As a forensic science major, most of my time is spent looking at chemistry or biology so, you might not expect to find me reviewing resumes at Career Services. But here I am, sitting across from students, helping them translate their experiences into clean and confident career documents.
It might sound like a strange crossover, but doing resume critiques as a Career Peer Advisor has unexpectedly sharpened my skills as an aspiring crime lab analyst- and taught me a lot about myself along the way.
Spotting the Details
In forensics, small details matter. A typo in a report or a mislabel on a piece of evidence could derail an entire investigation. That same mindset applies to resumes. I’ve learned to spot the missing periods, inconsistent formatting, or vague bullet points that can make or break a student’s first impression with an employer.
When I’m giving a critique, I treat the document like a case file. I read it critically, ask clarifying questions, and suggest revisions that make each student’s story clearer and more compelling. Whether it’s rearranging sections to highlight key skills or brainstorming stronger action verbs, I’m practicing a kind of analytical thinking that transfers right back to my major.
Walking Students Through the Process
Let’s be real, talking about yourself on paper is hard. I’ve had students walk in looking like they’d rather be anywhere else than face a blank resume template. As a student who’s still figuring out my own professional identity, I’ve been there too.
I get to help them stress less by showing them how their experiences – retail jobs, class projects, volunteer work – actually do translate into real-world skills. And in that process, I’m reminded to reflect on my own path as well. Every time I help someone find the right phrasing for their lab internship or leadership role, I’m also refining how I tell my story.
Bringing it Back to the Expo
With the Internship and Career Expo coming up, I’m not just prepping my own materials- I’m helping others prep too. That means:
● Tailoring resumes for different employers
● Practicing elevator pitches that showcase both technical skills and personality.
● Recommending tools like VMock and Big Interview for self-paced prep.
● Sharing stress-less tips I’ve picked up along the way (like deep breathing before big moments or reviewing a “hot list” of target employers in Handshake).
There’s something empowering about walking into the Expo knowing I’ve helped others feel just a little more confident – and knowing that all this practice is making me a better communicator and leader in my field.
Final Thoughts
Being a forensic science student has taught me to pay attention to evidence. But being a Career Peer Advisor has taught me to pay attention to people – their stories, their skills, and their potential. Doing resume critiques might not seem like crime lab work, but in many ways, it’s just as impactful.
Want me or someone else to look at your resume? Contact Career Services or schedule an appointment on Handshake with a Career Counselor or Career Peer Advisor!
