Externship on Resume

Should You List Externship on Resume

It is highly recommended to list your externships on your resume, especially if you are a student or recent graduate seeking employment in fields such as law, healthcare, business, and engineering, where externships provide valuable hands-on experience. In other countries, the term "internship" or "work placement" might be more commonly used, but the underlying concept is the same. Including externships on your resume demonstrates your initiative, dedication, and real-world skills to potential employers.

In some regions, such as the United States, listing externships can set you apart from other candidates who may have only theoretical knowledge of a field. Employers appreciate seeing that you have taken the initiative to gain practical experience, even if it was unpaid or for academic credit.

However, there may be situations where an externship is less relevant to the position you are applying for. In such cases, consider whether the skills and experiences gained during the externship are transferable or directly applicable to the role at hand. If not, it might be best to focus on other relevant work experience or achievements instead.

Why to List Externship on Resume

• Demonstrates Initiative: An externship shows that you took the initiative to seek out practical, hands-on experience in your field of interest. This can be appealing to employers who value proactive and self-motivated candidates.
• Real-World Experience: Externships provide an opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations, giving you a better understanding of the industry and its challenges.
• Skill Development: Through externships, you can develop technical skills, soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving), and professional competencies that will be valuable throughout your career.
• Networking Opportunities: Externships often provide opportunities to network with professionals in the field, potentially leading to job offers or future references.

Where to List Externship on Resume

Experience Section

List your externship under the Experience section of your resume, following the reverse chronological order (most recent first). Be sure to include the organization name, location, duration of the externship, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements during the externship.

For example:

Experience

Extern | XYZ Corporation | City, State | January 2021 - May 2021

• Assisted with project management duties
• Conducted market research and presented findings to the team
• Collaborated on a product launch, contributing to its success

Education Section (for students)

If you are a student or recent graduate, you can also list your externship under the Education section of your resume. This is especially useful if you don't have significant work experience yet. Include any academic credit received for the externship and the organization name, location, and duration.

For example:

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | XYZ University | City, State | Graduation Month 2022

• Extern, XYZ Corporation | City, State | January 2021 - May 2021 (Academic Credit)

Examples of How to List Externship on Resume

Example 1: General Externship Experience

Experience

Extern | ABC Law Firm | City, State | January 2020 - May 2020

• Assisted attorneys in case preparation and research

• Observed client meetings and trials

• Drafted legal documents under the supervision of attorneys

  In this example, the candidate clearly outlines their responsibilities during the externship, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of legal procedures.

Example 2: Externship as Part of Education (for Students)

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | XYZ University | City, State | Graduation Month 2023

• Extern, DEF Corporation | City, State | January 2021 - May 2021 (Academic Credit)

• Assisted the development team with software testing and debugging

• Collaborated on a project to improve the company's data analysis tools

  In this example, the student showcases their technical skills and ability to work in a professional setting while highlighting the academic credit they received for their externship.

What to Avoid While Listing Externship on Resume

• Vagueness: Be specific about your responsibilities during the externship, avoiding generic statements like "completed various tasks." Instead, focus on concrete achievements and skills developed.
• Irrelevant Details: Keep your descriptions concise and relevant to the position you are applying for. Avoid including unnecessary details or personal anecdotes that do not relate to the job.
• Incorrect Formatting: Follow a consistent format throughout your resume, using bullet points where appropriate and maintaining proper grammar and punctuation.
• Poorly Articulated Skills: Clearly articulate the skills you developed during your externship, such as technical skills, soft skills, or professional competencies, to demonstrate your readiness for employment.
• Lack of Impact: Emphasize the impact you made during your externship by focusing on specific projects and accomplishments that showcase your abilities and value as a candidate.

How to List Research Externship on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Research Externship:

• Include the title of the position: Write "Research Extern" as the job title to clearly denote that this was an externship, not a full-time or permanent position.

  Example: Research Extern - XYZ Research Institute

• Mention the duration and location of the externship: Provide the dates you were involved in the externship and the city/state where it took place.

  Example: June 2021 - August 2021, City, State

• Highlight specific projects or tasks: Elaborate on the research projects you were assigned or tasks you completed during your externship. Be sure to quantify achievements when possible.

  Example: - Collaborated with senior researchers on a project focused on climate change mitigation strategies, resulting in the creation of a 50-page report.

• Detail any skills gained or enhanced: List any technical skills you honed during your externship, such as lab techniques, data analysis software, or research methodologies. Mention soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving as well.

  Example: - Demonstrated proficiency in R programming for data analysis and improved collaboration skills while working in a group setting.

• Include any recognitions or accomplishments: If you received any awards, publications, or presentations during your externship, be sure to highlight them as they demonstrate your achievements and competencies.

  Example: - Co-authored an article on renewable energy sources that was accepted for publication in the Journal of Clean Energy.

