Dear Career Advisor:

I did courses towards an associate degree in business studies some time ago. However, even though I have credits from the course, I did not complete the programme to get the actual degree. Do I have to state that I started this degree programme on my résumé or can I leave it off?

Thanks for your reply.

Yours truly,

S G

Dear S G:

Dear S G:

Thank you for your question, which is a common concern for a number of people.

Traditionally, the rule of thumb says omit all incomplete programmes as the disadvantages of including it outweigh the advantages. The chief disadvantage is that you could be perceived as lacking the tenacity to complete something you have started.

There are, however, a few things that you will need to consider before deciding whether to include it or not. Carefully consider the questions below. Your circumstances and responses will help you decide whether it will be advantageous.

i. Have you simply taken a break from doing the programme?

If yes, include it and indicate the expected date of completion.

ii. Will your reason(s) for discontinuing the programme cast you in a negative light to potential recruiters?

If so, by all means, omit the course details.

iii. Are you taking steps to complete the programme in the near future?

Consider the implication this might have on your taking up a new job from which you might require time-off or special consideration to complete the programme. You might therefore want to include it for transparency.

iv. Have you completed another degree programme at an equivalent or higher level?

If your answer is yes, do not mention the incomplete programme, especially if you have no intention of completing it.

v. Is the incomplete programme aligned to your current career aspirations?

Include it if this is the strongest evidence of training you have in the field.

vi. Were there courses done in the incomplete programme from which you have developed skills that are of specific relevance to your projected career path?

If yes, include the name of the institution, the period of study and list two to four of the courses that are relevant. For example, you might list the accounting courses you have mastered, if you are applying for a position in the accounting field.

vii. Would omitting the incomplete programme reveal a significant gap in your employment or education history?

If so, include it, indicating ‘incomplete’ or state the number of courses remaining or approximate the percentage of completion. Be prepared to state your reason(s) if called for an interview.

Carefully evaluate your responses to the preceding questions and if you see where it might be of benefit to include the incomplete programme, consider re-arranging your résumé to give prominence to your experience and skills by placing the section captioned ‘Education’ lower or towards the bottom of your résumé (if it’s a one-pager).

Lastly, remember that your résumé is not a one-size-fits-all document and therefore what is included in the pursuit of one job opportunity might not necessarily be as important for others. The document should therefore be specifically crafted for each opportunity.

Sincerely,Career AdvisorCarolyn Marie Smith is associate vice-president of student services at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit your questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm

Sincerely,

Career Advisor

Carolyn Marie Smith is associate vice-president of student services at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit your questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm