Whether you want to work in healthcare, engineering, or education, your applied sciences and professions student resume needs to be top-notch. Not only does your resume need to capture your academic and professional talents, but it also needs to focus on the specific niche you aim to work in. 

Luckily, we've prepared this comprehensive guide to help you tackle this Herculean task. Inside, you'll find real-life resume samples, the best writing tips, plenty of practical examples, and resume templates you can adjust to your liking.

Research Extern at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: American Foundation For Suicide Prevention

Research Intern Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: Carbon Trust

Google Software Engineering Intern Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: Google

See more examples like these

Keep reading to find out how to:

• Navigate valuable applied sciences and professions student resume samples
• Pick the most suitable format for your applied sciences and professions student resume
• Craft an eye-catching applied sciences and professions student resume summary or objective
• Make sure the skills you present are relevant
• Showcase your most illustrious achievements in an applied sciences and professions student resume
• Boost your applied sciences and professions student resume with powerful action verbs 
• Make your education section stand out
• Choose relevant optional sections for your resume
• Steer clear of common mistakes in your applied sciences and professions student resume
• Pair your applied sciences and professions student resume with a matching cover letter
• Learn about the average salary and job outlook for occupations in applied sciences
• Access valuable job search resources for applied sciences professionals

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Pharmacy intern resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Diverse skill set: Not only does the candidate highlight their pharmacy-specific expertise like dispensing medications and managing inventory, but they also list strong interpersonal skills (communication, time management) and technical know-how in pharmacy software like Marg ERP and SuiteRx. This balance between soft and hard skills gives the reader a well-rounded picture of what the candidate can do.
• Effective resume objective: Another strong point is the resume’s objective (profile). It manages to highlight key strengths like pharmacy experience, communication skills, and the ability to handle high-pressure environments. This way, it effectively captures the candidate's expertise and passion for the field. This is a great way to immediately grab attention and give a snapshot of the candidate’s capabilities.

What could be improved?

• Inclusion of quantifiable achievements: While the resume lists relevant responsibilities, it could benefit from including numbers to show the candidate's impact. For example, how many prescriptions did they process per shift? How did they improve customer satisfaction? Adding quantifiable data makes accomplishments feel more concrete.
• Highlighting coursework or projects: The education section could be improved by highlighting relevant coursework, academic projects, or specific pharmacy-related experiences. Having a high GPA surely is impressive, but mentioning any research, relevant key classes, or laboratory training could make the candidate stand out more.

Mechanical engineering intern resume example

Created with

Why does this resume example work?

• Use of action verbs: Words like "Collaborated," "Assisted," "Conducted," and "Diagnosed" effectively highlight the applicant’s proactive role in their previous internship. These verbs clearly demonstrate the candidate's involvement and make their experience more compelling and dynamic.
• Relevant job description: The job description of their past internship is relevant, specific, and spot-on. It details key tasks like designing technical drawings, developing processes, and conducting analysis, which directly align with the duties of the role they're trying to fill. This relevance helps to show the applicant’s practical experience and skills.

What could be improved?

• More emphasis on soft skills: The resume emphasizes technical responsibilities and achievements well, but it could benefit from showcasing soft skills more prominently. Adding examples of teamwork, communication, or problem-solving in the work experience section could help paint a fuller picture of the candidate’s abilities. For instance, instead of just listing tasks, the candidate could describe how they overcame specific challenges.

Research extern at suicide prevention resume sample

Created with

Hired by American Foundation For Suicide Prevention

Why does this resume example work?

• Detailed research experience section: The research experience section is definitely a standout. The candidate provides thorough details about multiple projects they were involved in. This section proves their dedication and commitment to find ways to help others, which is highly relevant for the job position they're applying for. 
• Inclusion of volunteering work: Similarly, volunteering experience adds an extra layer to the resume. It’s great that the candidate includes a variety of roles, from advocacy work with Robbie’s Hope to volunteering with the Smithsonian. These activities show that the candidate is socially engaged and willing to give back to the community — attributes which are especially valued in psychology and social science professions.

