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7 MBA Resume Examples [& Templates]

• MBA Resumes
• MBA Candidate Resumes
• Post-MBA Resumes

Getting an MBA isn’t easy, but having this degree can help you quickly grow your professional network, secure a leadership role, and earn more money, so it’s well worth it.

However, even with an MBA, you still have to  write a compelling resume  and create a cover letter to get the job you want.

Think of us as your  resume helper , highlighting your knowledge, professional attitude, and talent in the business world. 

If you’re applying for a job with an MBA already in hand (or while getting your MBA),  use our seven MBA resume samples and writing tips to give you a competitive advantage   in 2024 . Get inspired and write the resume that will open the door to the job of your dreams! 

or download as PDF

Skills define your profile

• For instance, it’s wiser to include skills like critical/strategic thinking, communication, and business intelligence for a business development role.
• Similarly, if you’re applying for a marketing role, adding SEO/SEM, competitive analysis, and brand awareness will be more beneficial.

MBA Student Resume

Using a suitable format

• Employers generally expect newcomers in the field to have a variety of business-related university projects or internships, so ensure you’re using a reverse chronological format to provide ample space for every past experience.
• Include jobs/internships like business development associate/intern towards the top and add business management projects below. While not strictly necessary, aim to create a one-page resume to save reading time and consolidate your best points.

MBA Candidate Resume

Outsmarting the ATS

• First order of business is including all the education qualification listed in the job description like MBA, BBA, and BMS. If you can’t fit them all, only mention your degree and the university, you can discuss your grades during interviews.
• Secondly, avoid being too fancy with words and use keywords given in the job posting. Example: For a business development role, add skills like Product Development and Strategic Marketing.

Harvard MBA Resume

Position your education

• Got a GPA score of 3.75 or above? Add it in. This also helps to prove your academic excellence if you ever apply for higher studies like an Executive MBA Programme.
• Try leaving some extra space to mention relevant course topics such as Economics for Business Decision Making and Strategic Leadership.

MBA Application Resume

Displaying career growth

• To emphasize career growth, it’s best to use a reverse chronological resume format and tell your story from working in an entry-level business role to your current position.
• Also, keep an eye out for the way you frame your work experience bullet points. Start each sentence using strong action verbs like Managed, Directed, and Supervised to show progress in your working style.

MBA Graduate Resume

Using a career summary

• Ideally, what you want to do is kill two birds with one stone. Don’t simply use the summary section to talk about your achievements, find and tailor an achievement that best meets the job description.
• Here’s an example: Adept business professional with 10 years of experience, aiming to apply my business development, product marketing, and budgeting skills to revive your company’s product line and sales.

Post-MBA Resume

Impress with Numbers

• Ask yourself: Has any of my past efforts influenced a customer’s buying decision? Did I help a company lower its daily operational costs? What role have I played in boosting sales numbers?
• Consider this example as a headstart: “Implemented a unique multichannel marketing strategy that increased online sales for local stores by 29%.”

Related resume guides

• Grad school
• College student
• Financial Analyst

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How to Write an MBA Resume That Stands Out

Writing a winning MBA application resume is your ticket to getting accepted to your dream MBA program.

Your resume is a chance to showcase your business acumen, education, and professional experience, as well as your soft skills.

One thing’s for sure: Putting in the time and effort to craft a strong MBA resume will stand you in good stead for competitive programs at top business schools like Harvard and Stanford.

But figuring out what to include in your MBA resume can sometimes feel overwhelming.

You’re probably wondering how long your resume should be, what you should include, and/or whether you need a different resume than the kind you’ve used for a job application.

This article will explain how to showcase your skills and create a competitive advantage that sets you apart from your peers and gives you the best chance of becoming a successful MBA applicant.

Read on to learn about the best MBA resume format and how to make your MBA application resume stand out, including:

• What to include in your MBA application resume
• How to structure your MBA resume
• How to craft an MBA resume objective
• How to best highlight your work experience, education, and skills
• Real MBA resume example

How an MBA resume differs from a job resume

The first thing you might be wondering is if a resume for an MBA application is the same resume that you use to apply for a job.

The short answer is no.

While a career resume seeks to inform how you can meet a job description or fulfill certain roles and responsibilities, an MBA resume should communicate your value and impact on the business world, today and in the future.

An admissions committee wants to see that you’re a way-shower. They want to see your capacity for leadership and innovation, that you can work well with teams, and that you can use critical-thinking skills to achieve success.

Understanding this goal will not only help inform how you will structure your resume but also what to include and how much time to spend on it.

Why spend time on your MBA resume

Among MBA programs from across the globe, the MBA resume is second only to academic transcripts and entrance exams when it comes to the MBA interview process.

What to include in your MBA resume

When it comes to your MBA application, the MBA resume is your time to shine. You’ll want to focus on including the most relevant information about your past education and professional experience.

Xavier Arola Perez, head of career services and entrepreneurship at GBSB Global Business School, recommends including six basic components in your MBA resume:

1. Contact information

2. Objective/summary

3. Work experience

4. Education

5. Technical skills

6. Achievement/awards

Although you may have worked in a variety of jobs and volunteering roles before applying for your MBA degree, in this short document you’ll want to only select examples that highlight your business leadership, impact, and skills.

“Include specific accomplishments and achievements that set you apart and that are transferrable to the MBA program for which you are applying,” says Jerry Wang, associate director of career and leadership for MBA programs at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Concentrate on examples where you can demonstrate business leadership and growth to help admissions committees see the value you offer their MBA program and easily determine your aptitude for business school. 

How to structure your MBA application resume

You want your MBA resume to be clear, simple, and easy to read for admissions committees.

It’s best to structure your MBA resume with your contact information and objective at the top, followed by your education and most recent work experiences, and concluding with a desirable skills and accolades section.

List your education and work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent accomplishments first.

Use bullet points, lines, and headers to clearly identify the different sections and articulate your applicable experience.

You can use lines and headers to break up your resume and bullet points can be used to summarize key points and stress important information as well as increase readability.

For example, you may use a bullet point for each of the schools in your education section, or a list of bullet points to highlight business achievements or technical skills.

How to write an eye-catching MBA resume objective

Think of your resume objective as your elevator pitch.

It’s a succinct paragraph (2-4 sentences) at the top of your resume that briefly describes your career history and what differentiates you from your peers.

Essentially a resume summary, your objective should describe the value you bring to an MBA cohort and how your experience will best serve the programs you’re applying for.

Consider adapting your objective for each application you’re submitting and be sure to use any applicable keywords that align with the program.

Overall, see this section as a way to differentiate yourself from the masses and stand out during the application process.

MBA candidate and driven finance professional with over six years of experience designing successful investment portfolios for top-tier clients. Honored as top account executive for last three years based on an average return of 17 percent and a 100 percent client retention rate. Team lead, member of the negotiations committee, and founded sustainability initiative aimed at reducing waste and offsetting carbon footprint.

How to describe work experience on an MBA resume

The bulk of your MBA resume should be reserved to showcase your work experience and the growth of your career.

Start by listing the name of the organization, your job title, and how long you worked there.

Then, for each position, create a bullet point (2-6 bullet points) for each of your achievements in that role. Avoid making your list sound like a job description­—this is your chance to tell your story about the impact you’ve made and share important moments in your career.

“It's not your life story, but a summary of the key, relevant achievements,” notes Margaret O’Neill, head of careers at Cambridge Judge Business School.

Use key metrics and numbers that quantify what you’ve accomplished with the company, voluntary organization, or college society.

Focus on leadership, business administration, and how you contributed to the overall growth and success of the organization and use positive, action-oriented language to describe your outcomes.

“Try to clearly state the action you took, and the results achieved. Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb and be sure to highlight transferable skills and feature relevant keywords,” advises Beth Briggs, associate dean of career services at New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business.

A tried and tested MBA resume strategy is the PAR method , which involves stating the ‘Project’, ‘Action’, and ‘Result’ of each example you include as this can help to quantify your accomplishments.

Try to avoid these common MBA resume mistakes  like including vague descriptions of your experiences that don’t present your talents in the best light.

Oracle – Austin, TX | Product Marketing Manager | January 2018-Present

Increased annual product sales by 10% by designing, executing, and measuring integrated, multichannel marketing strategies that increase awareness, generate new leads, and nurture existing relationships.

How to write an education section of an MBA resume

If you feel that your work experience is less robust than you want, be sure to put your education section at the forefront of your MBA application resume. To start, include the following details:

• Major/concentration
• Any minors (if applicable)
• Graduation date
• Awards/honors (if applicable)

In addition, share any extracurricular activities, college societies, or study abroad opportunities that demonstrate your interests and business leaderships skills.

Discuss your studies and how your experience has prepared you for leadership in the business world.

University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | Graduated May 2015

B.A. Economics, GPA: 4.0, summa cum laude

Study abroad: London, United Kingdom, January-May 2014

How to showcase your skills and awards

The final piece of your MBA resume is your opportunity to share the special skills and accolades that make you a desirable MBA applicant.

Discuss any awards you’ve received and how you earned this recognition.

List out any relevant certifications and your mastery level of the systems you utilize.

Make note of any publications that have published your work or quoted you for expertise.

This section can include highlights from either your education or work experience.

Use this section as a place to share the skills and accomplishments that make you unique and help distinguish your application from the pack.

Finally, make sure this section includes details that you’ll want to discuss more during your MBA interview.

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Fluent in English, Spanish, and French
• Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher

How to best format your MBA resume

Once you’ve added your information, it’s time to format your resume.

Since the average hiring manager spends just 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume, MBA admissions committees with stacks of MBA resumes to review are likely to take a similar approach.

The best way to ensure whoever is reviewing your MBA resume catches the most important details about you is to limit your resume to 1-2 pages.

Applicants with less than 10 years of professional experience may opt for a one-page resume, and two pages if you have more than this.

