How to Build a CV as a Student (Free Template Included)

Introduction

We all need a CV in life, as much as we are shaping our lives and trying to fit into those careers we are all dreaming of. However, creating a CV as a student can feel overwhelming, especially when you have little or no work experience. Many students believe they can't build a strong CV until they graduate, but this is a common thought. In reality, a well-structured student CV can open doors to internships, part-time jobs, scholarships, and even full-time roles after graduation.

This guide will walk you step by step through how to build a professional CV as a student, what to include, what to avoid, and how to stand out plus, we include a free CV template you can easily customize.

Best resume template for students

What Is a CV and Why Do Students Need One?

A (Curriculum Vitae) commonly known as ; CV is a document that summarizes your education, skills, achievements, and experiences. For students, a CV is often required when applying for things like, Internship, Part-time or online jobs, Scholarships and exchange programs (abroad or within the country) ,Volunteering opportunities and Graduate programs

Even if you lack formal work experience, your CV shows employers your potential, attitude, and transferable skills.

Can a Student Build a CV Without Experience?

Yes absolutely without any doubt.

Employers understand that students are still learning. What they seek is your education, Relevant skills, Projects, coursework, or volunteering and your willingness to learn and grow overtime.

You should understand that, a strong student CV focuses more on skills, achievements, and academic involvement rather than job history.

Essential Sections of a Student CV

Let’s break down each section of a  best student CV and explain how to write it effectively. Below are key things you will need to consider, and your CV should focus on;

1. Personal Information

This section will include some essential details about yourself, it should be short and professional.

Here, include; Your full name, phone number, professional email address, city and country and your LinkedIn profile or portfolio if you have any.

As a student, please avoid including the following in your CV:

Your Age

Your religion

Your marital status

Your national ID numbers

Here is an example of how your personal details should look:

Rics Henry
ricshenry@email.com
+254234 567 890
Nairobi, Kenya

2. Professional Summary (Student Profile)

After successfully including your personal details on your CV, the next thing that is very important will include your professional summary. This is a short paragraph of about 2–3 lines that introduces you.

As a student, you should focus on: Your field of study, it could be IT, education or any other.  Your Key skills it could be programming, or codding. Your Career goals, of course we all have career goals. We don't just study for the sake of studying, focus on your goal in that course you are undertaking.

Example of a student summary:

I am a Motivated computer science student with strong problem-solving skills and a passion for web development. Seeking an internship to apply academic knowledge in a real-world environment.

This section will help recruiters quickly understand who you actually are.

3. Education

Third on the list of items required, is your educational information. Education is the most important section for students. In this section, include: Degree or course name that you are currently undertaking, Institution name, Starting dates and expected graduation year and Relevant subjects.

Take a look at this example:

Bachelor of Business Administration
Songa Mbele University
2022 – 2026
Relevant coursework: Marketing, Accounting, Business Communication

4. Skills (Very Important)

Apart from education, also focus on the available or learned skills over time. Remember, your skills section can make or break your CV.

Divide these skills into the following categories:

Technical skills, that requires technical abilities like drawing.

Soft skills like successfully using Microsoft ward and more.

Language skills that will include the languages that you can best speak.

Consider these examples:

Technical: MS Word, Excel, Python, Canva

Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, time management

Languages: English (Fluent), Spanish (Basic), Kiswahili(fluent)

Remember to only include skills you actually have, not to overdo.

5. Projects and Academic Work

This is also another important aspect that we need to include in our CV. If you don’t have job experience, projects are your best asset to go with.

Include these important parts in your projects and academic works: Your university projects, Group assignments extra online courses and your own Personal projects.

Example:

Website Development Project
Designed and developed a responsive website using HTML and CSS as part of coursework.

This  will show practical knowledge.

6. Internships and Work Experience (If Any)

Even part-time or temporary jobs that you have ever done count.

Include the following on your WORK EXPERIENCE IF YOU HAVE ANY:

Job title

Organization name

Duration

Key responsibilities

Here is an Example:

Sales Assistant – ABC Store
June 2023 – August 2023
Assisted customers, managed inventory, and handled billing.

7. Volunteering and Extracurricular Activities

Volunteering demonstrates responsibility and leadership and this will earn you a point for consideration while seeking for work.

Include these parts: Clubs, Sports, Student organizations, Community service

Example:

Member, University Debate Club
Participated in inter-university competitions and events.

8. Certifications and Online Courses

Online learning adds value to a student CV. If you undertook any courses online, that's an added advantage.

Examples of courses that can be done online:

• Google Digital Marketing Certification

• Coursera Python Course

• Udemy Graphic Design Course

Make sure certifications are relevant and recognized by the law.

9. Hobbies and Interests (Optional)

This part might look like its never important but rest be assured, it adds something on your profile. Include this section only if hobbies are:

• Relevant

• Professional

Simple examples: Blogging about technology, Photography, Public speaking

Kindly avoid vague interests like “watching movies”.

Tips to Make Your Student CV Stand Out

Here are best practical tips to improve your CV quality:

Keep It One Page

Recruiters prefer short and clear CVs.

a)Use Simple Formatting with;

Clear headings

Bullet points

Consistent font

b)Customize for Each Job

Change skills and summary based on the job description.

c)Use Action Words

Examples: Developed, Assisted, Designed, Managed

d)Check Grammar and Spelling

Errors reduce credibility instantly.

Common CV Mistakes Students Should Avoid

Avoid Using an unprofessional email address

Avoid Copying CVs  directly from the internet

Avoid Adding false information

Avoid Using long paragraphs

Also, avoid Including irrelevant personal details

Remember, honesty and clarity are key.

Free Student CV Template (Simple and Professional)

You can use the structure provided  below to create your CV in Word or Google Docs.

DOWNLOAD CV TEMPLATE IN WORD FORMAT HERE 

Conclusion

Building a CV as a student is not about how much experience you have it’s about how well you present what you already know. With the right structure, relevant skills, and honest information, you can create a CV that attracts opportunities even before graduation.

Start early, keep updating your CV, and tailor it for every opportunity. A strong CV today can shape your future career tomorrow.

This has been prepared by KIHUSA HENRY. a team builder, tutor and counselor.