Applying for jobs or internships while still enrolled in school requires specific formatting to accurately represent a degree that is not yet complete. An improperly listed education entry can confuse recruiters or lead them to misinterpret the status of a candidate’s qualifications. Learning the precise standards for presenting an in-progress degree ensures that an applicant’s educational investment is properly recognized and helps qualify the candidate for roles requiring a specific academic background.
Determining Section Placement on Your Resume
The location of the Education section should be a strategic decision based on a candidate’s current professional experience level. For individuals still attending school or those who have recently graduated, the in-progress degree is the most relevant qualification for entry-level roles. In this scenario, the Education section should be placed prominently near the top of the document, often preceding the Professional Experience section, to highlight academic credentials.
Candidates with several years of relevant work history or a previously completed degree should position the Education section lower down. If the candidate has accrued significant professional achievements, those experiences should take precedence and appear first. This ensures the reader’s focus is directed toward the most compelling credentials for the job opening.
Formatting the In-Progress Degree Entry
The overall structure of the in-progress degree entry must adhere to a chronological format, similar to a completed degree, ensuring the most current item appears first. Key elements, such as the degree title and the institution’s name, should be clearly distinguishable, often using bold typeface. The entire entry must employ standardized terminology to avoid ambiguity about the student’s current status and projected timeline for completion.
Institution Name and Location
The entry must begin with the full, official name of the college or university where the degree is being pursued. Following the institutional name, the city and state where the campus is located should be included. This practice mirrors the standard formatting for a completed degree, lending clarity to the listing.
Expected Graduation Date
Listing the expected graduation date is mandatory and serves as the most important qualifier for an in-progress degree. This date must be clearly indicated using a precise term such as “Expected Graduation” or “Anticipated Completion,” followed by the specific month and year (e.g., “May 2026”). It is unnecessary to include the program’s start date, as the focus is on the future completion timeline.
Program and Focus Area
The official degree title, such as “Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering” or “Master of Arts in History,” must be written out in full beneath the institution’s name. Any specific academic focus or specialization, including minors, concentrations, or certificates, should be clearly detailed alongside the main degree. Even in the early stages of a program, students should state the official major they are actively pursuing.
Current GPA and Honors
A cumulative Grade Point Average should only be included if it is strong (generally 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale) and if the academic performance is relevant to the job requirements. When listing the GPA, it is acceptable to include the scale, such as “GPA: 3.7/4.0,” to provide context. Any honors, scholarships, or dean’s list recognitions awarded during the current enrollment should be listed. Specify if these are “current” or “in-progress” distinctions.
Navigating Complex Educational Scenarios
Students who have transferred institutions should generally only list the degree-granting school on their resume to maintain conciseness and focus. The previous school should only be included if the coursework completed there is directly relevant to the specific job being sought. Listing the current university where the degree will be conferred is the priority.
The formatting for a student pursuing a second degree requires placing the completed degree first to establish the academic foundation. The in-progress degree then follows, adhering to the “Expected Graduation” format to clearly delineate its status. This approach ensures the candidate receives credit for existing credentials while highlighting their current academic pursuit.
For a student who has taken a temporary hiatus from studies, the entry must be phrased to indicate a planned return date without raising concerns about the commitment. The entry should still use the “Expected Graduation” date, based on the planned return, and the applicant should be prepared to briefly explain the circumstances in an interview if asked.
Avoiding Misleading Language and Common Errors
The language used to describe the degree status must never imply that the degree is complete or that the candidate is merely waiting for the diploma. Avoid using phrases like “Degree Candidate” without a clear, realistic expected completion date, especially if the date is far in the future. The anticipated date must be an accurate and achievable projection.
A common error is including high school information on a resume when the applicant is currently enrolled in a college program. Once a student is pursuing a degree at the collegiate level, the high school entry becomes obsolete and should be removed. Focusing only on the highest level of academic attainment prevents the appearance of irrelevant information.