When considering your MBA resume format, remember that clean and concise is always best.

• Font : Choose a legible font like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial in 11 or 12 point size
• Margins : One-inch margins
• Line height : Approximately 1.0 line spacing
• Details : Avoid complex charts or graphics that divert attention

This approach will stand you in good stead if the business school you’re applying for uses Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) systems or other software tools.

“You don't want the recruiter to spend time trying to orient themselves to your formatting. Boring is generally better unless you're applying for something in design or art,” says Jerry from UNC Kenan-Flagler.

If you want to add a pop of color at the top of your MBA application resume, then choose something that allows for a good level of contrast between the text and the page. Otherwise, a black and white MBA resume works perfectly well.

Differentiating your MBA resume for each business school

An MBA resume should always be specific and tailored to the program you’re applying for, so avoid handing in the same one you’ve used for jobs or other MBA applications.

Every business school has different values and specialties, so weave these elements into each resume to stand a good chance of impressing the MBA admissions committee.

For instance, if you’re applying for a business school that’s known for its strength in marketing, you might want to outline the targeted advertising projects you’ve worked on during your professional career as a marketing manager or how you oversaw a college society’s annual marketing budget.

Meanwhile, if you’re applying for one of the best MBA programs renowned for entrepreneurship, you’d want to focus more on the ways you’ve engaged with entrepreneurship or worked on a business idea with a colleague or classmate.

Tailor your resume to each application and highlight the experience and skills that prove that you’re one of the talented professionals that deserves a seat in this specific MBA program.

To get more top MBA resume tips and access MBA resume examples and templates, download the free BusinessBecause Resume Guide: 10 Steps To A Winning Resume .

Your MBA resume is a key component of the admissions process and is an opportunity to set yourself apart from the crowd.

See this as a chance to convince admissions committees that you’re the best candidate for their program by carefully crafting a story that shares your exceptional skills and experiences.

Ready to dive into the other components of your MBA application? Use this interactive tool  to find out which aspects of your application carry the most weight when it comes to admissions decisions so you can focus your time and attention on the sections that matter most.

MBA Resume Examples + Writing Guide for 2024

You’re a talented professional. You’re smart. You’re enthusiastic.

The time has come to get an MBA degree - one that really opens doors .

But to secure a place in that elusive MBA program, you need a resume that works.

The problem is that the best MBA programs attract thousands of talented professionals from all over the world.

The good news is that you’re about to beat them all .

All you have to do is follow the strategies in this guide!

• A job-winning MBA resume example
• How to create an MBA resume that hiring managers love
• MBA-specific tips and tricks to make your resume stand out

Now, before we get to the juicy details, here’s some inspiration.

An MBA resume example, created with our very own resume builder :

Follow the steps in this guide to create a job-winning MBA resume of your own!

Feel free to check out our related resume examples if you are interested in a specific job position:

• Business Analyst Resume
• Financial Analyst Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Consultant Resume
• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Office Assistant Resume
• Accountant Resume
• Bookkeeper Resume
• Bank Teller Resume
• Banking Resume
• Career Change Resume

How to Format an MBA Resume

Admission committees receive thousands of applications every year.

As such, they tend to skim-read as they go through the pile of resumes.

To make their job easier, and to put the odds in your favour, you need to use the correct format.

Also, the hiring manager will think again before choosing an applicant whose resume lacks professionalism.

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ”, so we’d recommend this format for your MBA resume:

There are two other popular formats that you could try:

• Functional Resume – This resume format design is for those who have a lot of valuable skills, but don’t have the professional experience. As such, this format is ideal for those who are transferring to a new industry or have gaps in their employment history.
• Combination Resume - As the name suggests, a combination resume is a combination of “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”. As such, this format is ideal for those who have both skills and experience.  

Once you’ve decided on the format, you need to get your resume layout right.

For a professional layout, here’s what we recommend:

• Margins - One-inch margins on all sides
• Font - Pick a font that stands out, but not too much. 
• Font Size - Use a font size of 11-12pt for normal text and 14-16pt for headers
• Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
• Resume Length - Don’t go over the 1-page limit. If you’re having trouble fitting everything into one page? You may want to view these one-page resume templates .

Use an MBA Resume Template

Word is great for a number of purposes, but as a resume builder is not one of them.

Imagine this: you create the perfect resume, make one change, and then the whole thing falls apart.

In fact, you’ll likely find yourself playing around with the formatting for longer than you take to write the contents.

To make your life easier, use an MBA resume template .

What to Include in an MBA Resume

The main sections in an MBA resume are:

• Contact Information
• Work Experience

For a resume that stands out even more, try adding these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

It’s now time to go through each of those sections, and explain how to write them...

Not sure which sections to use for your MBA resume? Check out our guide to What to Put on a Resume .

• Certain schools have specific rules in place, which means that you read the application requirements before writing your resume or choosing a template. You may be forced to use the school’s predefined resume templates.

How to Correctly Write Your Contact Information

You could create the best resume in the world, but if you make mistakes in the contact section, you won’t be receiving any phone calls. 

