What is the best way to include limited college experience on a resume?
Asked by Silverears
If someone needs to make a resume but failed out of college and has since been fairly successful in sales, what is the best way to include college experience in the resume? I've heard some college is better than none, which makes sense, but including the college information may result in some difficult questions. How can the sales experience be emphasized? Can some sort of addendum be included with a resume in such cases to offer an explanation of the past? Thanks!

Best Answer:
I am a professional resume developer and this is how I deal with someone with some college experience, but no degree. Example: EDUCATION: Business courses, Stonehill College, Easton, MA You simply include the general course of study and the college that you attended. Do not include the attendance time frame. Don't include an addendum, as it will only serve to focus on the education issue. Never answer a question that has not been asked. If the question as to schooling arises during the interview process, you might say something like, "I found it necessary to join the workforce." That is true, but ambiguous enough that it can indicate a lack of funds, family issues, or whatever. Don't indicate to a potential employer that the door to further education is closed, either. You never know when you may find your calling and decide to go back to school. I was a 10th grade drop out but I went back to school in my 40's and graduated summa cum laude, so you just never know. You can emphasize your success in sales by detailing your accomplishments in that area. If you cannot afford to pay a resume developer, there are many good resume books at the public library. Good luck. I'm sure you'll do fine.

Ahem: Pursued a business interest in an institution of higher learning before opting out to explore other options.
Answered by Ethan K

I have a similar background, although I didn't fail out, I just quit college - moved to california - and through years of hard work am now experienced in project management as well as SQA and technical writing..anyway...enough about me... I generally put this - Upon Request - under the college experience summary in the resume. Unless you are working in a foreign country where college degrees are the only way to a job, I have found that most people that have interviewed me have never bothered to ask - especially since I now have years of experience doing what I do. If they do ask...just tell them something that they want to hear....like.."I went for 2 years but got caught up in my career - I have always planned on taking some online courses in my spare time".
Answered by fly2raven

Keep it short, sweet and honest. I am an employer and have seen all types of different explanations on a resume. I will tell you that the most acceptable kind is: under the Education part, write down the name of the college, location (town and state), and date range in which you attended. Bullet any certifications, awards or degrees you may have received in the meantime. Even though you only attended a short time, that time may be considered an Associates Degree, check with your college to see how many credits you completed and see if they were enough for that. Although you say you "failed" out, for anyone else, most people also add their GPA if it was above a 3.0. I would not add an "addendum" at the back of the resume, the employer would find it odd or not read it at all. For the most part, experience is what counts. Hope this helps!
Answered by whatithink

I am a recruiter I interview people all time who have not finished school. I didn't finish school either and flunked out my second year, went back and left. I just put in the college my major and the years I was there. When asked I always say I choose to leave cause I didn't want to continue to pursue a carreer I no longer feel a passion for. Alot of the time as long as you have a consistent work history your college will not really matter, unless you are going for a spot where a degree is required. You must not be nervous about your past cause it will effect any intrviews you go to, I see that all the time too and it makes me shy away from a candidate who is not comfortable with their past.
Answered by Marilina A