CVs
Think of your CV (curriculum vitae) as your full academic documentary. It provides a comprehensive record of your education, research, coursework, presentations and scholarly experiences. It is most often used for graduate school, research, fellowships and academic opportunities. A CV looks at your past academic accomplishments through the lens of the academic triad—research, teaching and service—and demonstrates your academic and professional development over time.
If you are a current student or recent grad, you can access a more extensive list of resources and tools in the .
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Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a detailed academic or professional record most commonly used for graduate school applications, academic or research positions, fellowships, medical or scientific fields, and some international opportunities. If an application asks for a CV, do not submit a resume unless the instructions explicitly say that a resume is acceptable.
Unlike resumes, CVs do not have a strict page limit. Most student CVs are 1–4 pages, depending on experience. Focus on completeness and relevance rather than length, and organize sections clearly so readers can quickly find what they need.
Common CV sections include Education, Research Experience, Publications or Presentations, Teaching Experience, Honors and Awards, and Professional Affiliations. Not all sections are required—include what is relevant to your field and stage of experience.
A resume lays out relevant education, skills, and experience for a specific job or internship. A CV is a comprehensive record of your academic accomplishments, usually used to apply to academic or research positions or to graduate school, fellowships or grants.
Yes. While CVs are more comprehensive than resumes, you should still tailor section order and emphasis based on the opportunity. For example, research-focused roles may prioritize publications, while teaching roles may highlight instructional experience.
We recommend avoiding online templates, especially those with complex formatting. Instead, use the CCEC CV layout guide, which is designed to follow academic conventions and make your experience easy to read and update over time.
Yes. Relevant coursework is often appropriate on a student CV, especially if it relates directly to research interests, graduate study or teaching. As you gain more experience, coursework may become less prominent.
AI may help organize sections, refine descriptions of research or teaching experience, and improve clarity. If you use AI, think of it as a support tool, not a replacement for your expertise. Always verify accuracy, maintain an academic tone, and ensure your CV reflects your actual accomplishments.
Absolutely! You can include in-progress research, projects, jobs, publications under review, accepted conference papers or posters, and expected degrees on your CV. For experiences (e.g., research, teaching, internships, etc.) list the date range with “present” or a future end date. For publications, note the status after the citation (e.g., under review, submitted, accepted, forthcoming). For degrees, include the expected completion date or mark it as “expected.”
Career Development Specialists, CCEC Career Coaches as well as Student Career Advisors, and sometimes faculty mentors can help review and refine your CV. Feedback is especially valuable for aligning your CV with disciplinary norms and application expectations.