Putting Your Education to Work

Which aspects of your education you choose to emphasize depends a lot on your individual
circumstances. These general guidelines will help you get the credit you deserve for
the education that you have achieved.

1. If you are a new graduate with limited work experience, you will want to put the
education section of your resume near the top of the first page. Ramp it up by
including information about scholarships, GPA, internships, work-study programs,
related coursework, and extracurricular activities.

2. If you graduated more than five years ago, your job objective will determine whether
you put your education before or after your work experience. If you are working in a
field that is related to your degree or major, your work experience should receive the
greater emphasis (and therefore go first). If you are working in an unrelated area
and want to get back to your initial game plan, put your education before your work
experience.

3. If you are a career changer with a new degree, put your education before your work
experience. This structure will illustrate your commitment to and enthusiasm for
your new career choice.

4. If you received your degree from a very prestigious university whose name impresses
people, place the education section before your work experience to establish instant
credibility.

5. If you are an academic, always put your education first.