What could be improved?

• Work experience section could be more detailed: Unfortunately, the work experience section is too vague. The descriptions don't really give much insight into the candidate's impact or any measurable achievements. It would be stronger if they added more specifics, like how many students they tutored or how their support led to improved test scores or grades. Numbers and results could make a huge difference here.
• Forensic psychology studies deserve more attention: While suicide prevention and forensic psychology may seem like separate areas, they do intersect in certain aspects, particularly in understanding behavior and mental health. That's why highlighting relevant coursework, projects, or recognitions related to forensic psychology would strengthen the resume and make the connection clearer.

1. Pick the right format for your applied sciences and professions student resume

Before you sit down to type your job application, we need to briefly discuss the differences between a resume and a CV (Curriculum Vitae). And yes, these are two separate documents. 

In a nutshell, the primary differences between the two lie in their purpose, content and length. Let's break it down!

Resume

In the context of applied sciences and professions, a resume is best suited for job positions that prioritize practical experience and technical skills. For example, if you want to land a job as an engineer, IT specialist, healthcare worker (like nurses or technicians), social worker, or project manager, a resume is your go-to.

When it comes to content, resumes focus on what's most relevant to the specific job at hand. That's why all the information it presents should always be custom tailored to align with the requirements outlined in the specific job posting as closely as possible. Resumes also highlight your competencies over your academic achievements or research contributions.

The ideal resume length is between 1-2 pages, depending on your years of work experience. Generally, one page should suffice for those with less than 10 years of experience, while more senior professionals (10+ years) are expected to present their work history across two pages.

Resumes can be further divided into three types based on which information they emphasize and which is pushed to the background.

• Reverse-chronological format: This is the format people are the most familiar with. The most prominent section is your work experience, listed in reverse order (starting with your most recent job). The outline typically includes: a summary/objective, work experience section, education, skills, and optional sections. This format is best suited for those with a solid work history and a clear career progression.
• Functional format: This format shifts the spotlight to your skills. The outline typically includes: a skills section, a smaller work history, education, and optional sections. It’s ideal for career changers, recent graduates, or those with employment gaps.
• Hybrid (combination) format: A hybrid resume blends both skills and experience, giving you the best of both worlds. It starts with a skills section but still includes a reverse-chronological work experience section. This format is highly flexible, making it a great option for people with a mix of strong skills and solid work history.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

On the other hand, a CV doesn’t just cover your work experience — it meticulously details all your:

• Academic achievements
• Research projects
• Publications
• Conference presentations
• Grants
• Awards

For someone in applied sciences or professions, a CV is ideal if you're applying for an academic or research-based position where your scholarly contributions matter more than in other occupations. 

Naturally, the sheer amount of information CVs usually contain is also reflected in its length. Unlike a resume, a CV can be as long as it needs to be. This means that there’s no strict page limit — some academic CVs can easily span five or even ten pages. 

Formatting your resume goes beyond just the structure. It also includes details like margin settings, font choices, and spacing, which can be time-consuming to perfect. Fortunately, using a professionally designed resume template can solve all of these headaches for you. Plus, our templates are also highly customizable, which makes them suitable for writing a CV as well. 

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2. Craft an eye-catching applied sciences and professions student resume summary or objective

Everybody understands why recruiters appreciate a well-written work experience section or detailed skills section. But whether they actually get to those parts of your resume largely depends on an entirely different section — the summary or objective.

A great summary or objective can hook a recruiter in seconds by giving them a quick snapshot of your best attributes. They’re usually no longer than 3-4 sentences and placed right at the top of your resume. Now, while they may look similar, they serve different purposes and are suited for different types of candidates. 

Writing a resume summary

A resume summary is more suited for those with a stable history of working in the field. If you’ve got a few years (or more) under your belt already, start by thinking about the highlights of your career so far. 

