If you’ve spent years building your expertise in a specific field and are now looking to transition into higher education or supplement your income as an adjunct professor (some organizations refer to these valuable faculty members as adjunct instructors), you’re not alone. Many colleges and universities actively seek out professionals who can bring real-world experience into the classroom. But how do you write a resume for an adjunct professor job if you haven’t formally taught before?
The key is to highlight your subject matter expertise, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly, and showcase any experience you’ve had with coaching, mentoring, training, or public speaking. In this post, you’ll find a resume sample designed for professionals who are applying to teach part-time—for the first time—at a college or university. Whether you’re applying to teach in business, technology, healthcare, or another discipline, this sample resume can help you get started.
Sample Resume for an Adjunct Professor with no Teaching Experience
Cameron Lewis, MBA
Chicago, IL | (555) 987-6543 | cameron.lewis@anyemailaddress.co | [LinkedIn Profile Link]
Professional Summary
Business strategist and operations leader with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance, organizational management, and leadership development. Recognized for mentoring early-career professionals and leading workforce training programs. Now seeking to transition into higher education as an adjunct professor to share industry expertise with the next generation of business leaders. Passionate about translating real-world challenges into engaging, relevant learning opportunities.
Areas of Expertise
Strategic Planning & Execution | Corporate Finance & Budgeting | Leadership Development | Workforce Training & Coaching | Operations Management | Business Communications | Data Analysis & Decision-Making | Inclusive Workplaces
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
University of XYZ – Urbana, IL
Graduated: 2012
Focus: Finance & Organizational Leadership
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
ABC University – Chicago, IL
Graduated: 2007
Minor: Economics
Professional Experience
Director of Strategic Operations
Awesome Consulting Group – Chicago, IL
June 2016 – Present
- Lead cross-functional strategy and finance teams supporting Fortune 500 clients in optimizing operations, resource planning, and change management
- Develop and deliver internal workshops on business analytics, communication, and team leadership
- Mentor and coach junior consultants, fostering skill development and career progression
- Partner with HR to implement Inclusion initiatives and learning programs company-wide
- Serve as guest speaker for corporate-sponsored university events and leadership panels
Senior Business Analyst
Urbanized Commercial Bank – Chicago, IL
August 2012 – May 2016
- Managed budgeting, forecasting, and KPI reporting for retail banking operations across 30+ branches
- Designed training modules for new hires on financial systems, analysis tools, and client communications
- Collaborated with executive leadership on strategic planning and market growth strategies
Financial Analyst
Guided Path Logistics, LLC – Chicago, IL
June 2007 – July 2012
- Supported regional budgeting and long-term planning for supply chain operations
- Presented complex data insights to executive teams and operational staff
- Built forecasting models and dashboards to support business decisions
Relevant Experience in Teaching & Mentorship
- Corporate Trainer & Internal Workshop Facilitator
Delivered presentations and workshops on leadership, business analysis, and professional communication for in-house teams and client partners. - Guest Speaker & Panelist
Participated in university-hosted business events at XYZ University, ABC University Chicago, and the University of OPQ, discussing career pathways, leadership, and financial literacy. - Professional Mentorship
Active mentor through the National Association for Business Professionals’ career development program, supporting undergraduate business students.
Technology Skills
- Business Tools: Microsoft Excel (Advanced), PowerPoint, Tableau, SAP, Salesforce
- Learning & Collaboration Tools: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace
- LMS Exposure: Blackboard (as a guest contributor), Canvas (familiar user through corporate partnerships)
Certifications & Related Training
- Executive Leadership Certificate – Cornell University (2025)
- Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) – Training Industry, Inc. (2022)
- Inclusive Teaching Strategies – Coursera/University of Michigan (2023)
Professional Affiliations
- Association for Talent Development (ATD)
- National Association of Business Professionals (NABP)
- American Management Association (AMA)
References
Available upon request.
In Conclusion
Your years of professional industry experience are valuable to academic organizations—especially when they can be translated into meaningful classroom learning. Even without a formal teaching background, you likely already have the skills to educate, engage, and mentor students.
When applying for your first adjunct job, let your resume reflect your professional expertise, your communication strengths, and your genuine interest in student success. Tailoring your resume this way will give you a competitive edge and help decision-makers see the potential you bring to the classroom.
Want to make your application even stronger? Pair your resume with a compelling cover letter that clearly explains your desire to transition into teaching and how your background will benefit your students. Good luck as you look to land your first adjunct professor job!
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