Handshake review

Our verdict

Handshake is most useful when your school already uses it, because the listings are tied to your campus and career center events. Access is typically free for students, and many schools screen employers before postings go live. Its limitation is coverage: it is strongest for students at participating schools and less useful if your school does not have an account for you.

How it works

Most students sign in with their school credentials, which is how the platform confirms eligibility. You complete a profile with your major, graduation date and experience, then search jobs and internships by field, location and job type. You can register for career fairs, book appointments with career advisers and set up interviews if employers use the platform for recruiting. A mobile app is available on iOS and Android.

Pros and cons

Pros

Free for students at participating schools, according to school career center pages
Listings are tied to your campus and career center events
Career fairs and advising appointments are bookable in one place
Many schools screen employers and postings before they appear
Mobile app makes it easy to check new listings

Cons

Access depends on your school, so some students cannot join
Listings and employer quality vary by school and major
Alumni access rules differ, so check your school's policy after you graduate
Some employers post the same role on several boards, so check duplicates

Who it is for

Handshake fits current students and recent graduates who want campus-linked internships, first jobs and career fair access. Workers who have already left school may find that the free access ends or changes, so check first. For broader entry-level listings, compare Indeed and Snagajob, and for public service roles see Idealist.

Getting access through your school

Your school's career center decides how you access Handshake. Many students receive an account at orientation or log in with their campus credentials. If you cannot find it, check your career center's website or ask an adviser, since some schools link to the platform from a student portal.

Complete your profile in full. Employers and career staff search profiles by major, skills and experience, so include relevant coursework, part-time work, volunteer roles and projects. A complete profile can help you appear in searches that you would otherwise miss.

Searching, applying and attending events

Use filters to search by job type, such as internship, part-time or full-time, and by location and industry. Save searches and turn on notifications for the roles you want. Read the posting closely and check the application deadline, which is often earlier than the closing date on other sites.

Career fairs and information sessions are often the best way to meet recruiters. Register in advance, prepare a short introduction and bring copies of your resume. For a method that works on any campus platform, see part-time jobs for students.

Scams, screening and privacy

Campus career platforms screen employers, but scams can still reach students through outside contacts or copycat sites. Be cautious with any employer that asks you to pay for training, equipment or a background check, or that asks for bank details before an offer. The FTC's guidance on job scams lists these warning signs.

Review your privacy settings before sharing your resume and contact details. Limit what is visible to employers, and remove sensitive information such as a full Social Security number from any document you upload.

Alternatives worth comparing

Indeed and LinkedIn Jobs are open to students and recent graduates without a school account, though they carry more noise. Snagajob suits part-time and hourly work near campus. For government and nonprofit internships, Idealist and USAJOBS are worth checking.

Frequently asked questions

Is Handshake free for students?

Students at participating schools generally use Handshake at no cost, according to the school information we reviewed. Check with your career center for your school's terms.

Can alumni still use Handshake?

Alumni access depends on each school's policy. Ask your career center what happens to your account after you graduate.

Do employers see my Handshake profile?

Employers on the platform can find profiles that match their searches. Review your privacy settings to control visibility.

Sources we checked

We are independent. We are not paid to rank any platform and we do not represent any company or government agency we write about.