Major on Resume

Should You List Major on Resume

In most professional contexts, listing your major on a resume can be beneficial, especially in countries like the United States where education is given significant weight in employment decisions. However, the importance of this information may vary depending on the industry, job level, and regional differences. For instance, in Europe, educational background might not hold as much significance in some fields compared to the U.S.

Why to List Major on Resume

• Relevance: If your degree is directly related to the job you are applying for, it demonstrates that you have the necessary education and knowledge required for the position.
• Keyword Optimization: Including your major can help recruiters find your resume during an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) search by matching keywords from your degree with those in the job description.
• Quick Overview of Background: Your major provides a concise snapshot of your educational background for hiring managers who are quickly scanning resumes. This can help them determine if you have the appropriate academic foundation for the role.
• Industry Trends and Specializations: If you're applying to an industry with specific disciplines or concentrations, listing your major allows employers to understand your area of focus within that field.
• Career Transition: For those changing careers or industries, listing your major can help demonstrate transferable skills and provide context for how your education can be applied in a new professional setting.

Where to List Major on Resume

• Education Section: The most common place to list your major is under the Education section of your resume. This provides an easy-to-find location for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly understand your educational background.
• Summary/Profile Statement: If you have a summary or profile statement, mentioning your major can help create a cohesive narrative about your career goals and how your education aligns with those aspirations.
• Skills Section: Include any skills or competencies you developed during your academic studies that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
• Professional Experience Section: If you have work experience directly related to your major, be sure to highlight it in your professional experience section by describing how your education contributed to your success in those roles.

Examples of How to List Major on Resume

Recent College Graduate with Relevant Major:

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University (20XX)

• GPA: 3.8/4.0

• Relevant coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, and Database Management Systems

  In this example, the candidate has a relevant major (Computer Science) and has included their GPA to demonstrate academic achievement. They've also mentioned specific coursework that showcases their technical skills.

Career Changer with Vague Major:

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, ABC College (20XX)

• Relevant coursework: Business Management, Marketing, and Financial Accounting

  In this example, the candidate's major is not directly related to the position they are applying for. However, they have emphasized relevant coursework that demonstrates transferable skills in business management and marketing.

What to Avoid While Listing Major on Resume

• Irrelevant Information: If your degree is not directly related to the job you're applying for, it may not be necessary or beneficial to include your major. Instead, focus on showcasing relevant skills and experiences.
• Misleading Information: Be honest about your major, as misrepresenting your educational background can lead to problems down the line.
• Overemphasis: Avoid overemphasizing your major to the point where it overshadows other important sections of your resume, such as skills, experiences, or achievements.
• Outdated Degrees: If you have multiple degrees, consider listing only the one that is most relevant to the position you're applying for, rather than including every degree earned.

How to List Specialized Degree (e.g., Mba, Jd) on Resume

Best Practices

• Highlight the Degree First: Place your specialized degree at the top of the Education section, following the format: Degree Name (e.g., Master of Business Administration - MBA), Name of Institution, Location. This order helps recruiters quickly identify your specialized degree.

Example:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA

• Include Major and Relevant Coursework: List your major or concentration within the degree in a separate line below the degree name. If possible, include any relevant coursework that aligns with the job you are applying for.

Example:

Major: Finance

• Advanced Financial Management

• Corporate Governance and Ethics

• Specify Graduation Date: Include your graduation date if you have already graduated, or the expected graduation date if you are still pursuing the degree. This provides context for recruiters about your current status.

Example:

Graduated: May 2020

• Describe Achievements and Honors: If you have achieved honors or received awards during your studies, include them in a separate line to showcase your academic success.

Example:

• Cum laude graduate

• Consider Relevance: Not every specialized degree needs to be included on every resume. Only list degrees that are relevant to the job you are applying for, or that provide additional skills beneficial to your career goals.

Example 1: Specialized Degree (e.g., Mba, Jd) on Major Resume

In a major-focused resume, your specialized degree becomes the main focus of your Education section. Here's an example for an MBA graduate specializing in Finance:

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance Concentration University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA Graduated: May 2020

• Advanced Financial Management
• Corporate Governance and Ethics
• Cum laude graduate

Example 2: Specialized Degree (e.g., Mba, Jd) in Major Context

If you're applying for a position that requires both your major skills and the specialized degree, list them together to emphasize your well-rounded qualifications. Here's an example for a Marketing Manager with an MBA:

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA) University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA Graduated: May 2020

• Major: Marketing
• Market Research and Analysis
• Strategic Brand Management
• Advanced Financial Management
• Corporate Governance and Ethics

How to List Vocational Training on Resume

Listing vocational training on a resume can provide valuable insights about your skills and capabilities in a specific field. Here are some best practices to effectively incorporate this information:

1. Highlight Relevance to Major or Job Role

Focus on the aspects of your vocational training that directly relate to your major or the job you're applying for. This helps demonstrate how your practical skills complement your academic background and make you a strong candidate. For example, if you studied Graphic Design and completed a course in Adobe Illustrator, emphasize how this hands-on experience has enhanced your design abilities.

