Online Learning

Listing online learning experiences on your resume adds a unique dimension to your qualifications and shows your proactive approach to professional development. 

Knowledge is accessible at our fingertips, and leveraging online courses says a lot about you. Employers value candidates who show initiative in seeking out new knowledge and actively improving their skill set. 

If you have completed online courses or participated in e-learning, mention them here. Include the name of the course, the platform or institution, and any relevant certifications or achievements earned.

Example: Salesperson

• Obtained a certificate on Consultative Selling Strategies from LinkedIn Learning
• Completed a remote Dale Carnegie Sales Training course on Building Rapport and Closing Deals
• Obtained certification in HubSpot Customer Relationship Management (CRM), demonstrating expertise in leveraging online CRM systems to streamline sales processes and manage customer relationships

Example: Virtual Assistant

• Completed an online course on Office Administration Fundamentals from Horizon Virtual University
• Attained a certification in Social Media Management Tools, including Hootsuite or Buffer, from Global Virtual College
• Successfully finished an online course on Professional Phone Etiquette and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) at Remote Skills Academy
• Achieved a certificate in Virtual Meeting Coordination and Event Planning from E-Learning Academy

PRO TIP:

You can learn just about everything online, but not everything is resume-worthy. It’s crucial to discern between skills and knowledge that hold significance and those that are more appropriate for personal enrichment or hobbies.

For example, learning to fix your dishwasher by watching YouTube videos is impressive, but it isn’t enough to make you a qualified appliance technician. 

Mention Professional Development Courses

If you have completed any professional development courses, workshops, or seminars that are relevant to the job, mention them. 

Keep the descriptions concise, noting the course title, the organization or provider, and the completion date.

Example: 

Digital Marketing Certification Program, Quantum Learning Institute (2022)

• Completed an intensive program covering key aspects of digital marketing, including SEO, SEM, social media marketing, and content marketing.
• Developed and executed a comprehensive digital marketing campaign for a local business, resulting in a 30% increase in online visibility and customer engagement.

Project Management Fundamentals, Prodigy Business University (2021)

• Acquired foundational knowledge in project management principles, tools, and techniques.
• Developed key skills in stakeholder communication and project documentation, effectively managing expectations and ensuring clear, timely updates throughout the project lifecycle.

Leadership and Communication Skills Workshop, Regalwood Academy (2020)

• Participated in a workshop focused on enhancing leadership abilities and improving communication skills.
• Practiced effective communication strategies and learned techniques for motivating and inspiring teams.

Tailor for Relevance

You knew I was going to say it. The personalized approach demonstrates your attentiveness to the employer’s needs, giving you an edge over other candidates.

Keep it Concise

Remember, your resume should be easily scannable, so avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive details.

The learning you continue to do outside of school is powerful. Use this section to emphasize your commitment to self-improvement, not list every course you’ve ever completed.

Part 3: Additional Sections 

You may include additional sections to highlight relevant information depending on your background and the job requirements. These really could be anything as long as they strengthen your appeal.

Remember to use clear, straightforward headings!

Conferences and Seminars

If you have attended industry conferences, seminars, or symposiums, mention them in this section. Focus on the events that provided valuable insights, networking opportunities, or exposure to emerging trends and best practices.

Example:

International Marketing Summit Conference – Marketing Professionals Association, New York, NY [September 2023]

• Explored emerging trends in digital marketing, social media strategies, and consumer behavior in international markets.

Leadership Excellence Forum Seminar by the Leadership Institute – Kansas City, Missouri | March 2022

• Learned effective leadership techniques, team management strategies, and decision-making skills from renowned industry leaders.
• Presentation by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and X, on the future of leadership and technology.

Portfolios

Portfolios serve as a comprehensive collection of your finest work, offering a complete view of your abilities. They allow potential employers to evaluate your skills, creativity, and potential for future success.

Creative folks often use portfolios to display their past work and demonstrate their skills, style, and creative vision. But they are also popular in the business world for sharing case studies, marketing campaigns, revenue growth, and success stories.

Practically speaking, you will have to include a link to your portfolio somewhere on your resume in order to share it. You’ve got a few options, including adding the URL to your contact information, listing it with your education, or giving it its own section. Some people will use a QR code. 

Just be sure to add a descriptive label such as “Portfolio Website” or “View My Work” to make it clear that it leads to your portfolio.

