The main mistake that applicants for a postgraduate or master’s degree make is to present the same curriculum that they use to apply for a job when applying to this academic program. As a consequence, the request is likely to be denied because the carelessness in the lack of personalization is evident. Something that the selection committee does not tolerate.
So how do you convince the recruiters that you will be a star student in this training programme? Presenting a curriculum for master that demonstrates that you have key qualities and skills supporting you in achievements and results. Here we show you how you can write it yourself from scratch. ✔
Example of curriculum vitae for master’s degree
Karim Sanchez
Architecture licenciate
+34 000 00 00 00
[email protected]
LinkedIn: Karim Sanchez
Professional profile
9 years of experience in the field of architecture have led me to be recognized as the best industrial architect in Madrid. For this reason, I want to broaden my professional horizons and specialize even more in my field to continue contributing a grain of sand to the development of buildings internationally. The master’s degree in sustainable architecture means a goal for me, I want to create buildings that optimize our natural resources.
Education
Degree in Architecture
Sevilla University
September 2008 – June 2012
Work experience
ArtLife
senior architect
Sevilla Spain
2018 – present
I designed 9 tourist complexes that are the most recognized in Spain.
I redesigned the exterior spaces of the Hotel de Madrid in less than 6 months.
I designed the plans for the construction of the new offices of this company.
I closed important international contracts successfully.
we are art
Architect
Sevilla Spain
2015 – 2018
I designed the Agua Verde residential complex.
I designed the renovation plans for the Madrid History Museum.
I redesigned the landscaping of the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid.
Art and Constructions
junior architect
Sevilla Spain
2012 – 2015
Assisted the senior architect in designing renovation plans for various projects.
I designed the sketches for the interior renovation of this architecture studio.
I redesigned the exterior spaces of several residential complexes.
Skills
Creativity and ingenuity.
Persuasion.
Assertive communication.
Leadership.
Teamwork.
Problem resolution.
Empathy.
Publications
Architecture and Design Magazine: the impact of sustainable architecture in 2025.
El Mundo newspaper: architecture, a key pillar in world economies.
Recognition
Best architect of Madrid
Architects Association
2018.
Languages
Spanish (mother tongue).
English (C2).
Italian (B1).
References
Atty. matthew barnabas
Dean of the Faculty of Architecture
Sevilla University
[email protected]
+34 000 00 00 00
How to apply for a master’s degree?
Imagining studying a master’s degree at a renowned institute in the country of residence or abroad is a fact that generates enthusiasm, joy and nerves in many people.
It is not for less.
It is a great academic and professional opportunity. Therefore, you have to ensure that your application is up to the occasion starting from the main thing: the application process.
The application process may vary slightly from country to country it is very important that you do your research very well to make sure that you meet all the requirements to make a good first impression from the beginning.
In general, the process would be as follows 👇:
Pre-register for the desired master’s degree to access the selection process.
Submit the required documentation (undergraduate degree, Curriculum vitae…).
Wait for the acceptance response.
Formalize the registration.
There are some institutes that have more rigorous processes and conduct interviews as a filter to keep the best applications. You will be able to know this in the call to prepare yourself correctly and continue advancing in the admission process.
📌 Advice: If you are going to apply for a scholarship, you may also need to add new steps to the application process. Investigate it according to the destination country and university.
Is the curriculum necessary to opt for a master’s degree?
Usually yes.
We already mentioned it in previous lines, and it may sound strange to you, but in some academic institutes it is necessary to submit a resume to opt for a master’s degree.
Yes indeed, It is not a job CVbut rather of a academic resumebut even more specific because it would be for higher studies, such as a master’s degree.
Now, why is it so necessary in this type of educational process?
Because with so many applicants going through the selection processes, academic institutions want to filter applications to stay with who would be the best students in the program. And this is the first step.
How to make a resume for a master’s degree?
Personalization is the key. And grades, while they count, aren’t everything.
Look at it this way: when you are going to present a job CV, you must customize it according to the vacancy you want to apply for and, if possible, to the company. The objective, in this case, is to sell your professional profile based on your skills and preparation.
The same happens with a curriculum to access a master’s degree. Here your objective is also to sell your professional profile, but in an academic context. In other words, convince the committee that you will be an exemplary student, that you want and want to take this master’s degree.
