How to Write a MATLAB Resume

Key takeaways

You can include MATLAB skills on a resume to show potential employers that you’re experienced with the programming platform. 

• Showcase your MATLAB skills by using a chronological, functional, or combination resume template, depending on your work experience. 

• Some skills you'll want to list include any other programming like Python or C++, data visualization, and your proficiency in Simulink. 

• You can also discuss how you've worked with MATLAB in your professional experience section by describing how you applied it in your roles. 

Learn more about what you need to make your experience and skills with MATLAB stand out to potential employers. Start building in-demand data analysis skills by considering enrolling in the Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations Specialization. In just four weeks, you'll gain experience in creating data visualizations in Excel, explore the tasks of data analysts, and discover techniques like data wrangling. 

What is MATLAB?

MATLAB is a programming platform that uses numeric computing for engineering and scientific applications. The platform automatically generates embedded code using programming languages, specialized libraries, tools, and other features.

How to put MATLAB on a resume: What do employers look for?

MATLAB can be a useful skill to include on your resume for potential employers, especially if you’re comfortable with computer-related processes in the fields of engineering and science.

Employers may require candidates to have technical skills, including familiarity with the 

MATLAB platform. Other technical skills necessary for MATLAB developers include understanding programming languages like C++ and Python, data analysis, data visualization skills, and others.

Industries that use MATLAB for engineering and science applications include automotive, energy, medical devices, financial services, and more.

Learn more about how to make your MATLAB resume stand out with the steps below.

Step 1: Create a MATLAB resume template

First, you need to decide how to present your MATLAB experience to potential employers. Your three main options include:

• Chronological resume: A chronological resume focuses on your professional experience, including your experience with MATLAB, starting with your most recent work, followed by older work experiences. This is a good option if you have previous work experience, and it’s the preferred template for hiring managers.

• Functional resume: Use a functional resume to focus on your skills relevant to a position that requires an understanding of MATLAB. This option is a better choice for recent graduates or those new to the field, as it emphasizes skills over experience.

• Combination resume: Highlight the skills you’ve used in various job experiences with a resume that combines the best of a chronological and functional template. 

Be aware that resumes can get lengthy; potential employers tend to prefer no more than two-page resumes, so limit your page count to one or two pages, depending on your experience.

Step 2: Fill in your basic MATLAB resume essentials

Make it easy for hiring managers and potential employers to contact you by including your name, email address, and phone number at the top of your resume.

You can include a link to your website or online portfolio if you have one to showcase examples of projects you worked on with MATLAB.

Is MATLAB considered a skill?

Yes, MATLAB is a skill you develop, as it is a programming, analysis, visualization, and simulation environment used by computer scientists and engineers. You should include your MATLAB skills and experience on your resume, especially for engineering positions. 

Step 3: Add your resume summary

A resume summary describes your previous work and what makes you a good candidate. You can include information like your work experience and skills, including your expertise in MATLAB. Professionals can focus on their previous experience in the field. Recent graduates and those new to the field can discuss their career goals and the types of positions they are interested in.

Step 4: Showcase your MATLAB skills

It’s good to have specific skills that match with MATLAB to be successful in the field. Some of the skills you may have on your MATLAB resume include:

• Programming languages: Proficiency in programming and coding skills, including languages such as Python and C++, is important.

• Mathematics: MATLAB is based on mathematical skills, including understanding matrices and linear algebra.

• Data analysis and visualization skills: You may perform data and statistical analysis, create 2D and 3D plotting, and create advanced visuals.

• Simulink: Simulink uses MATLAB as a foundation for simulations.

MATLAB resumes may also include workplace skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, showing that you can work on projects with other team members.

Read more: 12 Essential Computer Engineering Skills

Step 5: Include your professional experience

Your professional experience using MATLAB is an integral part of your background that hiring managers and potential employers can use to determine if you’re a good fit for a new position.

Include the name of the company or organization you worked for, the years you worked there, and your job title. Under these headers, you can include several bullet points that discuss your experience. Consider adding information such as the skills you picked up in these positions and your accomplishments in your roles.

The previous experience section can also be a good place to include keywords that match the job description posted by the hiring manager.

Step 6: Feature your certifications

Certifications can be a good way to show proficiency in MATLAB and a willingness to stay on top of current updates in different computer-related fields. Some employers may prefer you to have certifications to work for an organization. Researching certifications and finding the best ones for your desired skill set and knowledge is a good idea.

MathWorks provides MATLAB certification options you can consider, two of which are:

• Certified MATLAB Associate: This certificate shows your proficiency with MATLAB and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. You can take the certification exam online or at a MathWorks testing center [1].

• Certified MATLAB Professional: You can demonstrate your advanced MATLAB skills by earning this certification. You must hold a Certified MATLAB Associate credential to take this exam, which consists of 25 multiple-choice questions and eight performance-based problems. You can take the exam at a MathWorks facility [1].

Step 7: Include your education

Education is an essential factor for employers, especially if you are a recent graduate or starting in the field. You can include the name of the educational institutions you attended, when you attended, the degrees you earned, and your majors for those degrees.

For MATLAB jobs, such as a MATLAB developer, you usually need a bachelor’s degree with a major in computer programming, computer science, or a related field [2].

Key MATLAB resume takeaways

• Choose a resume template that best fits your experience and skills.

• Add relevant information such as education, certifications, work history, and how to reach you.

• Review your skill set to ensure it matches the job description and keywords.

• Limit the length of your resume to two pages.

Explore our free career resources

Explore career paths, assess your skills, and access resume guidance while browsing our Career Resources Hub. If you want to learn more about data analysis, check out these free resources:

• Study terms: Data Analysis Terms & Definitions 

• Get resume tips: ​​3 Resume Templates & How to Pick the Right One for You 

• Explore more prep: Data Analyst Interview Preparation Guide 

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