This is what your resume summary should include:

• Professional identity: Simply mention the position you want to fill or currently hold.
• Experience: Highlight your years of experience in the field. You can also mention the specific (but relevant!) types of projects you've worked on.
• Key skills: If you have any skills that you particularly excel in, make sure to list them here. Focus on the ones that are most relevant to the job you're applying for 
• Achievements: Put icing on the cake by adding a specific quantifiable accomplishment (if you can). 

Now, let's inspect two resume summaries and see which one works better: 

Why does this example feel so off? This summary doesn’t tell the recruiter anything specific about the applicant's background. And phrases like "experience in various fields" or "use my skills" don’t explain what skills or experience they actually have. There’s also no mention of any relevant expertise, accomplishments, or specific role they’re aiming for. 

Why does this look so much better? This example is exactly what any hiring manager wants to see. It clearly defines the applicant’s professional identity, highlights their relevant experience, and includes specific key skills that align with the job. Plus, adding the quantifiable achievement makes it even stronger.

Crafting a resume objective 

A resume objective, on the other hand, is ideal for students, recent graduates, or anyone making a career change. Instead of focusing on past experience, it’s more about what you want to achieve and how your skills and education align with the role.

This is what your resume objective should include:

• Career goal: Say what role you’re aiming for and how it fits within your career plans. 
• Relevant skills or experience: Highlight any relevant skills or experiences you bring to the table, even if they're from another industry or your studies.
• Focus on how you’ll add value: Explain how you can use your skills and knowledge to benefit your potential employer.

Why doesn't this example work? This objective is vague and lacks any real direction. It doesn’t specify what field within applied sciences the candidate is interested in, what relevant skills they have, or what type of position they’re aiming for. There's no clear goal or hint at how they’ll contribute to the company.

What makes this resume objective work? Unlike the previous example, this objective shows ambition and a genuine interest in the field. It's clear, focused, and aligned with the candidate's career goals. It mentions specific skills, hands-on experience, and explains how the candidate can bring value to the company thanks to their knowledge.

In a nutshell, whether you go with a resume summary or objective depends on where you are in your career. Just remember to be specific. If you don't clearly define your strengths, it’s hard for hiring managers to see why you'd be a good fit.

3. Select the best skills for your applied sciences and professions student resume 

Remember one of the first things we said about resumes? They always need to be custom-tailored to each and every job posting you apply for. If there's any aspect of your resume this principle applies to more than others, it's the skills you choose to highlight. 

To make sure that the skills you spotlight in your resume are relevant, start by reviewing the job posting closely and identify the key skills they're looking for. These definitely shouldn't be missing from your resume!

Of course, the field of applied sciences and professions is broad, and the potential job positions within it are many. However, there are certain skills which are highly appreciated in all of them: 

While hard skills may be the foundation of your success, your soft skills are the unsung heroes of any collaborative effort. Technical knowledge gets the job done, but it's your interpersonal abilities that keep projects running smoothly. 

When deciding what to mention on your resume, don’t just list every skill you’ve ever picked up. Always focus on what's most relevant to the specific position you're trying to fill. And when in doubt, refer back to the job posting for clues. 

4. Showcase your proudest achievements in an applied sciences and professions student resume

If you end up choosing the reverse-chronological format as the basis for your resume, the work experience section is easily its most decisive part. 

So, what should the perfect entry in the work experience section look like? Here’s what you need to include:

• Start with your job title and the name of your employer. 
• Include the dates of employment, listed by month and year. 
• Briefly list your core responsibilities.
• Highlight your impact by mentioning your achievements. 
• Support your accomplishments with quantifiable data.
• Start your bullet points with action verbs (more on that later).

If you've already worked full-time or part-time, you don't have to scratch your head wondering what to include in this section. However, you still need to pay close attention to how you present your experience! Consider these two examples and see which one works better: 

Why does it feel like something’s missing? This example is vague and doesn’t convey the candidate's impact. It only describes duties in a generic way without highlighting any specific achievements or contributions. There's no use of action verbs, no quantifiable data, and no clear indication of how the work made a difference. An entry like this simply won't do. 

