How to Write a MATLAB Resume

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

Learn what you need to make your experience and skills with MATLAB stand out for potential employers.

What do employers look for in a MATLAB resume?

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 required for MATLAB developers include understanding programming languages like C++ and Python, data analysis, 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 below steps.

Step 1: Create a MATLAB resume template

The first thing for you to decide is 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 try to limit your page count to one or two pages depending on the amount of 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.

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 and create 2D and 3D plotting and 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.

Step 5: Include your professional experience

Your professional experience using MATLAB is an important 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 the roles you held.

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 in order to work for an organization. It’s a good idea to research certifications and find the best ones for your desired skill set and knowledge.

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 important factor for employers, especially if you are a recent graduate or starting out 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.

Build your MATLAB skills with Coursera

Consider taking online courses to build a foundation for your MATLAB resume, which can increase your chance of being noticed by potential employers.

Learn more with the Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations Specialization with IBM on Coursera, which covers topics such as data ecosystems, interactive dashboards, and data mining.

Learn more about using artificial intelligence with Generative AI for Data Engineers with IBM on Coursera. The course includes how to implement data engineering processes using AI tools and how to use different AI models for projects.