• Example: Adobe Illustrator Training (20XX)
  • Completed an intensive 6-week vocational training course focusing on advanced graphic design techniques with Adobe Illustrator. Skills learned have been directly applied to numerous projects in my Graphic Design major, resulting in improved efficiency and creativity.

2. Include Duration and Certification (if applicable)

Specify the duration of your vocational training and mention any certifications you received as a result. This information helps hiring managers understand the depth of your knowledge and the level of expertise you've achieved.

• Example: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification (20XX)
  • Achieved Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification in Excel after completing a 4-week vocational training program focused on advanced Excel functions and data analysis techniques.

3. Emphasize Key Skills Gained

Clearly outline the practical skills you've developed during your vocational training, using action verbs to describe your accomplishments. This helps potential employers quickly grasp your capabilities and understand how they can benefit from hiring you.

• Example: Digital Marketing Bootcamp (20XX)
  • Successfully completed a digital marketing bootcamp, gaining hands-on experience in SEO, SEM, social media marketing, email marketing, and content strategy. Skills learned have enabled me to generate measurable results for clients in my marketing internships.

4. Describe Projects or Case Studies (if applicable)

If your vocational training involved completing projects or case studies, briefly summarize the work you did and its outcomes. This can help demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and showcase your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

• Example: Web Development Bootcamp (20XX)
  • Completed a 12-week web development bootcamp, culminating in the creation of a responsive e-commerce website for a local business. The project allowed me to practice front-end development languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, resulting in an attractive and functional final product.

Example 2: Vocational Training in Major Context

When listing vocational training on a major-specific resume, it's essential to showcase how your practical skills complement your academic background and future career goals. Here's an example for someone studying Computer Science with a focus on Software Development:

• Certified Oracle Java Programmer (20XX)
  • Achieved Oracle Java Programmer certification after completing a 6-month vocational training program focused on advanced Java programming techniques, data structures, and algorithms. Skills learned have been directly applied to numerous coding projects in my Computer Science major, enabling me to develop efficient and scalable solutions for real-world problems.

How to List Technical Skills Focus on Resume

Best Practices for Listing this Subcategory:

• Specify the Major and Skill Relevance: Clearly state your major (e.g., Computer Science) and mention how each technical skill is relevant to that field of study. This helps recruiters understand your educational background and the practical application of your skills.

  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of XYZ (Graduated Year)
  • Technical Skills Focus:

• Programming Languages: Java, Python, C++

• Web Development: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, React.js

• Databases: MySQL, MongoDB

• Algorithms and Data Structures

• Quantify Achievements: If possible, provide numbers or specific examples to demonstrate your proficiency in each technical skill. This can include the number of lines of code written, projects completed using a specific technology, or any relevant certifications you hold.

  • Technical Skills Focus:

• Programming Languages: Java (Proficient with 5+ years of experience) and Python (Intermediate level with certification from Coursera).

• Web Development: Built several responsive websites using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.

• Use Action Verbs: Use action verbs to describe your skills and achievements. This makes your resume more dynamic and easier for recruiters to read.

  • Technical Skills Focus:

• Developed web applications using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and React.js.

• Created complex algorithms and data structures in Java.

• Prioritize Relevant Skills: Prioritize the technical skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. This ensures that recruiters see your strongest qualifications first.

  • Technical Skills Focus: (Most relevant skills listed first)

• Web Development: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, React.js

• Programming Languages: Java, Python

• Databases: MySQL, MongoDB

• Algorithms and Data Structures

Example 1: Technical Skills Focus on Major Resume

For a Computer Science graduate with experience in web development and a strong background in Java programming, the resume might look like this:

John Doe

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of XYZ (Graduated Year)
• Technical Skills Focus:
  • Programming Languages: Java (Proficient with 5+ years of experience), Python (Intermediate level with certification from Coursera)
  • Web Development: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, React.js (Built several responsive websites and web applications using these technologies)
  • Databases: MySQL, MongoDB (Experience in designing and managing databases for web applications)
  • Algorithms and Data Structures (Solved complex problems using efficient algorithms and data structures)
• Work Experience:
  • Software Developer, ABC Company (Year - Present)
  ...