If your portfolio is hosted on a popular platform like Behance, Dribbble, or GitHub, mention the specific platform along with your profile username. This can make it easier for employers to find your work directly on those platforms. Or better yet, create a short link (such as bit.ly) that is easy to remember.

Publications

If you’ve had articles, books, or research papers published, add them to your resume! 

List your publications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the title, the name of the journal, magazine, or publishing house, the publication date, and any relevant co-authors. Add links if any of these are online.

If you have multiple publications, list the best ones on your resume and add a link to your portfolio where they can see the rest. 

Example:

• “Community Health Interventions and Their Effectiveness” — Healthcare Today, April 2024. Co-authored with Alice Johnson. Link to article.
• “Impact of Renewable Energy on Urban Development” — Journal of Environmental Research, March 2023. Co-authored with Jane Doe and John Smith. Link to article.
• For a complete list of publications, please visit my online portfolio.

Presentations 

Being a keynote speaker or guest lecturer is a prestigious honor that signifies your expertise, credibility, and ability to captivate and inspire audiences.

Including a dedicated section titled “Presentations,” “Keynote Speaking Engagements,” or “Guest Lectures” allows you to showcase the notable events, conferences, or institutions where you have had the privilege to share your knowledge and insights. 

Provide the event or institution name, the topic you spoke about, and the engagement date to give employers a glimpse into your public speaking experience. Consider including any relevant metrics or achievements, such as the audience size, positive feedback received, or media coverage. This will emphasize your impact as a speaker and further solidify your position as a sought-after authority in your field.

Example:

Panelist – International Marketing Conference, May 2022

• Institution: Worldwide Industry Summit, Cape Town, South Africa
• Topic: “Harnessing Digital Strategies for Global Brand Expansion”

Guest Lecture, “Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age” – November 2022

• Northern University, Department of Business Administration, Anchorage, Alaska

“Empowering Women Through Effective Leadership Strategies”

• Keynote Speaker, Women in Leadership Forum, Louisville, Kentucky [September 2021] for 12,500 attendees 

Professional Affiliations

If you are a member of professional associations or organizations, specify them in this section. This demonstrates your commitment to staying connected with your industry and accessing professional development resources.

Examples: 

Association for Talent Development (ATD) – 2018 to present

• Coordinated professional development workshops for fellow members
• Served as a mentor for new members entering the field
• Participated in the planning committee for the annual conference

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

• Active member since 2016, advocating for social justice and policy changes through grassroots campaigns
• Volunteered at community outreach programs organized by the association
• Contributed to the development of best practice guidelines in social work

Affiliations and Memberships

• Honolulu Chamber of Commerce: Active member since 2016, participating in networking events and business development programs to foster local business growth and community engagement.
• Oceanview Collegiate Institute Parent Teacher Association (PTA): Member since 2022, actively supporting school initiatives and collaborating with fellow parents and educators to enhance the educational experience for students.

Awards and Honors

Awards and honors serve as tangible evidence of your accomplishments and recognition in your field. They demonstrate that industry professionals, organizations, or peers have acknowledged your skills and contributions. 

Including awards sets you apart from other candidates who may have similar qualifications. Who knows, it just may be the little extra that puts your resume at the top of the pile.

Examples:

Employee of the Month, Crystal Clear Cleaning, June 2021

• Awarded for exceptional performance and dedication to achieving company goals

Dean’s List, Pacific Coast University, 2019 – 2022

• Recognized for maintaining a high GPA and academic excellence throughout undergraduate studies

President’s Club Award, Alpha Industries, 2018 – 2020

• Earned membership in the prestigious President’s Club for exceeding sales targets and consistently delivering outstanding results.

Excellence in Research Award, International Symposium on Sustainable Solutions, 2023

• Honored with the Excellence in Research Award for groundbreaking contributions to the field.
• Recognized for conducting a comprehensive study that advanced understanding and opened new avenues for further exploration. The findings were praised for their potential impact on industry practices and were well-received by peers and experts in the symposium.

Apply What You’ve Learned

Evaluate your background and the job requirements to identify any additional sections that would add value to your resume. If you have relevant certifications, notable projects or portfolios, volunteer experience, or publications, consider including these sections and gathering the necessary information.

Continue to Lesson 6 ➜