When it comes to listing your education on a resume, it’s important to clearly convey that you have completed a degree program or attained a certain level of education. While the most common way to express this is by stating “graduated,” there are various formal and informal alternatives you can use to add some variety and interest to your resume. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “graduated” on a resume, provide examples, and offer tips to help you impress potential employers.
Table of Contents
Formal Phrases to Indicate Graduation
When aiming for a formal tone on your resume, you can use the following phrases to express your graduation:
1. Completed a Degree
Instead of using the word “graduated,” you can say that you “completed a degree” in a specific field. This phrase indicates that you successfully finished the required coursework.
Example: Completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
2. Earned a Degree
Another formal way to convey graduation is by stating that you “earned a degree.” Use this phrase if you want to emphasize the effort you put into obtaining your education.
Example: Earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Science.
3. Attained a Diploma
If you completed a diploma program instead of a degree, you can use the term “attained a diploma.”
Example: Attained a Diploma in Graphic Design.
4. Obtained a Certificate
In case you obtained a professional certificate rather than a degree or diploma, you can state that you “obtained a certificate” in your chosen field.
Example: Obtained a Certificate in Project Management.
Informal Ways to Highlight Graduation
If you’re looking to inject a more casual or creative tone into your resume, you can use informal phrases to indicate your graduation:
1. Graduated With a Degree
A straightforward and widely understood phrase is “graduated with a degree.” This simple statement effectively communicates your educational achievement.
Example: Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies.
2. Received a Diploma/Certificate
Using the term “received” instead of “obtained” or “attained” can help create a more relaxed tone while still conveying the completion of a diploma or certificate program.
Example: Received a Diploma in Culinary Arts.
3. Achieved Graduation
To add a touch of enthusiasm and accomplishment to your resume, you can mention that you “achieved graduation.”
Example: Achieved graduation with a Master’s Degree in Psychology.
Tips for Listing Graduation on a Resume
1. Be Consistent with Formatting
Ensure that the formatting of your education section is consistent throughout your resume. Use the same tense and structure for each entry.
2. Include Relevant Details
Provide additional details such as the name of your educational institution, the location, dates of attendance, and any honors or awards you received.
3. Tailor the Description
If you’re applying for a job that requires a specific degree or educational background, tailor your description to highlight the relevancy of your education to the position.
4. Prioritize Recent Education
List your most recent educational achievements first and work your way back. This allows employers to quickly see your highest level of education.
Conclusion
Effectively showcasing your graduation on a resume is crucial in presenting a strong educational background to potential employers. Whether you choose a formal or informal way to express your completion of a degree program, remember to be consistent with formatting, include relevant details, and tailor your description as needed. By incorporating the tips and examples provided in this guide, you can confidently present your educational accomplishments and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
