Should I list classes on my resume? Part II

In response to Should I list classes on my resume? a reader writes:

"what about computer classes? I took several computer classes such as java, oracle, web development etc. etc. I have no real life job experience in those and even though I did well in those classes, I wouldn't say I could program. Should I list those even if I feel weak in those areas and if so, should I list that under experience or part of my education section?"

When it comes to listing classes on your resume, you want to think about it from the perspective of the person reading your resume. You only want to highlight classes that give you skills and experience related to the position you are applying for.

If you feel like the skills and experience you gained from your classes are "weak in those areas," you really shouldn't be listing them on your resume. For everything on your resume, you want to be able to back it up and you don't feel you can do that.

Alternatively, it would be appropriate to list the programming languages and computer skills you have in a "Skills" section rather than listing the classes under Education or Experience. The key here would be to include an estimation of your skill level, such as basic, beginning, intermediate, advanced, proficient, or expert.

Including a skills section might look something like this:

          SKILLS

          Languages: Conversational Spanish

          Programming Languages: Basic Java, Intermediate A++
          Computer: Basic web development

But, only list "hard" skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Hard skills are things like above, skills that are fairly easy to demonstrate and concrete. This is in contrast to "soft" skills--like communication and interpersonal skills--which are more context-based and difficult to demonstrate without really working with someone for a while.


Lastly, if you are applying for positions where programming languages or specific computer skills are needed and you don't feel confident about your skills, look for ways to improve your skills. You've already taken classes, so consider volunteering, reading books, or joining forums online where you can get more practice.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

How can I transfer from one university to another?

A reader writes:

"I want to transfer from UCLA to Stanford. Are there any tips? I know GPA and everything else is important. I really want to transfer as Stanford is my dream university."

Generally speaking, it is much more difficult to transfer from university to university compared to transferring to a university from a community college. The main reason for this is that university-to-university transfer students get the last bite at the apple. That is, university-to-university transfer students are admitted after incoming freshmen and community college transfers.

That being said, it is not impossible, but it is certainly a harder road to go down. To improve your chances of being admitted as a university-to-university transfer student, here are some tips you can follow:

First, contact the admissions office at the potential transfer institution immediately. Schools do not widely publicize the admissions process for university-to-university transfer students, so contacting them directly is likely to give you the best information to guide your journey.

When you are choosing classes at your current school, try to take classes as similar as possible to the requirements at the potential transfer institution. This will improve your chances of making a seamless transition from one school to another and prevent you from having to delay graduation.

Try to align your experiences at your current school with what you hope to do at the potential transfer institution. For example, if you want to join a particular student organization at Stanford and UCLA has a similar group, join it. Making connections between what you do now and what you hope to get out of transferring will help make your application stronger.

The last tips I have would be to try to enjoy your time at your current school. Although your mind is already at Stanford, you can't neglect your experience at UCLA. It is that experience that will help make you a competitive transfer applicant. Good luck!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Don't fall for a scam artist

In response to to Should I list classes on my resume?, a reader writes:

"My son just paid $700 to have a professional resume done. They listed all his courses in business management. Is this something new or did they do if for filler?"

Wow. First off, I'm really sorry that your son paid $700 for a "professional resume." Listing classes on a resume is not something new. The key is that classes should only be listed on a resume when they are relevant to the employer.

Also, I would be highly skeptical of a "professional" that charges $700 and includes all of a person's classes. Both of those are indications of a scam artist. I hope he is able to get another (free or low cost!) review of his resume.

Really, there is pretty much no way all of his classes are relevant. When classes that are not relevant are on your resume, that is filler. And filler is the kiss of death for a well-written resume. So, unfortunately, your son was ripped off. 

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.