Example 1: Research Externship on Externship Resume

Research Extern - XYZ Research Institute (June 2021 - August 2021, City, State)

• Collaborated with senior researchers on a project focused on climate change mitigation strategies, resulting in the creation of a 50-page report.
• Demonstrated proficiency in R programming for data analysis and improved collaboration skills while working in a group setting.
• Co-authored an article on renewable energy sources that was accepted for publication in the Journal of Clean Energy.

Example 2: Research Externship in Externship Context

Research Extern - ABC Laboratory (January 2020 - March 2020, City, State)

• Assisted in the development and execution of experiments to study the effects of various chemical compounds on bacterial growth.
• Gained hands-on experience with microbiology techniques and lab equipment, including centrifuges and spectrophotometers.
• Contributed to a research paper on antibiotic resistance that was presented at an international conference.

How to List Business Externship on Resume

Best Practices:

• Highlight the Duration and Location: Clearly mention the timeframe of your externship (e.g., "June 2021 - August 2021") and the company where you completed it. This provides context and shows potential employers when and where you gained this valuable experience.

  Example: - Business Externship at XYZ Corporation, New York City, NY, June 2021 - August 2021

• Describe the Role: Briefly explain your role during the externship. This should include any responsibilities you had and the skills you used or developed. Remember to keep it concise and focus on the most relevant aspects.

  Example: - Responsible for conducting market research, analyzing competitive landscapes, and assisting in business development projects. Developed proficiency in using industry-specific software tools.

• Detail Achievements: If you accomplished any significant tasks or made noteworthy contributions during your externship, be sure to include them. This could be anything from creating a successful marketing campaign to streamlining an internal process that improved efficiency.

  Example: - Successfully executed a social media marketing campaign that increased the company's online presence by 30% within two months.

• Emphasize Learned Skills: List any new skills you acquired during your externship, particularly those relevant to the job you're applying for. This helps demonstrate your adaptability and readiness for various roles.

  Example: - Gained practical experience in project management, client communication, and strategic planning.

• Mention any Mentorship or Guidance: If you had a mentor or received guidance during your externship, be sure to note this. This shows that you were under the tutelage of experienced professionals who can vouch for your abilities.

  Example: - Worked closely with Senior Business Development Manager, Jane Doe, learning best practices in business development and strategic planning.

Example 1: Business Externship on Externship Resume

Business Externship at ABC Corporation, San Francisco, CA, June 2021 - August 2021

• Assisted in the creation of marketing strategies for new product launches.
• Conducted market research to analyze consumer behavior and preferences.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement marketing campaigns.
• Successfully managed a social media advertising budget, resulting in a 25% increase in engagement.
• Gained valuable insights into the inner workings of a successful startup and developed an understanding of the challenges faced by young companies.

Example 2: Business Externship in Externship Context

Business Externship at DEF Corporation, Boston, MA, June 2021 - August 2021

• Worked alongside the Director of Business Development to analyze market trends and develop sales strategies.
• Participated in due diligence for potential mergers and acquisitions, gaining experience in deal structuring and valuation.
• Assisted in the negotiation of contracts with suppliers and clients, developing skills in communication and conflict resolution.
• Conducted financial analyses to evaluate the financial health of potential acquisition targets, demonstrating proficiency in Excel and financial modeling.
• Gained a comprehensive understanding of the corporate finance industry and made valuable connections within the field.

How to List Engineering Externship on Resume

Listing an Engineering Externship on your resume requires careful consideration to showcase the skills and experiences you've gained during this unique learning opportunity. Here are some best practices:

1. Highlight Skills Gained

• Mention specific technical skills you've developed or utilized during your externship, such as CAD software proficiency, data analysis using MATLAB, or understanding of engineering principles in a real-world context.
• Emphasize soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving that are crucial in an engineering setting.

2. Describe Projects Worked On

• Briefly explain the projects you were involved in during your externship. Discuss the nature of the project, its objectives, and your contributions to its success.
• If possible, include any measurable outcomes or results that demonstrate the impact of your work.

3. Detail Your Role and Responsibilities

• Clearly define your role within the engineering team during the externship. This helps potential employers understand your level of involvement and the scope of your responsibilities.
• Mention any unique experiences or challenges you faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your adaptability and problem-solving abilities.

4. Include the Name of the Organization and Duration

• Make sure to list the name of the organization where you completed your externship and the duration of your placement. This provides context and shows that you have real-world experience in the field.
• If applicable, include any relevant internships or work experiences before or after the externship to create a clear timeline of your engineering career development.

Example 1: Engineering Externship on Externship Resume

• Engineering Externship: XYZ Corporation, [City, State] (January 2022 – March 2022)
  • Gained hands-on experience in designing and testing mechanical components using SolidWorks.
  • Collaborated with a team of engineers to develop a prototype for an energy-efficient pump, resulting in a 20% improvement in efficiency.
  • Presented project findings to team leaders, demonstrating effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Example 2: Engineering Externship in Externship Context

• Engineering Externship: ABC Consulting, [City, State] (June 2021 – August 2021)
  • Assisted the civil engineering team in conducting site surveys and preparing reports using AutoCAD.
  • Conducted data analysis using MATLAB to determine optimal design solutions for a roadway project, improving efficiency by 15%.
  • Worked closely with engineers from various disciplines, honing my ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

How to List Medical Externship on Resume

Best Practices for Listing a Medical Externship

• Highlight the Duration: Mention the duration of your medical externship, including the starting and ending dates. This helps potential employers understand how long you were involved in the program.

