In some instances, it’s worth including it on your CV – it can help a potential employer to see the knowledge and skills you have acquired at university, even if you haven’t completed the course.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to include an unfinished degree and share some real-life examples with you.
Let’s delve into two separate scenarios when it comes to including an unfinished degree on your CV.
First, we’ll look at how to present a degree that is still in progress, in other words, one you are in the midst of already but haven’t yet completed.
Then, we’ll look in detail at how to present it on your CV if you had to discontinue your university journey before finishing your degree.
If you are still studying for your degree but interested in applying for a job, adding your degree to your CV can show employers plenty of relevant skills and knowledge.
For example, if you are applying for a marketing assistant position and are currently enrolled in a digital marketing degree program, mentioning this shows that you have plenty of valuable skills for the job.
In this case, you need to highlight your degree, and when you expect to graduate in the ‘Education’ section of your CV – this paints a clearer picture of your educational journey for hiring managers.
You can strengthen this section even more by adding extra details that underscore your qualifications and skills in line with the job you are applying for.
For example, you could mention any specific coursework or academic achievements relating to the role you are interested in.
For instance, perhaps you completed coursework in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and were also awarded a Certificate of Excellence for outstanding performance in the “Digital Marketing Strategies” module.
Don’t hesitate to highlight anything relevant to your target jobs.
If you had to stop your university degree for a reason outside your control, just be honest about the situation.
Let’s say you couldn’t finish your degree because of a severe health condition, whether it was your own health or that of a family member.
Make it clear that you couldn’t finish your degree – this is important for employers as it shows transparency and provides context for any gaps in your education.
What’s more, displaying an incomplete degree allows you to highlight all of the skills and experience you picked up prior to leaving – providing plenty of opportunities to prove your suitability for the jobs you are applying to.
The decision to include an unfinished degree on your CV depends on your specific situation.
Let’s look at three possible scenarios.
Mentioning your ongoing education on your CV can be a positive move as it shows you are committed to advancing your skills and knowledge.
It’s better to include your unfinished degree on your CV than not, especially if you can prove that your education is hugely relevant to the position you are applying for.
If you are still studying at university, expressing this on your CV is attractive to prospective employers.
It tells them you are dedicated to education and sets clear expectations for them in terms of your expected graduation date.
If you have stopped your degree for a justified cause, it’s well worth including your unfinished degree on your CV, particularly if it’s a good fit for your career goals.
Here are just some of the justified reasons for stopping a degree:
In any of these cases, it’s wise to include your unfinished degree, especially if it corresponds with your career plans.
Explain the justified reason for stopping your degree on your CV, such as health problems, as this can positively impact your CV by showing resilience, relevant skills, and commitment despite challenging circumstances.
If you’ve left university for reasons that can’t be justified, this is a slightly more delicate situation.
Concentrate on your other experiences and qualifications rather than including your unfinished degree on your CV.
Some unjustifiable reasons for stopping your university degree include:
Stating you have an unfinished degree without a valid reason can negatively impact your CV.
It raises questions about your commitment, dependability, and decision-making abilities in the eyes of hiring managers.
So, if your reason for not finishing your degree is likely to put recruiters off – it’s best to leave it off your CV.
When you are adding an unfinished degree to your CV, think about these points:
Here’s how to format your unfinished degree on your CV so it looks professional and is easy for recruiters to read:
When it comes to mentioning your unfinished degree in the education section of your CV, you will need to include:
Place your unfinished degree in the “Education” part of your CV which is where you mention your academic pursuits.
Your unfinished degree will come first before your lower-level qualifications like GCSEs and A-levels.
You could also mention your unfinished degree in your personal profile, which serves as the top-of-the-page summary on your CV, but only if it is highly relevant to your target jobs
Your CV is a bit like a mirror that reflects your personal journey, and often, that journey involves unfinished degrees.
Whether you are currently studying towards one or had to finish for legitimate reasons, always be honest about your educational history.
Be sure to highlight the experiences and skills you picked up along the way.
Remember, honesty and a positive mindset can make an impact on potential employers.
Your university degree is just one chapter in your life’s story.
But it’s a chapter that emphasises your dedication and determination to grow personally and professionally.