Example 2: Technical Skills Focus in Major Context

For a Mechanical Engineering graduate with expertise in computer-aided design (CAD), the resume might look like this:

Jane Smith

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of XYZ (Graduated Year)
• Technical Skills Focus:
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD): SolidWorks (Proficient with 4+ years of experience), AutoCAD (Intermediate level)
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Thermal and Fluid Analysis (TFA)
  • Machine Design and Dynamics
• Work Experience:
  • Mechanical Engineer, DEF Company (Year - Present)
  ...

By following these best practices, you can effectively list your technical skills focus on your resume, making it easier for recruiters to understand your qualifications and increasing your chances of landing a job interview.

How to List Professional Certification on Resume

• Highlight Relevance: Include the professional certification under the relevant section of your resume, such as Education or Professional Experience, depending on where it was obtained. If the certification is closely related to your major, consider creating a separate section for it.

  • For example:

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

• University Name, Location (Year)

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), EC-Council (Year)

• List Key Details: Provide essential details such as the name of the certification, issuing body, year obtained, and any notable achievements or scores. If the certification is still in progress, specify its status.

  • For example:

Professional Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Year)

• Agile Scrum Master, Scrum Alliance (Year)

• Showcase Relevance to Major: Explain how the certification is related to your major and career goals in a concise sentence or bullet point. This helps hiring managers understand the value you bring to the table.

  • For example:

Professional Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Year)

• Demonstrates proficiency in accounting principles and practices, crucial for a career in finance.

• Emphasize Continuing Education: If the certification requires ongoing training or renewal, mention this to show your commitment to staying current in your field.

  • For example:

Professional Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute (Year)

• Pursuing annual continuing education units to maintain certification and stay updated on industry trends.

• Order Certifications Strategically: List your professional certifications strategically within the resume, usually just below relevant degrees or work experiences. However, if a specific certification is particularly impressive or highly valued in your industry, consider placing it at the top of the relevant section.

  • For example:

Professional Experience

• Software Engineer, Tech Company, Location (Year)

• Certified Senior Software Engineer, Institute of Software Engineering (Year)

• This advanced certification showcases my commitment to mastering software engineering principles and staying updated on industry best practices.

Example 1: Professional Certification on Major Resume

Example: A student majoring in Computer Science who has completed the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University Name, Location (Year)

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), EC-Council (Year)

Professional Experience

• Summer Intern, Tech Company, Location (Year)

Example 2: Professional Certification in Major Context

Example: A graduate with a major in Business Administration who has obtained the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University Name, Location (Year)

Professional Experience

• Junior Project Manager, Tech Company, Location (Year)

Professional Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute (Year)
• Demonstrates expertise in project management principles and practices, essential for a career in this field.

How to List Academic Major on Resume

Best Practices:

• Be Specific: List your major precisely. For example, instead of writing "Engineering," list "Mechanical Engineering" or "Civil Engineering." This specificity helps potential employers understand the depth and focus of your studies.

  Example: If you studied Biology, listing it as such provides a clear understanding of your academic background, rather than just using the broader term "Science."

• Include Degree: Specify the degree earned alongside the major. This is particularly important if you have earned more than one degree. For example, "Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering"

• Order: Place your academic background at the bottom of your resume after work experience and skills. However, if you're a recent graduate or changing careers, it may be beneficial to place it earlier.

• Relevance Highlighting: If applying for a job that requires specific coursework related to your major, highlight relevant courses in a separate section. This demonstrates your qualifications for the position.

• GPA (if applicable): Including your Grade Point Average (GPA) can be beneficial if it's strong and relevant to the job you're applying for. However, this is optional and should only be included if it positively supports your application.

Example 1: Academic Major on Major Resume

• Major: Computer Science
• Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
• Relevant Courses: Algorithms, Data Structures, Computer Networks, Operating Systems, and Software Engineering

Example 2: Academic Major in Major Context

• Major: Marketing
• Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• GPA: 3.8/4.0
• Related Experience: Coursework in Market Research, Advertising, Consumer Behavior, and Product Management. Additionally, a semester-long internship at XYZ Corporation where I gained hands-on experience in marketing strategy development.