  Example: August 2020 - December 2020: Medical Externship at XYZ Hospital

• Describe the Institution: Briefly explain where the externship took place, emphasizing the reputation and specialties of the institution. This adds credibility to your experience.

  Example: University Hospital and Clinics - One of the top-ranked teaching hospitals in the nation, renowned for its medical research and patient care.

• Detail Your Responsibilities: List the key responsibilities you had during your medical externship. Focus on tasks that demonstrate your skills and knowledge, such as observing surgeries, interacting with patients, or assisting doctors in their daily routines.

  Example: Assisted surgeons during various surgical procedures, observed patient consultations, and actively participated in post-operative care under the supervision of attending physicians.

• Showcase Your Skills: Mention any specific skills you acquired or enhanced during your medical externship. This could include technical skills (e.g., using electronic health records) or soft skills (e.g., communication, empathy).

  Example: Developed proficiency in utilizing Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and honed my ability to communicate effectively with patients and medical professionals.

• Emphasize Achievements: If possible, highlight any accomplishments or contributions made during your externship. This could be anything from receiving recognition for exceptional work to helping improve a particular process at the institution.

  Example: Received an award for outstanding performance and contribution to patient care during the medical externship program.

Example 1: Medical Externship on Externship Resume

Medical Externship (August 2020 - December 2020)

• Completed a six-month internship at XYZ Hospital and Clinics, one of the top-ranked teaching hospitals in the nation.
• Assisted surgeons during various surgical procedures, observed patient consultations, and actively participated in post-operative care under the supervision of attending physicians.
• Developed proficiency in utilizing Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and honed my ability to communicate effectively with patients and medical professionals.
• Received an award for outstanding performance and contribution to patient care during the medical externship program.

Example 2: Medical Externship in Externship Context

Medical Externship (June 2019 - August 2019)

• Completed a summer internship at ABC University Hospital, where I worked closely with attending physicians and residents.
• Observed multiple surgical procedures, assisted in patient care, and gained hands-on experience in the field of medicine.
• Acquired skills in using Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and learned to work effectively as part of a healthcare team.
• Contributed to improving patient satisfaction by actively listening to their concerns and communicating with medical staff on their behalf.

How to List Legal Externship on Resume

Listing a Legal Externship on your resume requires careful attention to detail and clarity in order to showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Here are some best practices:

1. Highlight the Nature of the Experience

Start by clearly stating that the position was an externship, as this sets the context for the reader. Mention the type of law you were exposed to (e.g., corporate, criminal, civil rights) and the specific legal tasks you performed. For example:

• Participated in a Legal Externship focusing on corporate law, where I drafted legal documents, conducted research, and observed client meetings.

2. Emphasize Skills Developed

Highlight the skills you gained during your externship that are relevant to your desired legal career. This could include procedural knowledge, legal writing abilities, or understanding of ethical considerations in law practice. For example:

• Developed strong legal research and writing skills through drafting memoranda, motions, and other legal documents.

3. Describe Your Role within the Externship Setting

Provide context about your role within the organization where you completed the externship. This could include working in a specific department or with a particular attorney. For example:

• Worked closely with senior associates in the civil litigation department, gaining valuable insights into case strategy and trial preparation.

4. Mention any Achievements or Contributions

If possible, mention any accomplishments or contributions you made during your externship that had a positive impact on the organization or its clients. For example:

• Successfully researched and drafted a motion to dismiss a frivolous lawsuit, saving the firm time and resources.

5. Include Relevant Details about the Externship

Ensure you provide essential details such as the location of the externship, the duration (e.g., semester, summer), and the institution or organization where it was completed. For example:

• Completed a Legal Externship at XYZ Law Firm during the summer of 20XX, located in City, State.

Example 1: Legal Externship on Externship Resume

Legal Externship (Corporate Law)

• Drafted legal documents and conducted research on various corporate matters.
• Observed client meetings and collaborated with attorneys on case strategy and trial preparation.
• Gained valuable insights into corporate law practice, contributing to a successful motion to dismiss a frivolous lawsuit.
• Conducted research and analysis under the supervision of senior associates, developing strong legal research and writing skills. Summer 20XX, XYZ Law Firm, City, State

Example 2: Legal Externship in Externship Context

Legal Externship (Civil Rights Law)

• Worked with a team of attorneys to provide legal assistance to underserved communities.
• Conducted research on various civil rights issues and drafted memoranda outlining potential solutions.
• Observed client meetings and contributed to case strategy, gaining valuable insights into the practical application of civil rights law.
• Developed strong research skills and a comprehensive understanding of civil rights law through hands-on experience. Spring 20XX, ABC Legal Aid Society, City, State