Why is this so much better? One of the reasons why this example is so effective is because it uses strong action verbs. It also presents specific achievements and supports them with quantifiable data. All this gives hiring managers concrete evidence of the candidate’s impact and contributions.

Tips for fresh graduates with no professional experience 

Stepping into the job market is stressful enough, but the thought of competing with candidates who have previous work experience while you don't can be even more daunting. But your lack of employment history doesn't mean that you have nothing to show off. You can write about the experience and skills you've gained through: 

• Internships: Even if they were short-term or part-time, they provided you with hands-on experience and real-world skills. 
• Relevant academic projects: You can treat these projects like professional experiences by detailing your role and the impact of the work.
• Training and certifications: Whether it’s a certification in a specific software or a training course in a specialized technique, these credentials prove your dedication.
• Practicums and fieldwork: Similarly, if you participated in a practicum or field study, write about the tasks you were responsible for, the skills you applied, and any key outcomes.
• Volunteer work: Volunteer work can often involve significant responsibilities. If you’ve volunteered in a capacity related to your field, don’t overlook it. 

When putting together your work experience section as a student, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you don't have any professional experience yet, feel free to write about your internships, training, or volunteer work. Even if you’re this early in your career, be specific and tailor your experience to fit the job you’re applying for.

5. Boost your applied sciences and professions student resume with powerful action verbs 

We've mentioned that we'd get to action verbs later in this guide. And what we promise, we deliver! 

When used right, action verbs can really elevate how your resume is perceived. They grab the reader's attention and make you look like a candidate with a proactive approach and results-oriented mindset. 

Action verbs also play a crucial role in getting your resume past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems are designed to scan resumes for certain keywords and phrases to determine if you’re a good match for the position. The better the match between your resume and the job description, the higher the chance that your resume will make it into the recruiter’s hands.

By using action verbs, you can make your resume come to life. They make your descriptions more vivid and compelling. It's little details like these that can take a good resume and make it great. 

6. List your academic credentials in an applied sciences and professions student resume 

Regardless of whether or not you've already been employed, as a student, the education section of your resume needs to state more than just your degree and years of study!

Since you're still at the very beginning of your career, your education will play a much bigger role in showing what you bring to the table. As you don’t have a long enough work history yet, you should expand on your education entries to give employers a better sense of your qualifications and potential.

Here's what you can include: 

• Relevant coursework
• Projects and research
• Thesis or capstone projects
• Awards and honors
• Fieldwork and training 
• Relevant extracurricular activities

Your education section showcases the backbone of your expertise in applied sciences and professions. Whether you're just starting out or still in school, this part of your resume shows that you have the knowledge and skills to support your career goals. Make it count! 

7. Choose relevant optional sections for your applied sciences and professions student resume

When it comes to structure, no two resumes are identical. By now, we've been through all the essential resume sections. But if you want to showcase something beyond the basics, you should consider adding extra sections to your resume. 

These optional sections allow you to highlight unique aspects of your background and skills that might not fit elsewhere. Just keep in mind that everything you put on your resume has to be relevant and genuinely add value to your application.

Here are some optional sections you might want to consider adding to your resume:

• Certifications and licenses: Whether it's a specialized software certification, safety training, or an industry-specific license, these credentials can show that you’re serious about your professional development.
• Publications: For those in research-heavy roles, listing any papers, articles, or studies you’ve published (or co-authored) can significantly boost your credibility. 
• Projects: You can list personal, academic, or professional projects that demonstrate your relevant hands-on experience in the field.
• Awards and honors: If you’ve received any industry-related or academic awards and recognitions, showcasing them in a dedicated section can help you to stand out. 
• Conferences and presentations: Attending, speaking at, or organizing relevant conferences shows that you’re an active participant in your professional community. 
• Volunteering: Whether you volunteered for environmental organizations or educational programs, experience like this proves your commitment beyond just your job.

Extra sections on your resume can draw the reader's attention to what makes you unique. Just keep it relevant and impactful. And don’t forget — you can also include references to back up your story. As a student, you can only benefit from having someone vouch for your skills and work ethic. 

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8. Steer clear of common mistakes in your applied sciences and professions student resume

What kind of comprehensive guide would this be if we didn’t cover how to troubleshoot common mistakes? After all, even a moment of distraction can open the door to blunders that could undermine all your hard work. It’s easy to overlook small errors or missteps, but these can make a big difference in how your resume is perceived. 

To help you avoid these pitfalls, here’s a rundown of common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overlooking typos and grammatical errors: It’s easy to miss a typo or a grammatical mistake when you’re focusing on content. To avoid these, give your resume a few rounds of proofreading or ask a friend to review it. Tools like spell checkers can help, but a human touch is always best!
• Vague job descriptions: When describing your previous roles, being too vague doesn’t do you any favors. Instead of saying you “worked on projects,” get specific and write about what you did, how you did it, and what the outcome was. 
• Using an inconsistent format: A resume with inconsistent formatting looks messy and can be hard to follow. Make sure your headings, bullet points, fonts, margins, and spacing are uniform throughout. 
• Favoring duties over achievements: Listing what you did in your past jobs is important, but don’t forget to highlight your achievements. For example, instead of saying you “managed a team,” say you “led a team that increased project efficiency by 20%.”
• Including irrelevant information: Your resume has to be airtight, so keep it focused and relevant. Tailor it specifically to the job you’re applying for and leave out any unrelated details that might weaken your message.
• Lack of quantifiable achievements: Achievements backed by numbers speak louder than vague statements. Instead of saying you “improved performance,” say you “increased performance by 30%.” 
• Providing outdated contact information: Nothing’s worse than having a hiring manager try to reach you using an old phone number or email address. Make sure your contact info is up-to-date so they can get in touch easily.
• Ignoring ATS optimization: ATS software often screens resumes before a human even sees them. If you want yours to get noticed, include keywords from the job description and format it so the ATS can easily read it. 
• Failing to showcase your soft skills: Hard skills are key, but don’t forget about soft skills! Make sure to highlight your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving chops. Showing off these abilities proves you’re not just capable but also a great team player.

Before you submit your job application, give your resume one last look to make sure it's sharp and on point. Check for any last-minute typos, see if everything’s formatted neatly, and make sure that it’s tailored to the job you’re applying for. One final review can make all the difference!

9. Pair your applied sciences and professions student resume with a matching cover letter

A job application is never complete without a resume and a cover letter. Each piece plays a unique role in presenting your qualifications for the position, so don’t skimp on either. Together, these two documents present a fuller picture of who you are as a professional.

Is it necessary to send a cover letter with my resume? 

Even today, sending a cover letter is still highly recommended. While some companies may not explicitly ask for one, you’ll never go wrong attaching a well-crafted cover letter. It’s your chance to give more context to your resume, explain why you're passionate about the role, and differentiate yourself from other candidates. In short, it’s an extra opportunity to make a strong impression.

Basically, a great cover letter should provide answer for the following questions: 

• Who are you?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you want to work for us specifically? 
• How can you contribute to our success? 

Of course, your resume and cover letter should work hand-in-hand, each complementing the other. Your cover letter gives you space to address specific points on your resume in more depth.

Keep in mind that your resume and cover letter shouldn’t just match in content but also look like they belong together. When they have a consistent style, it gives off a polished and professional feeling. It might seem like a small thing, but having them look the same can make a big difference in how your application is received.

Here's a list of quick tips to help you make your cover letter visually consistent with your resume: 

• Use a matching header: Both your resume and cover letter should have the same header, including your name, contact information, and date. This immediately establishes a visual link between the two documents.
• Choose the same font size and style: Use the same font family for both your resume and cover letter. For example, common professional fonts include Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, and Helvetica.
• Maintain the same margin size: Similarly, be careful to use the same margin sizes for both documents. Standard margins are 1 inch on all sides, but you can adjust them slightly if necessary.
• Keep your color scheme consistent: The colors you use should be limited to only three shades. Anything more extravagant could detract from the overall professionalism of your job application. 
• Use templates to achieve a unified look: For example, each of Kickresume’s professionally designed resume templates is paired with a matching cover letter template. The only problem you'll face is the dilemma of choosing which design you like the most! 

