In one of my recent posts on LinkedIn, I mentioned that I was working on my resume/CV and having difficulties. “My background is complicated.” I said. “It includes an internship in the middle of my career, design experience that intersects my BA experience, managerial experience from PhD coursework, and so on.” I wondered whether I should use the services of a resume writer.
The externship/internship was such a rewarding experience. I did many things, thanks to the management at USPTO. I assisted with a usability study (the lab exercise part) for employees to evaluate video conferencing options. That experience was very useful to me (came in handy) during my PhD studies. The externship extended for several months longer than planned so I could say that it was a job. It is currently in the Education section of my LinkedIn profile because I got the externship through the school.
Writing a good resume is difficult. Even when I did not have much experience, I was unsure about what to include, what to place first, how best to describe my background, and so on. Then there was the issue of selling myself. I am from a conservative background. I felt uncomfortable about “talking up” my background. But this is required in the U.S.
I got very good at resume writing. I bought a resume writing book and studied the examples.
I don’t think I could fit my background on a 2-3 page resume. Time will tell.
Inside Fahmeena Odetta's Head 
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