If you’re one of the 5,000+ students who has worked one (or more) of the 8,000 positions on campus, you are probably already familiar with Handshake.
But what you may not know is how the platform is much more than just a site to find employment on campus. Handshake is an avenue to connect with others, much like other popular social media sites. This platform in particular is just focused around employment and geared toward college students.
You may be looking to expand your networking contacts. Find and reach out to other Handshake users. Perhaps you’re looking for internship advice. Search for another student who has interned at the company of your choice and read his or her review.
Here are just a few elements that are included in a Handshake account:
- Peer-to-peer messaging: Did you notice that a fellow Golden Flash completed an internship at an organization that you have your eye on? Make an introduction. You can also engage with anyone in the system, whether they are Kent State students or enrolled at another university. Just make sure your account is public for this feature.
- In-depth company bios: Do you have an interview soon and you need to do more research on the company? No problem! Find out more about the business and its highlights.
- Event tracking: From career fairs and recruiting events, to hiring events and virtual fairs, keep tabs on what’s happening on campus and around the region. Not only can you find when they are taking place, you’re also able to see which companies will be in attendance. Speaking of career fairs, don’t forget about the upcoming Fall Internship, Co-Op and Career Fair on Sept. 25, at the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
- Customization: Follow the people or companies you want to follow. Receive job notifications from the employers you choose. Filter the search results to exactly what you’re looking for. You can tailor your experience exactly how you want to.
So, by now we’re sure you’re wondering how to get started. All Kent State students can access Handshake through FlashLine. With the single sign on, no other registration is needed.
Career Exploration and Development (CED) spearheaded the initiative to have Kent State join the Handshake community in 2018. Students were then exposed to more than 68,000 employment opportunities that year alone. Compare that to 2017 -- pre-Handshake -- where just over 10,000 jobs were posted.
CED Executive Director Kristin Williams said joining Handshake was a natural move because of the company’s philosophy. “Much like the university, Handshake really has a students-first mentality,” Williams said.
Maybe you’re looking for a job on campus. Maybe you’re looking to start a career. Maybe you’re just looking to connect with others in the same position as you. Maybe you are just trying to figure out your next move. Whatever move that may be, maybe start with Handshake.