Crafting a résumé for the Conrad Program isn’t just about showing grades or stuffing in every activity you’ve ever done. This program looks for future leaders—students who can think creatively, work across teams, and show initiative. That means your résumé needs to do more than list credentials. It has to tell a story about your potential. If you’re an applicant, here are the best résumé tips to help you stand out.
Highlight Leadership in Any Form
You don’t need to have been president of a club to prove leadership. Maybe you organized a fundraiser, mentored younger students, or led a group project that actually worked out (a rare win in student life). Frame these moments to show initiative, collaboration, and results.
Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers pop. Instead of writing “helped with fundraising,” say “raised $2,500 through campus-wide event.” Specifics make your contributions memorable and credible.
Tailor Your Skills to the Program’s Goals
The Conrad Program values innovation, entrepreneurship, and teamwork. So instead of a generic skills section, highlight things like problem-solving, public speaking, event organization, project management, or creative idea generation. Align your résumé with what the program emphasizes.
Include Relevant Coursework and Projects
If you’ve taken entrepreneurship, leadership, or innovation-focused classes, include them. Even better, add major projects where you applied those lessons—like building a prototype, pitching an idea, or conducting market research. Projects often speak louder than theory.
Keep It Concise and Clean
Your résumé isn’t your autobiography. Stick to one page, with clear formatting and consistent font use. Recruiters and program directors often skim, so clarity beats cramming.
Showcase Community Involvement
Conrad values students who give back. Volunteer work, non-profit initiatives, or social impact projects all show that you’re not just ambitious but also committed to meaningful leadership.
Use Action Verbs, Not Passive Language
Start bullet points with strong verbs like “organized,” “launched,” “developed,” “collaborated,” or “initiated.” They make you sound like a doer rather than a bystander.
Don’t Forget Soft Skills (But Show Them Through Action)
Instead of writing “good communicator,” demonstrate it: “Delivered presentations to 100+ attendees at student leadership conference.” Proof > claims.
Add Awards or Recognition
Scholarships, leadership awards, or innovation challenges? Include them. They instantly show credibility and reinforce your achievements.
Proofread, Then Proofread Again
Nothing sinks a résumé faster than a typo. Ask a friend, mentor, or even your campus career center to review it. A fresh set of eyes can catch what you miss.
Quick Checklist for Conrad Résumés
| Focus Area | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Leadership Experience | Clubs, projects, mentorship roles |
| Measurable Achievements | Numbers, outcomes, impact |
| Program Alignment | Innovation, teamwork, entrepreneurship |
| Coursework & Projects | Practical, applied examples |
| Community Involvement | Volunteer work, social impact |
| Recognition | Awards, scholarships, competitions |
| Formatting | One page, clean, typo-free |
The Conrad Program isn’t looking for “perfect” résumés—they want to see promise, creativity, and initiative. If your résumé tells the story of someone who steps up, thinks differently, and drives impact, you’ll already be ahead of the pack.
FAQs
Do I need prior entrepreneurial experience to apply?
No. Conrad values potential and willingness to learn just as much as experience.
Should I include part-time jobs?
Yes—especially if they demonstrate transferable skills like teamwork, responsibility, or problem-solving.
Is one page enough for a Conrad résumé?
Absolutely. Conciseness shows you can communicate effectively.
