Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Resumes and
Cover Letters
www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu/students/gsas-students.htm
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Resume Sample 1
GINNIE LU
ginnielu@fas.harvard.edu
1212 Palm Blvd., #34
54 Dunster Street
Los Angeles, CA 90669
Cambridge, MA 02138
(111) 222-3333
(222) 333-4444
_________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
PhD, History of Science, expected May 2010.
GRE: 760V, 710Q
Dissertation: Industrial Revolution and Scientific Discovery
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
BA, summa cum laude, History, minor in Mathematics, May 2002. GPA: 3.9/4.0. Captain, Varsity
Crew.
AWARDS
National Science History Research Award, 2007
Harvard University Certificate of Distinction in Teaching Award, 2005
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Big Consulting Firm, Springfield, IL
Participant, Entre to Consulting Program, July 2007
Participated in summer program designed to expose PhD candidates to the field of consulting.
Gained valuable exposure to the role of consultants in shaping corporate strategy across
industries.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Research Assistant, Department of the History of Science, 2005 - present
Collaborated with Professor Big Name to research the Industrial Revolution, and the extinction
of indigenous population. Publication forthcoming in Science History Review.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Head Teaching Assistant, Department of Science History, 2006 - 2007
Teaching Assistant, Department of Science History, 2002 - 2005
Led team of four teaching assistants and taught section of 20 students for department course:
History or Fiction?
Taught discussion sections of 10-20 students for department course: Enemies of the Industrial
Revolution.
Resume Sample 2
GINNIE LU
Fluent in Mandarin; reading knowledge of Spanish. Proficient in French. Extensive experience with SPSS.
Interests
This version is based on the Harvard Business School format, suitable for consulting, banking, and general business use.
Resume Sample 3
ELLEN R. JOSEPH
3400 West Chester Blvd., Apt. 109 Los Angeles, CA 90669 josepher@neuron.ucla.edu (813) 566-4321
EDUCATION
Columbia University, New York, NY
PhD, Neuroscience, May 2010. Recipient: Pre-Doctoral National Research Service Award, National Institutes of
Health; Department of Neuroscience Emerging Faculty Award. GRE: 740V, 790Q
Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
BS, magna cum laude, Biology, 1998. Phi Beta Kappa. GPA: 3.8/4.0
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Postdoctoral Fellow, 2006 present
Investigated neural mechanisms of song learning in zebra finches, a model for language development in humans
Acquired and analyzed complex behavioral, electrophysiological, molecular, and cell structural data over
three developmental stages of song-learning in birds
Recipient: Post-doctoral National Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health, 2006 present
Columbia University, New York, NY
Graduate Researcher, 1999 2006
Investigated developmental changes in neural communication underlying a simple reflex in Aplysia, a model
system for learning in more complex animals
Adapted electrophysiological techniques, traditionally used with large adult neurons, for use in recording
from juvenile neurons (100 times smaller)
Characterized developmental changes in synaptic transmission during emergence of reflex modulation
Biosure Corporation, San Diego, CA
Assistant Scientist, Summers 1996, 1997
Optimized enzyme production necessary for synthesis of a B-Lactam antibiotic
Increased yield of a yeast enzyme by 25% and a bacterial enzyme by 15% on small scale
Developed method for mass production and harvest of enzymes
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Columbia Graduate Women in Science (CGWS), Columbia University, New York, NY
Co-Founder and President, 2004 2006
Organized and led student representatives from 25 natural science departments to promote issues of
concern to women scientists at Columbia
Managed 3 public symposia featuring nationally-renowned women scientists
TEACHING and TRAINING EXPERIENCE
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Written and Oral Communication Advisor, Department of Psychology, 2006 2007
Advised graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty on scientific writing
Led workshops critiquing writing and oral presentations. Edited grant proposals and articles
Resulted in 30% greater acceptance rate for journal articles and 25% more grants awarded
Columbia College, New York, NY
Head Teaching Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Cellular Basis of Behavior, 2001 2003
Teaching Assistant, Neurobiology, 1997
As Head Teaching Assistant for biology course (250 undergraduates), managed coordination of lesson
plans for 9 teaching assistants in collaboration with professor. Taught section of 25 students
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Joseph, E.R. and Shen, Y.X. (2007). Two-stage, input-specific synaptic maturation in a nucleus essential for
vocal production in the zebra finch. Journal of Neuroscience. 22:9107-9116.
Joseph, E.R. and Schmidt, T.J. (2006). Developmental dissociation of serotonin-induced spike broadening and
synaptic facilitation in Aplysia sensory neurons. Journal of Neuroscience. 21:334-346.
Joseph, E.R., Chang, A.R., Kline, N.J., and Schmidt, T.J. (2005). Pharmacological and kinetic characterization
of two functional classes of serotonergic modulation in Aplysia sensory neurons. Journal of Neurophysiology.