For your contacts, include:

• Professional Title
• Phone Number - Quadruple check this! 
• Email Address - Make sure to use a professional email address ([email protected])
• Portfolio Link - Behance, Dribble, or your personal website
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job/program abroad? Mention your location.
• Josh Fakenham - MBA Graduate. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Josh Fakenham - MBA Whiz Kid. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write an MBA Resume Summary or Objective

Did you know that recruiters spend less than 6 seconds reading each resume?

This means that you have only a few seconds to impress the reader.

You need a message that shows the value that you’ll bring, and fast!

The best place for this message is right at very top of the resume. 

This top paragraph is known as a resume summary or resume objective.

Although the two are very similar, there are a couple of differences:

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

• Professional Marketing Analyst with 5+ years of experience in creating ads, writing copy, and overseeing campaigns. Improved revenue by 34% for Company X in 2017. Looking to leverage my marketing expertise to contribute to School X’s knowledge exchange.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your professional goals and aspirations.

Enthusiastic Business Management graduate, with one year experience as a freelance marketing consultant. Created creative copy for Client X, which increased conversions by 65%. Skilled in SMM, SEO, copywriting, and web design. Seeking a chance to offer my unique insights on marketing, while developing my skills in management.

So, which one do you pick? 

A resume summary if the best option if you have any previous and relevant work experience, whereas an objective summary is the best option if you’re a graduate with little or no work experience. 

How to Make Your Work Experience Stand Out

To get into a competitive MBA program, you need to show that you mean business.

The easiest way to show this: your work experience . 

Sure, your core skills are important too, but professional experience always comes out on top. Start with your most recent/current job, and then follow it with your previous job, and so on. Here’s the general structure of your work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Business Development Associate

Fishing Tackle XYZ

03/2017 - 03/2020

• Upon hire, completed in-depth business analysis, which lead to a 28% profit increase that year (2017).
• Revamped UX for the website, which boosted revenue by 17%.
• Created an innovated fulfilment system that saved $200,000 in operational costs.

You may have noticed that the above example lists the top achievements , rather than daily tasks. 

So, instead of saying:

“Web design”

“Revamped UX for the website, which boosted revenue by 17%”

So, what’s the difference between the two?

The second statement goes into more depth about how your responsibilities were something that helped the company. Doing this allows your resume to stand out and reveals the value you bring. 

Remember, you need to keep reminding the reader that you are the best choice , compared with other applicants with the same work duties.

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Maybe you’re a recent university graduate with no work experience?

Or maybe, you have a wealth of experience, but none relating to your MBA?

Whichever the reason, don’t worry!

The thing that really matters here is your portfolio.

If you already have some portfolio pieces, feel free to upload them and link to your resume (we’re going to explain how in a bit).

However, don’t worry if you don’t, you can act now.

Here are several ways you can get a portfolio (and get paid for it):

• Work on some freelance gigs.
• Offer your business knowledge to your friends & acquaintances.
• If the above doesn’t work, you can create your own mock-ups! Basically, anything that shows your skills and knowledge.

If you’re a recent graduate, you might want to check out our guide on how to make a student resume !

Use Action Words to Make Your MBA Resume POP!

• “Responsible for”
• “Worked in”

Flick through a bunch of MBA resumes, and you’ll notice one thing: they all include these same words. 

And since you want your resume to stand out, we recommend using power words instead.

Here is a list of power words that make your responsibilities and achievements stand out:

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to Add a Portfolio to Your Resume

Create a “Portfolio” header, and then link to your website (or Behance / Dribble), and list your relevant portfolio pieces. It should look like this:

www.mikebusiness.com

• E-Commerce – Created an online shop as part of a university competition
• Business Plan – Created a business plan for a local company that wanted to expand operations
• Web Design – Managed a Kickstarter campaign for an innovative cooking brand – successfully raised $400,982

Don’t want a dedicated portfolio section? Just link to your online portfolio in your contact information section.

How to List Your Education Correctly

Welcome to the education section!

If you’re lacking experience with a company or on your own projects, your education is the best chance to impress on an MBA resume .

Simply list out your education entries, like this:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

B.A. Finance 

University of Chicago

• Relevant Courses: International Macroeconomics and Financial markets, Introduction to Economics, Business Organisation and Management, Principles of Financial Accounting, Quantitative Methods in Accounting and Finance 

Before we conclude this section, here are some of the most frequent questions we get from MBA candidates (and their answers!):

What if I haven’t finished education?

• Whether you’re still a student, or you dropped out, you should still mention your best education achievements to date. Simply include the years/courses studied, and you’re good.

Should I include my high school education?

• Only if that is your highest education. The hiring manager doesn’t need to know about your high school education if you have a B.A.

What is more important, education or experience?

• Experiences come before education, always. 

Need more answers? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 8 Skills for an MBA Resume

When the recruiter is reviewing your resume, they want to see that you have the correct skills and abilities needed to complete an MBA. 