How to achieve it? Take into account these initial guidelines 👇:
Write a highly persuasive professional profile.
Highlight your achievements and academic results (if you can quantify them, much better).
Highlight your qualities and skills.
Include current and relevant experiences.
Keep the structure easy to digest, use bullet points and lists.
Keep it short and to the point, but don’t sacrifice valuable information.
Choose the most appropriate format based on your professional profile.
These last two points format and structureare essential so that your CV for a master’s degree shows your profile in an attractive way and, of course, adapts to the guidelines.
What is the most appropriate format?
Although it sounds repetitive, we must emphasize this: there are institutions that have very particular and specific guidelines regarding the application to their programs.
Therefore, it is not surprising that they have pre-established formats that you should consider when distributing the information on your CV. Otherwise, you can choose the one that is most convenient for your professional profile, because it is the star of the document.
exist 4 types of resume formatswhich are the following 👇:
Chronological: Focuses attention on work experience and organizes it in ascending order (old to recent). It is ideal for those who have a lot of experience.
reverse chronological: Although it also focuses attention on the experience, it organizes it in descending order (recent to old). Ideal for those who have experience.
Functional: unlike the previous ones, it is suitable for those who do not have work experience, it focuses attention on skills and academic training.
Mixed: it is a combination of the last two models, reverse and functional; since it distributes the information in descending order and highlights education and skills.
The big question is what is the most convenient format for a CV for a master’s degree? He mixed format , because it prioritizes academic information over work. Which is not to say that the latter is not important, just that it applies more to these types of requests.
Thus, education comes first and work experience follows. If you don’t have experience, it’s better to list skills below education.
the correct structure
Now we go with the sections to include in your Curriculum vitae 👇:
Personal and contact information.
Professional profile.
Academic training.
Work experience with relevant achievements (if they are quantifiable, much better).
Languages.
Soft skills.
This will be the order in which we will develop this master’s curriculum; but remember that the position of some sections could change depending on the format you choose. Either way, you can use it as a guide because is the most convenient academic format.
💡 Note: although at the beginning of this guide you saw a sample curriculum for a master’s degree, below, we will go with the practical step by step to write each section from scratch.
Title and contact information
This is the section that open your resumeTherefore, you must start with your personal and contact information. Stay basic and relevant:
Name and surname.
Profession.
Telephone number (preferably personal).
Email.
Social networks (optional, but recommended if it is LinkedIn).
The address is not essentialbecause, in addition to the CV, you will also have to attach other identification documents. However, if the institution requests it, include it.
AND Gone is the (bad) habit of writing “Curriculum vitae» as the main title, because andThe title of your CV is your name, surname and profession. They should stand out to the naked eye.
Take a look at the following examples 👇:
CORRECT
victoria santella
Degree in Advertising and Public Relations
+34 000 00 00 00
[email protected]
LinkedIn: Victoria Santaella
As you can see, it’s only basic and relevant information it is enough for the admission committee to identify who is writing to youendo.
Instead, avoid headers like the following:
INCORRECT
victoria santella
Degree in Advertising and Public Relations
Madrid Spain
+34 000 00 00 00 / +34 000 00 00 00 / +34 000 00 00 00
[email protected]
LinkedIn: Victoria Santaella
Instagram: @victoriasantaella
Facebook: Victoria Santaella
Twitter: @victoriasantaella
Briefcase: www.unportafolioaqui.com.
This is a header very overloaded with information that is not necessary. You can add the rest of the social networks if they are relevant to the master’s degree in another section.
About me: how to write your professional summary
This short paragraph of no more than 5 lines It must show the main attributes of your professional profile.
Basically, it is about summarizing your professional career and mentioning what distinguishes you from the rest of the applicants: experience, training, objectives and achievements.
But beware!
The idea is not to praise yourself excessively or describe yourself as the best candidate or student in the galaxy, be very objective and take care with the information you give, because causing a bad impression could close the doors without even advancing in the admission process.
Let’s see a correct example and an incorrect one 👇:
CORRECT
Publicist with more than 8 years of experience in the design of advertising and communication strategies for companies in the tourism sector. I am a professional committed to continuous training and eager to grow more professionally with the Master’s in International Advertising that will allow me to scale my career and access better opportunities.
This is a brief summary that, in addition to mentioning important details of your professional path, also…