78:855-866.
[Note: You may choose to include select articles that were published in prestigious, peer-reviewed
journals, for which you were first author. You can also simply include a line: List of publications
available upon request. You may also wish to include, under a separate heading, a section for patents
held.]
Resume Sample 4
SUZANNE M. LILLY
____________________________________________________________________________________
103 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02122 (617) 555-1234 lilly@fas.harvard.edu
EDUCATION
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Ph.D., Biology, expected 2011
Dissertation on the dynamics of Eskimo hunting in a multi-prey system. Use mathematical models and
multivariate statistical techniques to examine causes of variation in harvest levels of wildlife populations
University of British Columbia, Canada
M.Sc., Zoology, 2005
Thesis on population dynamics of marmots
University of Victoria, Canada
B.Sc., Biology (Honors), 2003
EXPERIENCE
STATISTICAL CONSULTANT, Martilla & Kiley, Boston, MA, April May 2005
Recommended statistical techniques for analysis of political polls for this political consulting firm.
TEACHING FELLOW, Harvard University, Biology Department, 2006
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, Baffin Region Inuit Association, Northwest Territories, Canada, 2003 2004
Designed and managed first successful survey of wildlife harvest levels in the Northwest Territories. Raised
over $1M to fund project. Through public meetings, persuaded 99% of Eskimo hunters in eastern Arctic to
participate in survey. Managed budget and designed accounting system. Hired and supervised staff of 20.
Statistically analyzed three-million-piece dataset using custom support programs.
PROJECT MANAGER, Consultant to Northwest Territories Wildlife Service, Canada, 2002 2003
Assessed impact of construction of major highway on wildlife populations. First in N.W.T. to implement a
statistical model to estimate numbers of moose not observed during aerial surveys.
WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST, Northwest Territories Wildlife Service, Canada, 2001 2002
Conducted research on population dynamics of polar bears, caribou, seals, and falcons. Authored reports
with recommendations to management.
SKILLS
Analytical: Completed coursework in accounting, computer programming, and statistics. Developed system
for predicting point spread in National Football League games. Scored in top 1% in quantitative section of
GRE
Languages: Fluent in Spanish and French; knowledge of Latin and Inukitut (Eskimo)
Communication: Published papers in scientific journals (list available upon request); authored successful
funding proposals; former political analyst for CBC radio
Suzanne is seeking a position as a quantitative analyst in an investment bank. As such, she makes
her research understandable to the layperson while also emphasizing her experience with statistical
modeling. In addition, she is careful to highlight her transferable supervisory and management skills
by emphasizing her job titles and including a separate Skills section.
A version of this resume originally appeared in Building a Job Search Toolkit: Writing a Resume, Office of Career Services,
Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 2003.
Resume Sample 5
LIAM MIGUEL GUTIERREZ
123 Pleasant Street Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 491-0000 lmg@fas.harvard.edu
EDUCATION
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
PhD, Music Composition, June 2011. Dissertation: String Quartet No. 1
New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, MA
MM, with honors, 2004. BM, 2002.
MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
NuClassix, Inc., Boston, MA
COFOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, 2002-present
Founded, with partner, this nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation that launches the careers of gifted composers.
Managed transformation of company from an ad hoc group of composers to a growing public service
corporation through the creation and implementation of a multi-board organizational structure.
Directed successful fundraising efforts generating over $100,000.
Liam Gutierrez Quartet, Boston, MA
FOUNDER AND MANAGER, 2002-2004
Small music performance business specializing in corporate trade events.
Conceived and conducted all marketing, contracting, and client relations for a four-piece jazz band.
Developed successful marketing strategy based on product differentiation (high level jazz and swing
performance) and specific market focus.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Ronan Park Neighbors Association, Dorchester, MA
VOLUNTEER, 2005-present
Collaborated with and advised start-up management team for this early stage community group dedicated to
improving area living conditions.
Wrote grant proposal that resulted in $5000 reward.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC, 2010-present
TEACHING FELLOW, DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC, 2004-2010
Awarded Oscar Schafer Scholarship in recognition of an extensive and outstanding contribution to the
teaching of music.
MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION
Experienced jazz pianist. Composed and met deadlines for 15 new works over six years, performed
throughout New England and New York. Numerous awards for creative work.
Liam is seeking a position in a nonprofit arts organization in either fundraising or marketing. He
highlights his most relevant transferable skills by including separate sections for his entrepreneurial
and volunteer experiences.
A version of this resume originally appeared in Outside the Ivory Tower,
Office of Career Services, Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 1993.
