There is a job and internship search site tailored specifically for you, and it could be hiding right under your nose! It’s called Handshake, and it’s the primary way the Center for Career Development connects UConn students with employment opportunities and Center-sponsored events. To get started, all you need to do is log into Handshake with your NetID and password.
Once you log in, you will see a circle with your initials in the upper right-hand corner. Click on it, and select “My Profile” from the dropdown menu. From there, you can add a photo of yourself, education, work history, volunteer experience, as well as other organizations and extracurriculars you are part of. All this information helps prospective employers identify you and reach out to see if you would be a good fit for their company. Additionally, you can make your intentions clearer to employers by selecting from a dropdown menu what your “Job Hunt” status is (“Actively looking for a job,” “Not looking for a job, but open to opportunities,” etc.). You can also list your “Job Interests” (“full-time,” “part-time,” “internship,” etc.) as well as the skills you have.
With a strong profile, you’re more likely to have employers aligned with your interests message you. Moreover, most positions can be applied to directly from Handshake, which is especially easy considering you can save application documents to your account for easy upload. This also helps you keep track of old résumés and cover letters in one, organized place. What’s more, you can opt to make these documents public as another way to attract employer attention.
Another purpose of Handshake is to connect you with the Career Center’s professional staff and sponsored events. Click on “Career Center” in the upper right-hand corner, and you will immediately see three options: “Appointments,” “Resources,” and “Surveys.” Making an appointment with a career coach will help you identify what kind of job you’re looking for and how to get it. Under “Resources,” you will find such helpful tools as Big Interview, a software that allows you to conduct mock interviews, preparing you for that big, final step in landing a job. Surveys will occasionally be available so that you may give the Center feedback, allowing it to better meet your job search needs. Finally, scroll down on the page, and you will see upcoming events, many of which feature alumni. Networking with these alumni can provide you with valuable mentors that will help you in your job search.
All in all, Handshake is a valuable resource. Hopefully, it leads you to a “handshake” with an employer when you get your dream job!
See the table below for more helpful tips based on your career community. Click on the “Jobs” tab in the upper left-hand corner. Next, select “All Filters” on the middle of your screen. Scroll down on the popup to “Industry” and add relevant industries:
Career Community Relevant Industries
| Agriculture, Food, and the Environment | “Agriculture,” “Animal & Wildlife,” “Farming, Ranching, and Fishing,” “Food & Beverage,” “Forestry,” “Natural Resources” |
| Arts, Media, and Communication | “Design,” “Fashion,” “Journalism, Media, and Publishing,” “Movies, TV, Music,” “Performing and Fine Arts” |
| Business, Finance, Sales, and Marketing | “Financial Services,” “Accounting,” “Marketing/Advertising/PR” headings |
| Education and Social Services | “Government/Education” heading |
| Government, Public Administration, Law, and Non-Profits | “Government/Education,” “Non-Profit” headings |
| Healthcare and Wellness | “Healthcare” heading |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | “Research,” “Advertising, PR, & Marketing,” “Management Consulting” |
| Science, Data, and Technology | “Pharma/Biotech,” “Technology/Science” headings |
