2 answers
Alisis
Student
Mesa, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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What are the best methods for balancing a job, extra curriculares, and school that result in a résumé that’s good enough to stand out in applications for grad school, jobs, etc?
Particularly in the area of extra curriculares. What looks best and makes a resume stand out if you spend most of your time working?
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2 answers
Emily Peterson
I am a lab assistant with experience working in the food industry, in nursing homes, and volunteering in numerous different areas
2
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi!
I am currently an undergrad premedical student a completely understand! I know it can be scary, especially when there is so much to do on top of classes! I don't think you are asking for a medical school answer so I will take the general information that I have learned from my advisors!
For applications, recruiters and grad schools want to see commitment. What I mean by this is they want to see that you found a passion and stuck with it for a good period of time, even if it is just one hour a week. This could be your job, volunteering, any leadership role, etc. If you continue you this for a few months, the hours will add up and you will find meaningful experiences in it as well. The number of hours don't matter as much when you are getting a truly meaningful experience out of it.
Some areas you could look into to expand your resume include volunteering, shadowing/observing those in your field, research, clubs, and leadership roles.
Volunteering is typically pretty easy to find, so I suggest finding something you are passionate about that you can talk about in your interviews! For shadowing and observing, depending on what you want to do, I have had success cold emailing different people in my community who work in the medical field who I can either shadow or talk to about their job. This is super helpful and I am sure they would also have ideas for good ECs too! Research can be hard, and isn't always necessary if you are looking to go into a business field, but for anything science, any type of research is good to have! Many professors conduct research and it can be fun to get involved, it doesn't have to match your major or career goal either. Finally clubs are super great for finding leadership roles! Join a club that you feel passionate about and think about applying for an exec role in later years!
As for balancing all of this, it's impossible to do everything at once. You will be a MUCH better student if you take time for yourself too! Above all of this, remember that grad schools and jobs don't expect you to be a robot, they know you are a student who needs to put self care first! You got this, and if you need me to expand on anything let me know!
Good luck to you!
I am currently an undergrad premedical student a completely understand! I know it can be scary, especially when there is so much to do on top of classes! I don't think you are asking for a medical school answer so I will take the general information that I have learned from my advisors!
For applications, recruiters and grad schools want to see commitment. What I mean by this is they want to see that you found a passion and stuck with it for a good period of time, even if it is just one hour a week. This could be your job, volunteering, any leadership role, etc. If you continue you this for a few months, the hours will add up and you will find meaningful experiences in it as well. The number of hours don't matter as much when you are getting a truly meaningful experience out of it.
Some areas you could look into to expand your resume include volunteering, shadowing/observing those in your field, research, clubs, and leadership roles.
Volunteering is typically pretty easy to find, so I suggest finding something you are passionate about that you can talk about in your interviews! For shadowing and observing, depending on what you want to do, I have had success cold emailing different people in my community who work in the medical field who I can either shadow or talk to about their job. This is super helpful and I am sure they would also have ideas for good ECs too! Research can be hard, and isn't always necessary if you are looking to go into a business field, but for anything science, any type of research is good to have! Many professors conduct research and it can be fun to get involved, it doesn't have to match your major or career goal either. Finally clubs are super great for finding leadership roles! Join a club that you feel passionate about and think about applying for an exec role in later years!
As for balancing all of this, it's impossible to do everything at once. You will be a MUCH better student if you take time for yourself too! Above all of this, remember that grad schools and jobs don't expect you to be a robot, they know you are a student who needs to put self care first! You got this, and if you need me to expand on anything let me know!
Good luck to you!
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
Recruiter
100
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Hi Alisis,
I totally get this. I worked a lot during school too, and honestly, the key is being intentional with your time. You don’t need a million extracurriculars—just one or two that really matter. Aim for something where you can lead, create, or make an impact (even if it’s small).
Also, don’t downplay your job. Working while in school already shows dedication and time management. Just make sure you frame it that way on your résumé—highlight the skills and responsibility, not just the tasks.
If you can, look for things that double as both experience and an extracurricular, like research, a side project, or volunteering in your field. It’s all about telling a clear story of how you’ve made the most of your time.
Best of luck to you!
I totally get this. I worked a lot during school too, and honestly, the key is being intentional with your time. You don’t need a million extracurriculars—just one or two that really matter. Aim for something where you can lead, create, or make an impact (even if it’s small).
Also, don’t downplay your job. Working while in school already shows dedication and time management. Just make sure you frame it that way on your résumé—highlight the skills and responsibility, not just the tasks.
If you can, look for things that double as both experience and an extracurricular, like research, a side project, or volunteering in your field. It’s all about telling a clear story of how you’ve made the most of your time.
Best of luck to you!