Intern CV Example

When you apply for an internship or placement you have not even graduated yet, so work experience is not expected — what employers look for is potential and a willingness to learn. A strong intern CV uses course projects, certifications, personal work and society activities as evidence. The example below shows how a third-year software student can build a compelling placement CV — ATS-friendly, one page, no photo or personal details.

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Sample Intern CV

James Bennett

Software Development Placement Candidate

Manchester, UK

Summary

Third-year Computer Science student at the University of Manchester. I am passionate about web development; I built 3 personal projects with React and Node.js and published one on GitHub. I worked in teams on course projects and I am confident with version control using Git. I am looking for a summer placement on a software team to learn the real-world product development process.

Experience

Personal Project — Event Tracking App · GitHub (open source)

Feb 2026 – Apr 2026
  • ›Built a web app listing student events using React and Firebase.
  • ›Coded the login, filtering and calendar-view features single-handedly.
  • ›Published the project on GitHub with a README and a live demo link; earned 20+ stars.

Term Project — Database Management System · University of Manchester

Sep 2025 – Jan 2026
  • ›Designed a PostgreSQL schema and interface for a library automation system with a team of 4.
  • ›Developed the backend API with Node.js and Express, writing 8 endpoints.
  • ›Set up the code review and Git workflow for the team; the project scored 90/100.

Active Member — Computing Society · University of Manchester Computing Society

Oct 2024 – Present
  • ›Attended weekly algorithm study groups and taught JavaScript at 5 workshops.
  • ›Reached the top 5 with my team at the society's 24-hour hackathon.
  • ›Wrote a short guide introducing new members to Git and GitHub.

Skills

JavaScriptReactNode.jsGit / GitHubPostgreSQLHTML / CSSProblem solvingTeamworkEnglish (B1)

Education

BSc Computer Science (Year 3) · University of Manchester (2023 – Present)

What to Highlight in a Intern CV

  • ✓Put "Placement Candidate" and the field you are seeking in your title so the employer instantly understands your goal.
  • ✓Add your GitHub, portfolio or LinkedIn link at the top — a code or work sample is your strongest evidence.
  • ✓Write the projects and technologies you used in a course (React, PostgreSQL), not just the course names.
  • ✓State your year of study and the period you can do a placement — the employer wants to know the timing.
  • ✓Add certifications and online courses (freeCodeCamp, Coursera) but only list those you have completed.

Technical Skills

  • •JavaScript / React
  • •Node.js
  • •Git and GitHub
  • •SQL / PostgreSQL
  • •HTML and CSS
  • •API development

Soft Skills

  • •Willingness to learn
  • •Teamwork
  • •Curiosity and initiative
  • •Communication

Common Mistakes

  • ✕Hiding personal projects because you feel you "don't know enough" for a placement.
  • ✕Just listing course names without showing concrete output (projects, code, certificates).
  • ✕Forgetting to add a GitHub or portfolio link.
  • ✕Keeping the CV generic and sending the same one to every placement ad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I put in the experience section of an intern CV?

Course and final-year projects, personal/hobby projects, society roles and any volunteering fill the experience section. Write each with role, organisation, dates and what you did / what you learned.

Should I add my GitHub account to my CV?

If you are looking for a software or technical placement, definitely add it. Regular commits and a finished project are more convincing than many sentences. Keep your profile tidy and have at least one complete project.

I am only in Year 1 or 2 — can I make a placement CV?

Yes. At this stage you may have fewer projects; then highlight the online courses you have taken, small personal work, society activities and your willingness to learn. Early placement experience is a big advantage.

Build your own Intern CV in 5 minutes

Ready-made templates, AI content generation and tailoring to the job — start free.

Create your CV with CVLayer →
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