You see, the person reviewing the applications will have been briefed about a range of skills to look for. If you don’t include the skills they’re looking for, the hiring manager will likely put your resume straight into the “no” pile!

Need some inspiration?

It’ll depend on the specific MBA program you’re applying for, but here are some of the most common and desirable skills...

Hard Skills for MBA:

• Quantitative research
• Big data analysis
• Financial forecasting

Soft Skills for MBA:

• Communication
• Leadership 
• Strategic thinking
• Accept and learn from criticism

Looking for a more comprehensive list? Here’s a mega-list of 150+ must-have skills .

Other Resume Sections You Can Include

Now, the other candidates will all have similar job experiences. 

To stand out, you need to ensure that you’ve got something no other candidate has.

After all, if your resume looks exactly the same as everyone else’s, you’re not putting the odds in your favour.

Utilizing the following sections is the easiest way to give your resume that first-class treatment.

Awards & Certifications

Did you win an MBA award while studying?

Have you completed any MBA-relevant courses on Coursera?

In such a competitive marketplace, be sure to mention any awards and certifications in your resume!

Awards & Certificates

• “User Experience Research & Design” - Coursera Certificate
• Adobe Certified Expert
• “Best Business Pitch Award” - University of Chicago
• Google Analytics Certificate
• “Learning How to Learn” - Coursera Certificate

Are you passionate about business?

Well, that’s exactly what the hiring manager wants to know.

The easiest way to show your love of business is by showcasing the results of your own project.

Here are some ideas:

• Start your own e-commerce shop
• Giving business consultation to local businesses 
• Reviewing business plans of friends & family

The project section should look something like this…

Your resume is designed to impress the hiring manager. 

And what better way to make a lasting impression than by revealing that you speak multiple languages. 

Besides, being able to speak a second (or third) language can always come in handy, even if the MBA doesn’t specifically require it.

If this relates to you, and you have space in your resume, definitely include a languages section.

Make sure to split the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

With the rise in MBA popularity, employers are looking for more than just hard skills and qualifications. 

Your resume needs to stand out from the competition, and one of the easiest ways to do this is to become relatable.

The best way to become relatable is to talk about your hobbies and interests.  

If you’re not sure which hobbies & interests to mention, you can read our guide! 

Match Your Cover Letter with Your Resume

MBA programs are competitive. 

So competitive, that a resume and a list of references simply won’t cut it.

So what’s the answer?

Well, a cover letter!

Here’s the thing: a well-written cover letter tells the recruiter that you want a place in this exact MBA program, not just sending a generic resume to all programs. 

As such, a cover letter can significantly boost your chances of landing that prestigious MBA!

Here’s how to get the structure right:

And here’s what to write in each section:

Contact Details

Your personal contact information, including full name, profession, email, phone number, location, and website (or Behance / Dribble).

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

Your introduction should be very strong. If you don’t manage to hook the hiring manager here, chances are, they’re not going to read the rest of it. So, mention…

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and top achievement

Once you’ve got the hiring manager hooked, you can go through the rest of your background. Some of the points you can mention here are...

• Why you want to work for this specific company
• Anything you know about the company’s culture
• What are your top skills and how are they relevant for the job
• If you’ve worked in similar industries or positions

Closing Paragraph

This is where you:

• Wrap up any points you missed in the body paragraph
• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• End with a call to action. Something like, “I’d love to discuss further how my experience as an X can help the company with Y”

Formal Salutations

Use a formal closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely”.

An MBA is hard, but so is writing a convincing cover letter. For extra guidance, we’ve covered you with your step-by-step guide on writing a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

Followed everything in this guide? Then you’re in the best position to get that elusive MBA placement.

Before we finish up, let’s quickly go through everything we’ve learned:

• Select the right formatting for your MBA resume. Try the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices in regard to the layout. Remember, keep everything looking professional
• Use a resume summary or objective to catch the hiring manager’s attention immediately
• For the work experience section, talk more about your achievements instead of your daily responsibilities
• Build a portfolio that shows examples of your skills
• Match your MBA resume with a convincing cover letter

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• Resume Tips

How to List Your MBA on Your Resume in 2024 (+Examples)

11 min read

Do you hold an advanced degree, like a master’s in business administration, or MBA? Good for you! An MBA is a valuable asset that you definitely want to highlight when searching for a job. So, if you’re wondering whether to include your advanced degree on your resume, the answer is a resounding “yes” in most instances. And now that you’re clear on that, the next thing to clarify is how to list an MBA on your resume.

The primary goal of any resume is to get the reader's attention and land a job interview. Including a comprehensive education section relevant to each position you apply for is a critical step in meeting this goal. Many job seekers, however, stress about the education section of their resumes. They wonder how much information to include, which degrees to add and in what order, and whether to include their graduation year. The list of considerations goes on.

You want your resume to stand out from the crowd to gain a competitive advantage in any job search. To accomplish that feat, you must ensure the entire presentation appropriately depicts the value you can add to any position. Educational details can help establish your credentials and suitability for the job – like holding an advanced MBA degree.

