Should I list Dual Enrollment On My Resume?
So, you aced those college courses while still in high school—congrats! That’s an accomplishment worth celebrating. But now that you’re drafting or updating your resume, the question arises: does that impressive feat belong there? The answer, like many things in life, is: it depends.
While dual enrollment is a testament to your ambition, time management skills, and ability to excel in challenging environments, whether or not it fits on your resume depends on a few key factors. Let's dive deeper into when you should flaunt that dual enrollment experience and when you should leave it behind.
When to Include Dual Enrollment:
- Limited Work Experience: If you’re just starting your professional journey, your resume might be on the sparse side. Perhaps you haven’t had many jobs or internships yet. In this case, your academic achievements can help fill the space and make a stronger impression. Dual enrollment experience, in particular, demonstrates your initiative and your ability to handle college-level coursework while still managing high school responsibilities. That kind of hustle and determination can speak volumes to a potential employer about your work ethic and discipline.
- Relevant Coursework: Did the courses you took align with the industry or role you’re aiming for? If you took a college-level course in a subject directly related to your career goals, absolutely highlight it. For instance, if you're applying for a software engineering internship and you took a computer science course through dual enrollment, that’s highly relevant. It shows that not only have you taken the initiative to get ahead, but that you already have some foundational knowledge in the field. This gives you an edge, especially for entry-level positions or internships.
- Impressive Grades: Let’s be real—good grades can leave a lasting impression. If you achieved high marks in your dual enrollment classes, don’t be afraid to showcase them. Excellent grades in college-level courses while still in high school can indicate strong academic skills, focus, and the ability to manage complex materials, all of which can make you a standout candidate.
- When Space Allows: Your resume should be concise and to the point, typically one page for early career professionals or two for those with more experience. If you’re trying to stretch your resume to fit a full page, dual enrollment can be an excellent filler to pad things out in a meaningful way. But if space is at a premium, consider prioritizing more relevant professional experiences over academic ones, unless, of course, your dual enrollment is directly related to the job you’re applying for.
When to Leave It Out:
- Outdated Information: If you’re a few years into your career or have accumulated more relevant experiences—internships, full-time jobs, or certifications—it might be time to let go of your dual enrollment achievements. While they were an impressive feat at the time, they may not carry the same weight now compared to more recent and relevant professional experiences.
- Irrelevant Coursework: Not every dual enrollment class will be applicable to the job you’re seeking. For example, taking "Introduction to Underwater Basket Weaving" might have been a quirky, fun experience, but unless you’re applying for a role that somehow involves basket weaving, it won’t add value to your resume. Make sure that what you’re highlighting is relevant to the job at hand. Focus on what will show your potential employer that you’re the right fit.
- Taking Up Valuable Space: Think of your resume as prime real estate. Every line and section should be working hard to sell your qualifications and experiences. If you’re debating between listing a part-time job that’s more relevant to the position you’re applying for or your dual enrollment coursework from years ago, go with the job. Always prioritize experience and skills that align more directly with the employer’s needs.
How to List Dual Enrollment:
If you’ve decided that your dual enrollment experience is worth including, here’s how to present it effectively on your resume:
Education Section: List the college name, the course(s) you took, and the dates of attendance. You can also add your GPA for these courses if they were particularly impressive. Keep it simple and consistent with the formatting of the rest of your resume.
Example:
[College Name], [City, State]
Dual Enrollment Program, [Month Year] - [Month Year]
- Course Name: [Grade]
- Course Name: [Grade]
When to Tailor Your Resume:
One key thing to remember is that your resume is a living document. It should evolve and change based on the job you’re applying for. Just because your dual enrollment coursework is relevant for one role doesn’t mean it will be relevant for another. Tailoring your resume for each job application ensures that you’re putting your best foot forward every time. Highlight the experiences, skills, and coursework that align most closely with the position you’re targeting. Sometimes that means dual enrollment will be a powerful asset, and sometimes it’s better left off the page.
The Bottom Line:
In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should include dual enrollment on your resume. It’s all about context and relevance. If it helps you stand out and strengthens your application, by all means, include it. But if it’s just taking up space, don’t be afraid to let it go. Focus on crafting a resume that tells your unique story in the best possible light, highlighting the skills and experiences that will make an employer excited to bring you on board.
Remember, the goal of your resume is to present your most compelling qualifications. Dual enrollment can definitely be a part of that narrative, but only if it genuinely adds value to the picture you’re trying to paint for your future employer.