The University of Texas at Austin

Contact Us

Dr. John G. Ekerdt
Associate Dean for Research
512-471-2125

Marie King
Administrative Associate
512-471-2125

Joey S. Walker
Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist
512-471-5450

CV Writing Tips

There are fundamental differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. The main differences are length, content, and use. A curriculum vita, commonly referred to as a CV, is longer and more detailed (two pages or more) and typically used for application to research and academic positions.

The curriculum vita does not usually include an objective statement, but may include a summary statement. Publications are typically numbered and mentioning names of professors is more common on a CV than a resume. Because academia is a small world, potential employers may have heard of a professor who is a specialist in a particular field. Unlike a resume, there is no set format for a CV. It is a reflection of the individual and his or her unique background and experience. However, it may benefit you to check with an advisor or network contact about preferences on CV format.

CV Sections

Typically, a CV might include some or all of the following:

  • Personal and contact information
  • Summary statement
  • Education
  • Dissertation
  • Fellowships
  • Academic or teaching experience
  • Research interests
  • Publications
  • Awards
  • Employment history
  • Professional licenses and certifications
  • Grants
  • Professional memberships
  • Skills
  • Languages
  • Interests

Books on CV Writing

Books containing sample CVs and CV writing tips available in the ECAC Library, in ECJ 2.400, include The Academic Job Search Handbook and How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae.

ECAC CV Review

One of the many services ECAC provides is review of your CV. Just bring a hard copy to ECJ 2.400.  A career counselor will review your CV and make suggestions for improvement. Counselors are available on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Download this file (Curriculum_Vitae_Framework.pdf)CV Framework  (541 Kb)

Above: Graphene-based capacitors enable new applications for energy storage.

Research Spotlight

Building bridges is nothing unusual for engineers. But for Dr. Christine Schmidt, professor of biomedical engineering, the bridges in question connect human nerves.

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John G. Ekerdt, Associate Dean for Research

John G. Ekerdt is the associate dean for research in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.  His work is supported by the endowment created as the Dick Rothwell Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering.  He holds a Texas professional engineer's license.

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Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Students in labs


Are you interested in undergraduate research? Do you want to live in a different city this summer and get paid to do research while building your resume? Learn more about Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).

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