In this post, we'll cover why you should include an MBA on your resume, where to highlight it, and how to list an MBA on your resume to stand out, with examples.

Yes, you should include your MBA on your resume

Your MBA is a significant achievement you worked hard to obtain. Employers can't help but be impressed by the degree, as they recognize the level of dedication it represents. An MBA says you can get things done, and let's face it – that's one of the key qualities employers are looking for.

When you know how to list an MBA on your resume, you can use it to enhance your credibility and increase employer interest. With that said, if you’ve ever had anyone tell you that you shouldn’t include your MBA in your resume, you can choose to ignore it.

How to list an MBA on your resume: the guidelines

Below are some simple guidelines to help you list an MBA on your resume using standard best practices. If you follow these tips, you should be more easily able to document your achievement:

You can opt to include the full name of the degree, Master of Business Administration, or just the initials, MBA. However, it would be best to have both to encompass all keyword variations. Doing so gives you a leg up in bypassing an employer's applicant tracking system software that looks for and recognizes both variations.

The MBA can be written with periods – M.B.A. – or without. However, you want to be consistent and choose one or the other to use throughout your resume.

Depending on how you obtained your education, you can list your MBA before or after your school's name. If you obtained your MBA at a different school than your other degrees, the standard is to list the degree name first, with the schools listed after each degree. List your most advanced degree first, and the rest in reverse chronological order. However, if you obtained all your degrees at the same college, you could list the school first and the degrees underneath that heading. You would still list the most advanced degree first and the others in reverse chronological order. On the other hand, if it helps a required degree stand out, it's also okay to list the degrees separately with the standard formatting mentioned, even if you received them from the same school.

Honorariums can be included but include only the most relevant awards and honors. If listing a GPA, only do so if it's 3.5 or higher.

The college's business school may add flavor to the resume. However, it is unnecessary unless you feel it adds value.

Aside from including your MBA in the education section of your resume , you can highlight it in your professional summary or profile, in the competencies section, in your work accomplishments section, or following your name to help it stand out, though the latter is rarely recommended.

It's advised to only use MBA after your name in the heading of your resume if the position requires the degree. Otherwise, don't include it, as this is typically reserved for PhDs and can be frowned upon when others do it for lower-level degrees.

Don't overdo it when including your MBA. Including it in the education section and one to two more areas throughout the resume is sufficient. You don't want to come across as boastful or too academically focused by highlighting it too much.

It’s great if you can identify a job you held with one work accomplishment tied to your MBA and include it within the work history and accomplishments section of your resume. This provides a real-life scenario and insight into how your MBA supports success on the job.

If you received your MBA more than three to four years ago, don’t include the year it was conferred.

You only need to include the MBA specialization if it is relevant to the position.

When not to include your MBA on your resume

So far, the consensus is that including your MBA on your resume is a positive. In rare instances, though, you might choose to exclude it. For example, if you're applying for a position where an MBA is irrelevant or would not add value, you might opt to leave it off.

Also, suppose you're concerned that an MBA might make you appear overqualified for a lower-level position. In that case, consider if it will help or hinder your chances of an interview. Of course, you can also include it and then explain its purpose and relevance to the position in your cover letter while, at the same time, addressing your concern about appearing overqualified and why you're interested in the position at your level.

Examples of how to list an MBA on a resume

In addition to the basic guidelines already provided, here are some additional tips to help you properly list your MBA information. 

In the education section of your resume, you should always list educational achievements in a chronological resume format , in reverse order - also known as reverse chronological order.  For example:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Marketing, 2012 ABC University, Town, State

Business & Marketing, 2009 XYZ College, Town, State

If you achieved high marks or honors, you could include your grade point average details or high honors determination, as well. If you choose to include either, place it at the end of each listing right after the year. For example:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), 2022, Honors: magma cum laude ABC University, Town, State

Master of Business Administration (MBA), 2022, GPA 3.9 ABC University, Town, State

Again, only include your GPA if you maintained a 3.5 or higher. Otherwise, leave it off.

You can even include coursework in your description, but only the most relevant courses. Never include courses that don't have direct relevance to the desired job. That holds for your thesis as well. Only include information about your chosen thesis if it involves a topic relevant to the position. If you graduated more than a couple of years ago, adding extras like coursework and thesis are not things you need to worry about because your experience will start to trump what you did in college. 

To reiterate, be sure that you list both "Master of Business Administration" and the acronym "MBA" on your resume. This is because most companies use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) which is software that automatically screens your professional resume to see if you're qualified for the position. Including the spelled-out version and the acronym increases your chances of an ATS picking up on the degree and deeming your resume relevant for positions.

How to include relevant coursework or a specialization with your MBA

If you have relevant coursework or an area of specialization that's relevant to your desired position, then it's worth including. You would list this information following the degree title:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Marketing Management ABC University, Anytown, Anystate

If the area of specialization or coursework isn’t relevant to the position, don’t include it.

Listing an MBA on your resume after your name

There has been a lot of debate on whether you should list your MBA designation after your name on a resume.

