Welcome to the Career Corner, a new series created in collaboration with Emerson’s Career Development Center, that tackles common questions, scenarios, or concerns graduate students frequently encounter throughout their professional journeys.
In this post, we’re discussing the ambiguous career website called “Handshake.”
If you’re anything like me, you may have heard of Handshake, been prompted to set up your profile when you joined Emerson, and not given it much thought since. But I’m here to tell you: there’s so much more to the website than you could ever imagine. With direct access to Emerson’s Career Development Center, career fair resources, job postings, and more, this is an invaluable asset that you don’t want to ignore. Read on to find out how this simple application could change the job search game entirely.
What is Handshake?
Handshake is kind of like the Emerson version of LinkedIn, but better. It’s a multifaceted online resource that allows current students and alumni to search for jobs, interact with over 7,000 employers, review a multitude of career resources, and work directly with Emerson’s Career Development Center. According to the Emerson website, there are over 1,000 job and internship opportunities posted on average each month, and you can narrow your search based on Emerson-specific industries/programs.
Pro Tip: Use the “career center collections” tab on the job board homepage to filter opportunities by themes, such as proximity to campus, social impact roles, sports industry jobs, and fortune 500 companies.
On the recruitment side, employers can also browse through resumes and student portfolios to actively recruit individuals who match their company’s needs.
How to Access Handshake
To reap all the benefits of Handshake, simply log in using your Emerson login credentials if you’re a current student. For alumni, be sure to update your login information or create a new account to keep your same level of access. You can even download the Handshake app to your phone to stay updated on your direct messages or new job postings.
Network Beyond Your Scope
One of the best parts of being in graduate school is the new community of students, alumni, and faculty that you have access to. Through the “people” tab on Handshake, you can explore peers you might know and alumni you should follow. Unlike LinkedIn, where it can feel intimidating to reach out to people, everyone here is already connected through our shared love of Emerson, so… You can look up specific organizations and search through individuals you might know who have connections there.
More Handshake Benefits
Having direct access to advisors in the Career Development Center is one of the most valuable elements of the Handshake platform. In the “career center” tab found in the left-side menu, the Emerson community has access to scheduling appointments with career advisors like Tamar Gaffin-Cahn. The resources index, located in the “career center” tab, has information on topics like the IRIS Headshot Booth, internships for credit for grad students, how to make your LinkedIn stand out, and more.
Additionally, any current Emerson student can submit their resume or cover letter through Handshake to be peer reviewed by a member of the career development team, with feedback delivered by email in 2-3 days after submission.
The “events” tab is also a great resource. It’s the place to find Emerson workshops led by Tamar, like “Bringing Your Career to Life” and “Is a PhD Right For You?” But it also features registration links to virtual and in-person employer information or networking sessions at companies like Penguin Random House, Teach for America, and the Boston Globe.
The best way to understand all that Handshake has to offer is to check it out yourself. Take some time to explore the various tabs and update your profile so employers can stay up-to-date on your experiences. For more information, check out this webpage, and be sure to look out for our next installment of the Career Corner!
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