What does a “strong” finance resume actually look like for undergrads?

That’s a thoughtful question, and I completely understand your concern — it’s true that many finance resumes can start looking very similar, especially when everyone uses the same templates and phrases. But having worked with many undergrads preparing for banking and PE roles, I can tell you that a “strong” finance resume is less about having a perfect checklist and more about clearly showing evidence of excellence, impact, and momentum in whatever you’ve done so far.

For undergrads, yes: name-brand internships help because they signal you’ve been vetted by selective organizations. But leadership roles, whether in student groups, sports teams, or even personal projects, can carry just as much weight if you can demonstrate tangible results or growth. Technical experience is important too, but rather than simply listing that you know DCF or financial modeling, you want to reflect how you applied those skills- for example, by building a model for a competition, contributing to a student fund, or doing a valuation on your own initiative.

When structuring bullet points, the best resumes avoid vague claims like “responsible for” or “helped with.” Instead, they focus on what you delivered: did you increase efficiency, save time, improve analysis, help close a deal, or win a competition? Even as a student, small wins matter if you frame them with clarity and outcome. So while templates are helpful as a base, the key to standing out is filling them with substance that feels specific and authentic to your own journey, not just what you think recruiters want to hear.