Should I put incomplete degrees on my resume?

CeltNinja

I feel like this is the right spot for this question..it's something that I've been wondering for awhile now..

I'm working on revamping my resume/portfolio to land a developer gig somewhere - and should I put incomplete degrees on my resume? For instance 2 years at one school for Computer Science and 3 years at another school for web development...There's NO way that I can finish right now so they'll be incomplete for at least a few years.

Part of me thinks that I shouldn't list them but that's a lot of nice relevant skills that I would be leaving in the dark I think

What do you guys think?

iBrokeIT

Sure, as long as your don't misrepresent yourself and make it look like you actually completed the degree.

Doing so will open you up to the questions: "Why did you stop?" and "Any plans to finish?"

NetworkNewb

If were going to school right now I probably would. But if your on a break (for whatever reason, doesn't really matter what) I wouldn't. If you got skills in certain areas I would just list them out in the resume in a qualifications/skills section.

Danielm7

I think it also depends on the company. I interviewed in one place and they seemed bothered that I was currently in school even though I was only doing it on the nights and weekends. They wanted me 100%, no distractions, they even told me flat out in the first interview that the type of people that want to leave at 5pm aren't the type of people they want. In the end, I'm glad they were annoyed by it, ended up at a much better company anyway.

srabiee

If you are currently enrolled as a student and working toward completing the degree(s), then yes you should include it.

If you are not currently enrolled as a student, then absolutely not. As a hiring manager, I don't want or need to know about abandoned degree progress. I don't mean to sound overly harsh, but that's the truth of the matter.

anhtran35

I would put ( expected graduation by May 2020 ) or something like that.

aspiringsoul

Yes, put your expected graduation date on your resume.

If you're not currently enrolled, then I would make a point to state your intentions to finish your degree program when you have the opportunity (if that is in fact your goal) during the interview.

Some college is better than no college, in the eyes of some employers, I would think...

If you don't list it on your resume/application, then they have no reason to expect that you've attended college.

RHDS2K

I did but only because i was still enrolled, and it just landed me a job. I put the degree followed by (Expect graduation March 25th)... If I wasn't active in school I don't think i'd put it though.

aspiringsoul

Same here, my job offer from my current employer was contingent upon the completion of a Bachelor degree program within one year of the hire date. Had I not listed my degree in progress on my resume, I doubt that I would have been offered the position.

Even though the position required the CCNA and a Bachelor degree, and I was lacking both at the time, I stated my intentions to earn both, and they felt that I was the best candidate even though I did not meet the posted requirements at the time.

N2IT

srabiee wrote: »

If you are currently enrolled as a student and working toward completing the degree(s), then yes you should include it.

If you are not currently enrolled as a student, then absolutely not. As a hiring manager, I don't want or need to know about abandoned degree progress. I don't mean to sound overly harsh, but that's the truth of the matter.

This right here. I would actually get annoyed with this, it's deceptive.

Legacy User

I did it a long time ago it lead to a lot of confusion everyone assumed it was completed its like no one really looks at the resume. During an interview the Director of IT said you are a smart guy,"why didn't you finish school". I'd suggest if you are not currently in school don't even bother makes you look like a quitter.

aspiringsoul

dmarcisco,

I agree with you here, but this really depends on the reasons for the OP not finishing school. Life gets in the way of things, and many employers/interviewers can be understanding depending on the reasons...

If the OP omits college experience on his/her resume, then it reasonable to assume that he/she never attended college. I understand the reasoning of not wanting to be viewed as a quitter....but I don't think that it is fair for the person who spent time/money attending college classes to omit that experience from their resume/application.

If you intend to earn an Associate/Bachelor degree in the future, then state your intentions,(and if asked by the interviewer) the reasons that you have not yet obtained the degree. Just be completely honest.

If the position requires an AS/BS, then you might state in your cover letter that you intend to earn the degree in the future, and that you feel that your work experience would qualify you for the position...

Good luck...

Zartanasaurus

Depends. Do you want to look like someone who starts lots of things and doesn't finish them? If so, put a bunch of abandoned degrees in there. Agree with the others than putting an in-progress degree that you're going to finish within the next year is fine. "Degree expected May 2019" would look silly though.

TheProfezzor

I'm currently completing my MBA and I have clearly mentioned in my resume, that the degree is to be completed by the end of 2015. I also bring it up during interviews, so the interviewer knows, I have nothing to hide and I am not misrepresenting things. For me, it has worked well to inform my employers, that I am a student and I have commitments towards my education.