The answer is that it depends on the position you're targeting.

If the job position requires or prefers a candidate with an MBA, then you should include it with your name in the heading section of your resume.

If the MBA isn’t directly relevant to or required for the position then you should only include it under the education section of your resume and in one or two other areas, like the professional summary and work accomplishments section.

Example of MBA after a name on a resume

How to list an MBA in progress on a resume

You might wonder if you should include an MBA in progress on your resume. The answer is "Yes, if it's relevant." So how would you highlight the "in progress" aspect? 

 If you are currently pursuing your MBA and have a good idea about when you'll be finished, note that. You can use the same format you'd use for any other MBA listing, with one adjustment: an anticipated completion date or notation that it's "in progress" or "ongoing."

For example:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Marketing, Expected Completion: 2019 ABC University, Anytown, Anystate

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Emphasis in Finance, In Progress ABC University, Anytown, Anystate

If you're applying for a job that requires an MBA with an expected start date of April 1 and you graduate June 30, you also want to include the month and date.

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Emphasis in Marketing, Expected Completion: June 30, 2022 ABC University, Anytown, Anystate

Mentioning your MBA in your cover letter

A resume speaks to the past, while a cover letter allows you to share more of your story and speaks to the future. It's essential to mention your MBA in your cover letter if it's relevant to the job. You may indicate your journey to achieving your MBA, how it's allowed you to improve your work performance, or how it's helped you support the organization's success.

Should you include your MBA anywhere else?

You might have seen some people include their MBA in their email signature or elsewhere. During the job application process, it's wisest only to highlight your MBA on your resume and speak to it in your cover, as appropriate. You don't want to overdo it by including it in too many places. In general, forgo including it in your email signature.

Outside of that, you can and should include it in your LinkedIn profile . This will help your LinkedIn profile align with your resume and vice versa. Plus, for recruiters seeking people with an MBA, it will help your profile stand out.

Properly include your MBA on your resume to stand out

As you can see, listing an MBA and including it appropriately on your resume is easy if you consider the tips and insights provided. By following the simple guidelines, you can easily add your MBA to your resume to bolster your credibility and increase the likelihood of getting that coveted job interview you desire.

You worked hard for your advanced degree and deserve to display it proudly and honorably on your resume. You have a few options for where and how to include it to help you get noticed in the best way possible.

Want to ensure you’re creating a resume with your MBA listing that will land you an interview? Why not submit your resume for a free review today?

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Ronda Suder, Professional Writer

With a drive to foster safety and expand possibilities through writing, performing, and working with others, Ronda brings 25 years of combined experience in HR, recruiting, career advice, communications, mental and behavioral health, and storytelling to her work. She’s a certified career coach and holds a Master’s in Human Resources, a Master’s in Film and Media Production, and a Master’s in Counseling and Development. As a writer, she’s covered topics ranging from finance and rock mining to leadership and internet technology, with a passion for career advice and mental-health-related topics. When she’s not at her computer, Ronda enjoys connecting with others, personal growth and development, spending time with her beloved pooch, and entertainment through movies, television, acting, and other artistic endeavors. You can connect with Ronda on  LinkedIn  and through her  website .

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How to Put an MBA On Your Resume

In This Guide:

Mba resume template, why to add an mba to your resume, how to list a finished mba degree on your resume, conclusions.

Everyone wants their resume to look impressive and grab the recruiters’ attention right from the start.

Trust me, I know. I’ve been through this, too.

While putting a resume together, you have to do some editing. You already know that you should only include relevant information . The problem is that this is relative. And things become even trickier when it comes to high-level qualifications.

If you have a Master of Business Administration, you’re probably wondering, “How do you list an MBA on a resume? Should you do it in the first place?” and all the accompanying questions.

You might not be sure if it’s relevant to your coveted position, or you might be worried it can come off as a bit… well, braggy .

If you’re asking yourself these questions, you’re on the right track. But I’m here to tell you exactly how to list an MBA on your resume and why that’s a good idea.

And if you’d like to learn more about preparing for a specific position, why not take a look at our vast library of resume examples ? You’re bound to find what you need!

So, are you ready? Let’s get right to it.

The safest choice is to list your MBA at the top of your education section. Adding it to your name at the top of the resume is usually not the best choice (more details below). Adding MBA to your title, just below your name, is also OK.

Here’s a modern template  you can use:

If you’ve got your MBA, you know the amount of work that goes into it. An MBA is not only important for certain positions; it’s  impressive  in every case.

When you list an MBA on your resume, you show the recruiters you’re hard-working, and dedicated, and you get. stuff. done .

Which, if we’re honest, is a huge part of what employers want.

While it’s pretty much impossible to know everything there is to know about a position, an MBA can show a hiring manager that you’re not just going in blindly and hoping to learn on the job.

You have the training. You have the basics. You have what it takes.

So, if you’ve got it, flaunt it.

The MBA, I mean.

Now, you still need to know how to put your MBA on your resume correctly.

If you’ve finished the program already, it’s easy. If you already know how to write the education section , then you’ve got a pretty good idea of how to include your MBA, too.

