Sample Resume – Postgraduate Coursework Applicants

Thursday 13 February 2025
This resume outlines the qualifications and experiences of John Smith, a South African national seeking to enroll in an MBA program in Australia. It details his educational background, work experience, skills, extracurricular activities, and personal information, highlighting his achievements and aspirations in strategic management and leadership.

Sample Resume – Postgraduate Coursework Applicant

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John Smith

456 Queen Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Phone: +61 400 456 789 | Email: johnsmith@email.com
Date of Birth: 22/07/1998
Nationality: South African | Passport Number: SA987654321


Objective

To enroll in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at a leading Australian university, with a specialization in Strategic Management and Leadership. My goal is to develop advanced business acumen, leadership abilities, and problem-solving skills to transition into an executive management role in the corporate sector. I aim to leverage this postgraduate degree to enhance my strategic decision-making and global business perspective.


Education Background

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) – Finance & Management

University of Cape Town, South Africa
Dates Attended: 01/02/2018 – 15/12/2021

  • Achieved First-Class Honours (GPA: 3.9/4.0)
  • Specialized in Financial Planning, Corporate Governance, and Business Analytics
  • Research Thesis: “Impact of Digital Banking on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa”

Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC)

Pretoria High School for Boys, Pretoria, South Africa
Dates Attended: 01/01/2016 – 15/12/2017

  • Subjects: English, Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies, Accounting
  • Achievements:
    • Scored 89% in final board examinations
    • Awarded Best Business Studies Student (2017)

Work Experience

Financial Analyst

ABC Consulting Group, Cape Town, South Africa
Dates: 01/03/2022 – Present

  • Conducted financial analysis and risk assessments for corporate clients.
  • Developed investment strategies and business models for startups and SMEs.
  • Assisted in financial forecasting and budgeting for multinational clients.

Business Development Associate (Internship)

XYZ Capital, Johannesburg, South Africa
Dates: 01/06/2021 – 15/12/2021

  • Assisted in market research and corporate investment planning.
  • Worked on business strategy development and financial performance analysis.
  • Developed client presentations and reports for senior management.

English Language Proficiency

IELTS Academic Training

Test Report Form Number: 654321987
Test Date: 15/08/2023

  • Listening: 8.0
  • Reading: 7.5
  • Writing: 7.0
  • Speaking: 8.0
  • Overall Band Score: 7.5

(Goal: Strengthen academic writing and communication skills through coursework.)


Skills

  • Financial Analysis & Risk Management
  • Strategic Business Planning & Development
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel & Data Analytics
  • Corporate Governance & Leadership
  • Effective Business Communication & Negotiation

Extracurricular Activities

  • President of the Finance & Investment Club, University of Cape Town
  • Winner of the National Business Case Competition (15/09/2020)
  • Volunteer for Financial Literacy Training for Small Businesses
  • Member of the Toastmasters International Public Speaking Club

Additional Information Needed to Process the Application

References

  1. Dr. Richard Thompson
    Professor, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Cape Town
    Cape Town, South Africa
    Phone: +27 98765 43210
    Email: richard.thompson@uct.ac.za

  2. Ms. Lindiwe Mthembu
    Senior Manager, ABC Consulting Group
    Cape Town, South Africa
    Phone: +27 87654 32109
    Email: lindiwe.mthembu@abcconsulting.com


Personal & Family Information

  • Father’s Name: Michael Smith
    • Occupation: Entrepreneur
  • Mother’s Name: Susan Smith
    • Occupation: University Lecturer
  • Marital Status: Single

Countries Visited

  • United Kingdom (10/06/2018 – 20/06/2018): Business Leadership Program
  • United Arab Emirates (05/12/2019 – 15/12/2019): Financial Conference Participation
  • Australia (01/07/2022 – 30/07/2022): Short-term exchange program

Visa & Compliance History

  • Visa Holding History: Holds a valid Australian student visa application in progress
  • Visa Refusals: None
  • Compliance: No previous visa violations or overstays

Emergency Contact