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Resume 2023 > Career Blog > How to List an Unfinished Degree on a Resume

How to List an Unfinished Degree on a Resume

November 28, 2022
Reading Time: 9 mins read

Completing a degree can be a long and challenging process; sometimes, life gets in the way. Perhaps you had to take time off to raise a family or start a business. Maybe you simply ran out of money. Whatever the reason, many people have unfinished degrees. So, when is it appropriate to put an incomplete degree on your resume?

When You Should Put Unfinished Degrees in Your Resume

It’s a common question: should you put unfinished degrees on your resume? The answer isn’t always clear-cut, and it depends on several factors. For instance, if you’re applying for a job requiring a certain level of education, it’s generally advisable to list any unfinished degrees that would help you meet those criteria. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a job that doesn’t require a specific degree, then listing an unfinished degree could work against you. In general, incomplete degrees should only be included on a resume if they are relevant to the position you’re applying for. If there’s doubt, it’s usually better to leave them off.

When You Should Leave Out Unfinished Degrees in Your Resume

It is a common question amongst job applicants – whether or not to put unfinished degrees on their best resume 2023 formats. The answer, unfortunately, is not clear-cut. There are a few factors that you will need to take into consideration before making your decision.

  • First, consider the relevancy of the degree to the position you are applying for. If the degree is closely related, it may be worth mentioning, even if it is incomplete. However, if it is not relevant, or if you have other qualifications that are more relevant, then you may want to leave it off your resume.
  • Second, think about how far along you are in the program. If you only have a few courses remaining, it may be worth mentioning on your resume. However, if you are still in the early stages of the program, it may be best to omit it.
  • Finally, consider your circumstances. If you left the program due to extenuating circumstances beyond your control, you might want to explain this in your cover letter or during an interview. However, if you decide not to finish the program, it may be best to leave it off your resume. Ultimately, whether or not to include unfinished degrees on your resume is a personal one. Consider carefully all of the factors involved before making your decision.

How to Put Unfinished Degree on a Resume/CV

First, list the institution you were attending and your expected graduation date. This shows that you were committed to completing your degree, even if you didn’t ultimately finish it. You can also include a brief description of your coursework if you feel it is relevant to the position you’re applying for. For example, if you were studying engineering but didn’t finish your degree, you could mention that you took classes in physics and mathematics.

Next, include any relevant coursework you completed, even if it wasn’t part of your degree program. If you took classes pertinent to the position you’re applying for, list them prominently on your resume or CV. This will show employers that though you didn’t complete your degree, you have still acquired valuable knowledge and skills.

Finally, don’t forget to list any relevant experience or skills you may have acquired outside the classroom. Many employers value experience just as much as formal education, so be sure to showcase any internships, jobs, or other incidents that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. By following these tips, you can ensure that your unfinished degree doesn’t hold you back from landing the job of your dreams.

Ongoing Degree on Resume

You’re a few semesters shy of graduating but already have your sights set on your next challenge: finding a job. As you polish up your resume, you may wonder how to list your ongoing degree. The good news is that there are a few different ways to do this, and each has its benefits.

One option is to list your degree as “in progress.” This is simple, and it doesn’t require you to estimate your graduation date (which can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure when you’ll be able to complete your remaining courses). However, this approach may not impress employers looking for candidates with more experience.

An alternative is to include the expected completion date for your degree. This shows employers that you’re on track to finish your studies and makes it easier for them to gauge your experience level. However, it’s essential to be realistic when estimating your graduation date, as setting too high of expectations can backfire.

Finally, you could choose to omit your degree from your resume altogether. This is only recommended if you’re confident that your other qualifications will speak for themselves. For example, if you’ve already been working in the field for several years or have different relevant experience, listing your degree may not add much value.

No matter which approach you choose, remember to update your resume as needed once you’ve completed your degree. Doing so will ensure that potential employers always have accurate information about your education and qualifications.

Did Not Graduate

You may have put off going to college or started college but didn’t finish. Maybe you took time off for family reasons or to work and earn money. Perhaps you just weren’t ready for college when you graduated high school. You didn’t graduate from college for whatever reason, but now you want to put “Did Not Graduate” on your resume. How do you do that without sounding like a slacker?

  • First, be honest about the reason you didn’t finish college. If you left for a good cause, such as starting a family or caring for an ill relative, then say so. If you went because you struggled academically, don’t try to gloss over that with a vague explanation. Be specific and honest about why you didn’t finish.
  • Second, highlight what you’ve done since you left college. If you’ve been working, mention any promotions or significant accomplishments. If you’ve been taking classes or attending workshops related to your field, say that too. Demonstrate that you’re still learning and growing, even though you didn’t finish your degree.
  • Third, focus on your skills and experience rather than your education level. Your resume should highlight what you can do, not what degree you have (or don’t have). Emphasize the skills and experience that make you qualified for the job, even if they were gained outside of a traditional educational setting.