Still, I’ll go over it here, just to be sure we’re all on the same page.

Here are some specifics to keep in mind when listing an MBA on your resume:

• By default, you should put the MBA in the Education section . That’s where recruiters will look for such information, and you don’t want to confuse them by listing it in another spot.
• In some cases, you can add this qualification to your Achievements section.
• You can place the MBA in the header section, too (albeit rarely). However, there are two critical rules here: only include it if you’ve finished the program, and only include it if it’s a requirement or at least relevant to the position.
• If you wish, you can note the fact that you have an MBA in your cover letter . This isn't mandatory, though.
• Try to put both the full (Master of Business Administration) and the abbreviated title (MBA) on your resume. This can help you pass the Applicant Tracking Systems  most companies use.

So, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go into a little more detail.

How to list your MBA in the Education section

Most of what I mentioned above applies when you’re listing an MBA in your resume’s Education section. And most general guidelines on listing education apply here, too.

When adding an MBA, the Education section should still be in reverse chronological order . The actual way you list the qualification depends on your circumstances, though.

If you’ve received all of your qualifications from the same school, you can put the institution's name first, followed by your degrees. But if you’ve done your Bachelor’s degree and your MBA at different places, you can stick to the basics and list your qualifications first.

For example, take a look at how an MBA is presented on this Director of Finance resume .

You might have noticed the duration is stated as “2006 - ongoing”. Yes, I’ll talk about that, too. Stay tuned.

What about specializations, honors, and coursework? Do you need to include these, too?

Generally speaking, no, you don’t. But they can  help if they are relevant. For example, if your area of concentration supports your “claim” to the position, then yes, by all means, include it.

Just like in this CTO resume .

If your specialization area is not relevant, feel free to skip it and list only the qualifications.

And finally, your GPA.

As with all other education, listing your GPA  isn’t mandatory. If you do decide to include it, make sure it’s 3.5 or above. Flaunting your high grades is great, but it’s usually counterproductive if you haven’t done that well.

If you’re not sure exactly how to format your education (or any other section), a resume builder  can come in handy!

In case you’ve already got a resume, make sure it’s ATS-compatible by using our free resume checker .

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

How to list your MBA in your resume header

I mentioned before that you can choose to add your MBA in your resume header .

By that, I mean adding it after your name. So, instead of simply writing John Doe , you can put down John Doe, MBA .

Here’s an example:

But is this a good idea?

Well, it depends.

In most cases, adding any title lower than a doctorate to your name is generally frowned upon. But there are some situations where you might  be able to get away with it.

If the position specifically requires  an MBA, then yes, go for it. If not, stick to listing it in the Education section only. Hiring managers will look for it there, too. And if it’s not essential, there’s no point shoving it in their face.

Ensure you only add an MBA in your resume header if you've completed the program  and hold the degree.

If you haven’t finished your studies yet, but you still list it in the header without any context, recruiters may consider it as misleading. That’s a bad first impression no one wants to make.

Now, speaking of incomplete studies ...

How to add MBA in progress to your resume

If you’re still in the process of completing your MBA, you might be wondering if you should include it in your resume.

And the short answer is — absolutely ! If it’s relevant, of course.

All the same rules apply if you haven’t finished your studies yet. The only difference is that you should put down the anticipated  completion date  instead of an actual completion date.

Let’s go back to the example from earlier — the Director of Finance resume.

If you know when you’re expected to get your qualification, then you should put that date down.

More importantly, if you’re applying for a job in March 2024 and you’re expecting to finalize your MBA in May 2024, include the month, too. If you just put the year down, it can look like you’ve already received your MBA. Again, this can be considered misleading by employers. So, be specific.

And, if you want to leave even less room for confusion, you can add “expected” to the completion date, too.

Frequently asked questions about how to list MBA on a resume

Is there a case when it is better not to include your mba on your resume.

An MBA is usually a great asset on your resume and can boost your qualifications. But, in some rare cases, it might be better to leave it off, like when it could make you seem overqualified, isn’t relevant to the job, or if you’re worried about potential age discrimination .

Should I put an MBA on my email signature?

Adding an MBA to your email signature can be a good idea if it’s relevant to your job and underlines your expertise. But if it doesn’t really apply to your role or might feel a bit much in your work environment, you might want to skip it.

What if I have multiple MBAs?

If you have multiple MBAs, you might consider including them if they’re relevant to your current role or industry. However, listing more than one MBA could be overkill, so it’s usually best to underscore the one most relevant to the job you’re targeting .

And there you have it! Now that you know how to list an MBA on your resume, you’re on your way to making a spectacular first impression!

To summarize quickly:

• Adding an MBA to your resume is a great way to impress recruiters and pique their interest.
• Generally, list an MBA in your resume’s Education section.
• All general education rules apply to your MBA, too.
• MBAs work great with the reverse chronological resume format.
• If you’re yet to complete your studies, you can still include an MBA in your resume—just make sure to specify the expected completion date.

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