To wrap things up, remember that a great job application includes both a stellar resume and a cover letter that work together seamlessly. Make sure they not only share the same content but also look like they were made for each other.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for occupations in applied sciences

When we talk about applied sciences, we’re diving into a huge umbrella term that covers countless different professions. From engineers and computer scientists to environmental scientists and health professionals, the field is packed with a variety of roles, each with its own salary range and job outlook. So, there's no single number that fits all; what you might earn depends on many factors: 

• Field of specialization
• Experience level
• Geographical location
• Education and certifications
• Industry vs academia
• Private vs public sector

Here are just a few examples of occupations within the field of applied sciences and professions, along with their estimated annual salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• For environmental scientists, the annual salary reaches $78,980. These occupations are projected to grow by 7% over the next decade.
• Those working as computer and information research scientists enjoy an annual salary of $145,080 and can expect their industry to grow by a whooping 26% between the years 2023-33.
• Similarly, physicists and astronomers earn on average $149,530 per year, with the prospects of their occupations growing by 7% over the next decade.
• Professionals in chemical engineering can also expect their industry to grow by 8%, adding to their annual salary of $112,100.
• Lastly, those making a living as health and safety engineers are estimated to make $103,690 a year. Moreover, these occupations are also projected to grow by 5% over the decade.

As you can see, despite their diverse specializations, all professions within applied sciences have two things in common: high income and positive job outlook. But these aren't the only reasons why people flock to such professions.

Many are attracted to the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, solve complex problems, and make a tangible impact on society. There’s also the appeal of working in dynamic fields that are constantly evolving, which can be both challenging and rewarding. Indeed, the chance to contribute to advancements in healthcare, environmental protection, or technology is a big draw for many.

In summary, while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to salary and job outlook in applied sciences, the field offers a diverse range of opportunities with promising prospects and attractive benefits. So, if you're drawn to solving real-world problems and making a difference, applied sciences might just be the perfect fit for you.

11. Valuable job search resources for professionals within applied sciences 

Knowing how to craft a great resume and cover letter is only half the battle when it comes to landing your dream job. Sure, if you're one of the lucky ones, the perfect job might just fall into your lap. But for the rest of us, a little job hunting is inevitable. Don’t worry though — there are plenty of resources to help make that search a whole lot easier. 

• Industry-specific job boards: Depending on your specialization, you can start your job search by checking out websites with niche focus like BioSpace, EnvironmentalCareer, IEEE Job Site, or Science Jobs.
• General job search engines: Alternatively, you can turn your attention towards more “mainstream” websites such as Indeed, Monster, SimplyHired, or Zip Recruiter.
• Professional associations: By following websites of organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), or the American Chemical Society (ACS) can gain access to more job postings, networking events, courses, and the latest industry news. 
• Research positions: If you want to dedicate your professional life to research, websites like EURAXESS, ResearchGate, or PharmiWeb may be just the thing you're looking for. 
• Positions within academia: Or, in case you want to stay on academical soil, you can scroll through job boards by Academic Positions, AcademicKeys, or Jobs.ac.uk.
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn allows you to follow companies, join professional groups, and receive job recommendations tailored to your interests. By polishing your profile, you make it easier for recruiters to find you. 
• Online courses: Finally, even though your student years may be over, learning never stops. Whether you want to brush up on your skills, gain new ones, or simply expand your knowledge, online learning platforms like Coursera, Brilliant, Udemy, or edX offer plenty of courses to choose from. 

Remember that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Stay positive and keep pushing forward — you’ve got the tools, and you’re more prepared than you think. With a strong resume, a compelling cover letter, and a proactive approach, you’re well on your way to landing that ideal job.