Building a resume in college can be tricky. Between classes, extracurriculars, and part-time or full-time jobs, it can be hard to know what to include—especially if you’ve had a non-traditional college experience. 

Maybe you worked through school and took a longer path to graduation. Or maybe you’re concerned you don’t have enough internship experience. The good news? You can highlight plenty of other experiences to help your resume stand out. 

Show Off Your Unique Path 

Employers value diverse backgrounds. It’s important to remember that your resume doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. That job you held during college—whether in retail, food service, or something unrelated to your major—still tells a story. It demonstrates responsibility, time management, and your ability to juggle multiple priorities. These are qualities every employer wants. 

Don’t Overlook Volunteer Work 

Volunteering can be a fantastic way to build skills and add relevant experience to your resume. Interested in politics? Local campaigns are often looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Contact your local political party or seek out non-profits in your area. You might be given more responsibility as a committed volunteer—and that’s resume gold. 

Got Media Skills? Use Them! 

Looking for a job in media or communications? Include any op-eds you’ve written or content you’ve had published. Have you built your own website? That’s a great way to showcase graphic design or web development skills. Personal projects and creative work can set you apart. 

References Matter 

If you worked through college, consider adding a former boss as a reference. Even if the job isn’t directly related to the position you’re applying for, they can speak to your reliability, work ethic, and dedication as a student balancing multiple responsibilities. 

Volunteered somewhere? Supervisors from those experiences make excellent references too! Even if you weren’t technically an employee, they can still vouch for your contributions, professionalism, and growth. Don’t underestimate the value of someone who’s seen you in action. 

Bonus Resume Tips 

• Have someone review it. Your resume should be clean, clear, and easy to read. Ask a friend, professor, or former boss to review it and suggest improvements. 

• Stick to one page. Especially early in your career, one page is the standard. If you’re struggling with formatting, there are affordable online tools that can help. 

• Write a cover letter. A cover letter can help you professionally explain career gaps or a longer pathway to graduation. Have several people review it before you send it with an application. 

Remember—employers are looking for driven, well-rounded candidates who bring something unique to the table. So don’t stress if your resume doesn’t look like the “typical” college grad’s. You can show your value through your work, volunteer experiences, and personal projects—every piece of your journey counts. 

This blog was written by Kayla Huston, The Communications manager at The Network of enlightened Women.