Handshake AI is a leading career platform and job-search network specially designed to connect college students, recent graduates, and early-career talent with employers, internships, part-time roles, and full-time jobs.
It blends job discovery, career advice, company connections, and personalized opportunities — all within a single, user-friendly platform
Founded in 2014 by a group of college students who wanted to help peers find meaningful work, Handshake has grown into the #1 career network for Gen Z and early-career professionals — powering thousands of university career centers and millions of student users worldwide.
What Is Handshake?
Handshake is an online career ecosystem that helps students and recent grads:
- Find internships and job listings tailored to their interests and level
- Connect directly with employers and recruiters seeking new talent
- Attend virtual career events and fairs
- Get career advice and personalized job recommendations
Unlike general job boards, Handshake focuses on early-career opportunities, matching students with roles they are qualified for, and helping employers reach a diverse pool of emerging talent.
Who Uses Handshake?
Students & Recent Graduates
Handshake is used by millions of students and alumni across hundreds of colleges and universities. Users create profiles that include:
- Education and majors
- Work interests
- Career goals
- Skills and resume
- Preferred work locations
Based on these details, the platform suggests personalized job and internship matches, increasing the chances of relevant opportunities.
Students can also:
- Apply for jobs directly through the platform
- Upload resumes, cover letters, and other application materials
- Track applications and receive notifications
- RSVP to career events and fairs
- Message employers directly
This makes the entire job-search process centralized and efficient.
Employers & Recruiters
Companies of all sizes — from startups to Fortune 500 firms — use Handshake to:
- Post internships, part-time jobs, and entry-level roles
- Search and filter candidates by major, graduation year, interests, and location
- Engage directly with students through messaging and career events
- Host or participate in virtual and in-person career fairs
Handshake offers a free basic tier for job postings and then premium plans with enhanced employer features (like unlimited messaging, advanced filtering, candidate matching, and analytics). Larger organizations can also access special enterprise-level packages tailored to their hiring scale.
How Handshake Works
1. Create a Profile
Students sign up using their school email, build a professional profile, and list interests, skills, and career goals.
2. Discover Opportunities
The platform uses your profile data to recommend jobs, internships, group events, and career fairs that align with your education and interests.
3. Apply & Engage
Once matched with opportunities, students can apply directly, track application progress, and connect with employers through Handshake’s messaging tools.
4. Attend Career Events
Handshake hosts virtual and in-person career fairs and recruiting events, helping students network with employers without leaving campus or across geographic boundaries.
Key Features
📌 Personalized Job Matching
Handshake analyzes your profile to show opportunities that are most relevant to your interests and qualifications.
📌 Career Events & Fairs
Participate in virtual and live events organized through your school and beyond.
📌 Employer Messaging
Contact recruiters directly through the Handshake platform for follow-ups or questions.
📌 Career Resources & Guidance
Access articles, interviews, resume tips, and practice tools to help prepare for applications and interviews.
Plans & Pricing
- Student Access: Free for students and alumni at partnered institutions — no subscription required.
- Employer Plans: Handshake offers a free core plan with basic job posting; paid plans like Plus and Talent Engagement add advanced features like targeted outreach, analytics, and integrations with applicant tracking systems. Pricing depends on plan and employer needs.
Large employers often negotiate custom packages depending on hiring volume, campus engagement strategy, and integration requirements.
Why It’s Popular
✨ Designed for Early-Career Talent
Handshake focuses on students, new graduates, and entry-level roles, filling a gap traditional job boards don’t always serve well.
✨ University Integration
Many colleges use Handshake as their official career services platform, giving students an easy way to transition from academics to employment.
✨ Personalized Recommendations
The platform’s machine learning–based matching helps students find opportunities aligned with their interests and goals.
✨ Large Employer Reach
Handshake’s network spans hundreds of universities and thousands of employers actively recruiting early talent.
Who Benefits Most
✔ College Students & Recent Graduates
Ideal for people with limited experience looking to launch careers, find internships, or explore early-career jobs.
✔ Employers & Recruiters
Especially those focused on campus recruiting or early-career hiring, needing access to a large pool of emerging talent.
✔ Career Services Offices
Universities use Handshake to streamline campus recruiting, track student outcomes, and host career events centrally.
Final Thoughts
Handshake has become the go-to career platform for Gen Z and early career talent by connecting students with opportunities and employers in a personalized, intuitive environment. Its focus on internships, entry-level jobs, real networking, and seamless application tools makes it a vital tool for anyone starting their professional journey.
Whether you’re a student exploring your first job, a recent grad navigating the transition from academic life, or an employer looking to recruit fresh talent, Handshake helps ease the process and open doors to meaningful career opportunities.
