Location, Location, Location: Where to Place Your Education Section
Where you feature your academic background depends entirely on where you are in your career journey.
For Students & Recent Graduates: Lead with Your Strengths
If you're still in school or graduated within the last 2-3 years, your education is likely your most significant and relevant qualification. Don't bury it!
For Seasoned Professionals: Experience Takes the Spotlight
If you have more than a few years of solid work experience under your belt, your professional accomplishments should be front and center. Your career narrative is now defined by what you’ve done, not just what you’ve studied.
Building Your Education Section: The Essential Ingredients
Clarity and consistency are your best friends here. For each entry, aim to include the following core details in reverse-chronological order (most recent first).
The Must-Haves:
Optional (But Awesome) Additions:
Feeling confident about what to write? The next step is making it look professional. Crafting a visually appealing and well-organized document is just as important as the content itself. If you want to take the guesswork out of formatting, using a smart tool like the resume builder at resumost.com can help you pull all these pieces together into a polished, recruiter-ready final product.
Navigating the Nuances: Common Scenarios
Life isn’t always a straight line, and neither is education. Here’s how to handle some common situations.
What If My Degree Is Unfinished?
Transparency is key. Never imply you graduated if you didn't. Instead, showcase the knowledge you gained.
Should I Include High School?
The rule of thumb is simple: only include your high school diploma if it's your highest level of education. Once you have any college-level experience (even if incomplete), you can remove your high school from your resume.
What About Certifications or Online Courses?
Yes, include them! They show initiative and a commitment to continuous learning. Create a separate section titled "Professional Development" or "Certifications" to keep your resume organized and highlight these specific skills.
Clear Examples
Here’s how it looks in practice.
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Example 1: Recent Graduate
Education
Northwestern University | Evanston, IL
Bachelor of Science in Journalism | June 2023
Minor in Political Science
GPA: 3.8/4.0, Magna Cum Laude
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Example 2: Experienced Professional
Education
University of Texas | Austin, TX
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | May 2015
Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ
Bachelor of Arts in Communications | May 2012
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Your education is a vital part of your story. By presenting it clearly, strategically, and honestly, you’re one step closer to crafting a resume that opens doors.