What to put on a CV for a first year grad student

[Argon]

I'll be starting the first year of my PhD program next fall, and I was just curious: what does one put on their resume/CV as a first year grad student? Putting PhD candidate isn't right because you have to pass your qualifying exams, right? So, what would you reasonably put?

[Eigen]

PhD student, estimated graduation date 2020. Or something like that. Can also put PhD (In Progress, Estimated Graduation 2020). 

 

If you have an advisor, put the advisor's name. 

 

I've never actually seen anyone put candidate on a CV. 

 

I have seen people put ABD on a CV, but mostly when it's people posting examples of what not to do.

[fuzzylogician]

I would suggest updating the Education section of the CV (which should be on the first page of the CV!), e.g. "2011--2014 Undergrad University, BA in Chemical Engineering (cum laude), minor in Basket Weaving (summa cum laude). 2015-- Awesome University, PhD student in Chemical Engineering." (I don't think estimated graduation date is all that important when you're a first-year. When you go on the job market and want to stress that you'll graduate that year, then you can add it.) Otherwise, there is no need to add anything else to the CV. 

[TakeruK]

In addition to the above suggestions, some people just prefer putting the year of graduation, so for a first year student (no expected grad date yet, no thesis title, no advisor), you might just put:

 

current     PhD in X, Awesome University                

2014        BSc in X, Another Awesome University

                Thesis: Blah Blah Blah, advised by Prof. Y

 

When you know more information (advisor, thesis topic/title, expected grad date), you can add it

[Argon]

Thanks for the suggestions and ideas! I know I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here, but I was curious nonetheless! 

[SNPCracklePop]

This should serve as a great resource as your CV evolves:

 

http://theprofessorisin.com/2012/01/12/dr-karens-rules-of-the-academic-cv/