Putting “Did Not Graduate” on your resume doesn’t have to be negative. As long as you present it correctly, it can show that you’re resourceful and resilient – two qualities that any employer would value.

Tips on How to Add Unfinished Education to a Resume

Even if you didn’t finish your degree, there are still ways to include your unfinished education on your resume. For example, you can list the name of the school you were attending, the type of degree you were pursuing, and the dates of your attendance. Alternatively, you can list the relevant coursework you completed. Either way, your unfinished education can show employers that you’re motivated to learn and improve your skills.

Let’s take a look at some valuable tips.

Create a portfolio/personal website if you have an unfinished degree on your resume

While job hunting, you may have come across the advice to create a portfolio or personal website. This is especially useful if you have an unfinished degree on your resume. Creating a portfolio can highlight your skills and experiences in a way impossible with a traditional resume. In addition, a portfolio can help you stand out from other candidates with similar qualifications. If you are unsure where to start, many online tutorials can help you create a professional-looking website. Even if you only have a few hours to spare, investing some time in creating a portfolio can be well worth the effort.

Opt for an objective statement

If you have an unfinished degree, you may wonder how to best present this information. One option is to include an objective statement. This can be a brief sentence that explains your career goals and how your unfinished degree will help you to achieve them. For example, you might say, “I am seeking a position in XYZ field where I can utilize my knowledge of ABC and continue to develop my skills.” By being clear about your goals and explaining how your degree will help you achieve them, employers can better understand why they should consider you for the role.

Prioritize qualifications obtained in education

One way to make your application stand out is to prioritize your qualifications. If you have an unfinished degree, list the relevant coursework you have completed and highlight any relevant skills you have acquired. Employers will be impressed by your dedication to your education and will be more likely to overlook that you have not yet completed your degree. In addition, if you have any other qualifications related to the position you are applying for, be sure to list them prominently on your resume. By taking the time to highlight your most impressive capabilities, you will increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately getting the job you want.

How to Boost Your Resume/CV with No or an Unfinished College Degree

Your resume is your first opportunity to make a good impression on a potential employer. Like many job seekers, you may wonder how to boost your resume without a college degree. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to do this. 

Include other personal/professional projects that are relevant to the position

Although a traditional education degree may be the typical route to becoming a teacher, if you have other professional or personal projects relevant to the position, don’t hesitate to include them on your application. For example, if you have experience leading a team or teaching a class outside of a school setting, that can be just as valuable as time spent in a classroom. Similarly, those would also be worth highlighting if you have taken any courses or pursued any educational opportunities related to teaching. In short, don’t let your lack of an education degree stop you from applying for a teaching position – instead, focus on how your unique experiences can make you an asset to the school.

Create a skills section to highlight your existing hard and soft skills

If you don’t have a formal education degree, don’t worry – there are still plenty of ways to highlight your skills and qualifications on your resume. One way to do this is to create a dedicated skills section. This is where you can list hard and soft skills relevant to the position you’re applying for. For hard skills, including knowledge or expertise in a particular area. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a web developer, you might list skills such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Soft skills are more general interpersonal skills that can be useful in any many sessions. Some examples include communication, problem-solving, and time management. By including a skills section on your resume, you’ll be able to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the abilities and qualifications they’re looking for – even without a formal education degree.

Go for informal or non-formal education. (i.e., online learning, on-the-job training, etc.)

There are many reasons why someone might choose to go for informal or non-formal education instead of a formal one. Perhaps they didn’t have the opportunity to go to university, or maybe they want to learn a specific skill set that isn’t taught in traditional schools. Whatever the reason, there are benefits to pursuing non-formal education. One of the most significant advantages is that it can be much cheaper than getting a degree. You also have more control over your learning process and can tailor it to your specific needs and goals. And thanks to the internet, you have access to a wealth of resources and courses you can take at your own pace. So if you’re looking for an alternative to formal education, don’t discount informal or non-formal education – it could be the perfect fit.

Lindsay Karny
Lindsay Karny

Lindsay is a certified resume writer and interview coach. She obtained her certification in resume writing (CPRW) which will allow her resume expertise to help readers outshine the competition within the first 5 seconds of reviewing what they have on paper.

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Lindsay Karny

Lindsay Karny

Lindsay is a certified resume writer and interview coach. She obtained her certification in resume writing (CPRW) which will allow her resume expertise to help readers outshine the competition within the first 5 seconds of reviewing what they have on paper.

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