Resume Sample 6
CHARLES CESTARI
cestari@fas.harvard.edu
10 Mt. Auburn Street #3
Cambridge, MA 02122
(617) 555-1234
123 O Street NW
Washington, DC 20057
EDUCATION
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
AM, East Asian Studies, expected 2011
Thesis on the role of traditional religious ceremonies in modern culture
AB, Social Studies, 2009
Served on Social Studies Curriculum Review Board
Harvard National Scholar (awarded to top 5% of entering class)
EXPERIENCE
LETS GO, INC., Managing Editor, Cambridge, MA, 2007 2009
Completed final edit of over 2,400 pages of text, including Lets Go Europe, the worlds best-selling travel guide
Recruited, hired, and managed a staff of eight editors and 30 researcher/writers
Served as researcher/writer in Japan in summer of 2003, researching, writing and editing chapters of first
edition of Lets Go Japan
WORLDTEACH, HARVARD INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, Assistant to Director, 2007 2009
Assisted with recruitment, placement, and training of volunteers in WorldTeachs China Program.
Researched and prepared current news articles and social information for two 50-page educational readers
HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS EUROPE, Executive Assistant, 2008 2009
HMCE provides talented secondary school students from around the world the opportunity to learn about the US
government and international institutions through role-playing
Worked in team of 15 to plan and conduct a simulation of the US Congress for European students
HARVARD INTERNATIONAL REVIEW, Special Features Editor, Cambridge, MA, 2005 2007
Executive Board Position; researched, solicited authors, and edited approximately one-fifth of magazine.
Directly supervised three to five research assistants. Authored piece on Asian financial markets and book
reviews on international relations theory
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE, Assistant Registrar, Cambridge, MA, 2005 2006
Registered local residents and led registration and nonpartisan voter education campaigns
SKILLS & INTERESTS
Travel: Japan, China, Korea, France, India. Spent early childhood in Italy
Languages: Fluent in Italian; proficient in spoken and written Japanese
Charles will be applying to international organizations that make use of his language skills and
multicultural experience. Since he came into his masters degree program directly from college, his
experience section includes relevant activities in which he was involved as an undergraduate.
A version of this resume originally appeared in Building a Job Search Toolkit: Writing a Resume, Office of Career Services,
Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 2003.
54 Dunster Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
(222) 333-4444
Winnie is applying online to a global consulting firm that recruits Harvard students,
but expects cover letters and resumes to be uploaded to its Web site. As such, she
uses a formal business letter format, and indicates her preferred offices.
For companies that recruit Harvard students, including those who use Crimson
Compass to take in resumes, it is not necessary for her to say he will follow up with
the recruiter the way she might with companies she finds on her own. However, she
does indicate that she has spoken to a consultant and expresses interest in
continuing the conversation about opportunities within the firm.
Kamina Jackson suggested I apply for the associate position with Management Consulting, Inc. when I
recently spoke with her at your information session at the Charles Hotel for Harvard University students.
Please accept this letter and enclosed resume as an application for the position of consultant with
Management Consulting, Inc. Based on my research of your firm and my qualifications, I am confident
you will agree that I am a good match for your organization. I will complete my PhD in the History of
Science in May 2012 and look forward to the possibility of joining Management Consulting, Inc.
My interest in a business career is long standing and coupled with strong research, analytical,
communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. I believe I will be able to deliver value to Management
Consulting, Inc. and your clients. While I interviewed with a number of consulting firms for internships
during my junior year, as an undergraduate at MIT, I ultimately chose to hone my research and
analytical skills and explore my passion for Galactic History. I feel it is time to return to the business
world. I have kept up my interest and knowledge of the industry through the business press, as well as
by participating in the Business Management Study Group, a joint venture between Harvard Business
School faculty and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences that exposes PhD candidates to business
principles and the case method of study. In addition, I founded and am currently president of the
graduate student Consulting Club at Harvard. This experience led to my participation in Big Consulting
Firms Entre to Consulting Program, which solidified my interest in entering the field upon completion
of my PhD. The feedback I received from the consultants at the firm with regard to both my analytical
abilities and teamwork skills was very positive, and I am convinced I can make a significant
contribution to your firm and its clients.
I look forward to speaking to you about the possibility of my joining your team at Management
Consulting, Inc. I am most interested in working in your offices in Boston or Los Angeles as through my
research I have discovered that many of the firms you serve fit best with my area of expertise. Thank
you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ginnie Lu
Enclosure: resume
This e-mail message is not designed to accompany a resume as a job application, but rather to
request an informational interview to learn more about the field of investment banking. As such,
Suzanne is careful to avoid asking for a job, or for anything other than the chance to listen and
ask questions about the alumnas experience making the transition from academe to Wall Street.
Having completed a formal interview with this organization, Charles sends out a thank
you note within 24 hours. He sends it via e-mail, as the interviewer has indicated that
the organization intends to make a decision about his candidacy within a few days.