Penn students have tons of career development opportunities. Handshake is Penn Career Services’ platform that helps you combine those opportunities including access to employers, job and internship postings, events and workshops, network with peers, or appointments with a career advisor to talk about your future plans. Handshake is a great, broad platform, but with so many resources available, the biggest challenge is making sure that you’re able to make the most of the system.
Here are 3 easy ways to make Handshake work for you:
- Share your interests
Handshake has opportunities across every industry imaginable. In the past year, there were almost 200,000 jobs and internships posted. With such a high volume, it helps to make sure the system knows how to algorithmically pull the most relevant positions to the top of your searches. Add in some industries or job functions that stand out to you.
Over 56,000 employers have specifically requested to post to Penn students in Handshake. Many of your top organizations of interest are likely already in the system. By following different employers, Handshake will send you a notice whenever that organization posts a position, is hosting an information session, or attending a fair. This is a great way to cut down the time you spend searching by letting the system identify and send things to you directly. If it feels there’s nothing in Handshake that stands out to you, likely it’s because opportunities for that industry haven’t been posted yet. Following organizations can make sure you’re up-to-date on what your favorite employers are currently focused on.
- Complete your profile
Similar to LinkedIn, employers may contact you directly upon discovering your profile on Handshake. Adding a photo and some of the basics of your experiences/extra curriculars is a great way to stand out. We’ve worked with students who have had companies seek them out directly. You can also network with peers here at Penn or across the world who may be able to share their experiences with you in a meaningful way.
