Handshake connects students and alumni with employers through online job/internship postings, job and internship interviews, career events, and more. Handshake is a student fee funded platform managed by the Career Center and in partnership with the Alumni Center.
How to Log In
1. Select the “Log-in to Handshake” Button. New and transfer students and alumni, please fill out the Handshake Access Form!
2. Select on the button that says “Current students – sign in here with your NetID.” (This will allow you to login using the same information that you use for RamWeb.)
3. Log in with the CSU login portal using your NetID (DO NOT INCLUDE “@Colostate.edu” after your NetID.)
4. You’re In!
7 Ways to Use Handshake as a Student
Create a Comprehensive Profile
Filling out your profile completely is a great starting point for students. By updating your work experience, skills, interests, and career goals, Handshake can more accurately tailor job and internship recommendations and Handshake can connect you with employers, CSU resources, and alumni who can help you on your career journey!
Handshake looks at three primary buckets of information when developing job recommendations.
- The student’s profile data
- The student’s career interests
- The employers and jobs the student engages with
Setting up your profile
- Once you log-in, you will be able to select your initial/picture in the top right hand corner.
- Select “My profile”
- Customize what type of opportunities you are looking for, your personal experiences, and notification and privacy settings.
- Visit the Handshake Support Website for more information on profile creation.
Exploring Job and Internship Listings
Handshake provides access to a wide range of opportunities. Students can familiarize themselves with how to efficiently search and filter listings to find positions that match their interests and qualifications. Students can also set up alters for when a job that matches their interests or preferences is posted so they can be one of the first to apply!
Some key filters that students use to better tailor their job search:
- Type of positions: Can narrow your search to specifically: Full-Time/Part Time, Internship, On-Campus Employment, Fellowship or other forms of experiences!
- Pay & Benefits: Can refine your search to specific forms of compensation or benefits.
- Work Study: Can filter to only include positions that require work study
- Location & Onsite/Virtual/Hybrid: Can filter depending on transportation access, desired location, and preferred work format
- CSU Collections: Crafted collections from your career center with you in mind!
- Login to Handshake using your NetID.
- Select “Jobs” on the left sidebar.
- Apply filters to find job opportunities matching your career preferences (On- campus/off-campus, location, full-time/part-time, internship, job roles, industry, etc.)
- Apply!
Network with Employers, alumni, and recruiters
Students can also network on Handshake. It’s not just a job board; it’s a platform where students can connect with alumni, industry professionals, and potential employers, which can be invaluable for career advice and opportunities.
Sample Message to Expand your network: “Hi [their name], I’m a CSU student pursuing [your degree]. I am connecting through Handshake because [you met at a career events, you share a major, they are working at an interesting company, or other reason you wanted to connect]. I’m exploring careers and would love to hear your story. Are you open to connecting, sharing your career journey, or sharing some advice to how you got where you are now? Thanks! [your name]”
Connecting with Employers
- Login to Handshake using your NetID.
- Select “Employers” on the left sidebar.
- Use filters to find employers matching your interests and preferences
- You can follow employers or find contact information for recruiters
- Pro Tip: After connecting with an employer at an event, send them a message through handshake! It solidifies the networking connection!
- When you follow an employer, you can get notifications when they post job openings or register for an employer event!
- Pro Tip: You can see some CSU students who have gotten jobs with an employer through their page!
Attend Career Fairs, Career Events, and Employer Hosted Events
Students can take advantage of career events, virtual career fairs and other events advertised and hosted on Handshake. These can be great opportunities to meet employers, learn about companies, and discover career paths. Events include panels, workshops, mixers, fairs, and other ways to explore career! There are events hosted by your Career Center as well as independently run employer events posted through Handshake.
Events hosted by your Career Center will often not require registration and there will be accompanied guidance in what to expect and how to get the most out of a fair or event! Additionally, events with employers will generate a list of who will be there! Make a game plan for who you want to connect with before the event event starts.
Visit your Career Center for Appointments & Drop-ins
Handshake is directly connected to the Career Center. Students can schedule appointments 1:1 with a Career Education specialist, drop-in for quick resume checks, discover university specific events, resources, or programs!
What is the difference between an appointment or a drop-in? Drop-ins are 10-15 minutes and are designed for quick connection, advice, resume review, and/or for a flexible schedule. Appointments are 30-45 minutes and are generally designed for in depth career exploration, planning, and support.
YOU get to choose which is best for you!
Making an appointment
- Login to Handshake using your NetID.
- Select “Colorado State University Career Center” on the homepage or “Career Center” on the left sidebar.
- Select “Appointment” and select a time and place that works for you!
Engage with Career Center, Alumni, Peer, and Employer Content
Handshake’s home feed is a feature that transforms Handshake from a job search tool to a comprehensive career destination. It’s designed to help launch careers by providing relevant content, social interactions, and assistive features.
Whether students are looking for a job now or planning for long-term career development, the home feed offers an enjoyable experience that lets users access content whenever and wherever they want!
Apply Directly Through the Platform to Jobs and Internships
Students can apply for many positions directly through Handshake, including campus employment. Many positions have a “quick apply” feature where all the work students put into keeping their profile up-to-date, means they can apply with a simple *click*! Other jobs, frequently those in the public sector or large organizations, will have links to external application sites.
Q: Who do I need to email for issues concerning my Handshake account?
Q: Can I apply for On-Campus/work study jobs through Handshake?
A: Yes! This is where all of our Work Study/Student Employment positions across campus are housed including most research opportunties! There are also off-campus work-study positions available.
Q: Can I get an account if I am not an incoming, current CSU student/alumni?
A: No, you cannot connect to CSU’s Handshake as it is paid for by student fees and is a perk of attending CSU. Handshake does offer an open network option for students enrolled at 4-year accredited schools and community colleges in the US that haven’t partnered directly with Handshake at this time. You can find more information at: https://support.joinhandshake.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034245293-How-to-Connect-with-Handshake-Open-Network
Q: Do Graduate/Doctoral students get a Handshake Account?
A: Yes! All students get access!
Q: Do CSU Online students get a Handshake account?
o A: Yes! All students get access!
Q: Do CSU Pueblo students have access to Handshake?
A: Yes, however CSU Pueblo has a separate Handshake that can be accessed here: https://csupueblo.joinhandshake.com
Q: When will I get access to my account?
A: You will get access up to two weeks after registering for classes
Q: What is the earliest I can get an account?
A: It depends on when you register for classes. The absolute earliest would be in the semester before you start classes. If you need an account beforehand please fill out the Handshake Access Form.
Q: Can I get a summer job at CSU before I start attending?
A: Obtaining a job before your first semester starts may be something you need. If you do not have access to Handshake and you are needing to find employment as an incoming student, please fill out our Handshake Access form.
If you have attempted to gain employment and have not secured a position, check out these job search strategies.
Q: Why was my account denied through Handshake?
A: Because the way we sync University records with Handshake, accounts created by students will be declined. This does not mean you will not have access to Handshake and all the wonderful things it offers. We ask that first you verify that you do not have access already by following these steps:
- Click the “Visit Handshake” Button
- Click on the box that says “Current students must sign in here with your NetID.” (This will allow you to login using the same information that you use for RamWeb.)
- Log in with the CSU login portal using your NetID
- If you cannot access Handshake that way please reach out to us using the Handshake Access Form
Q: How do I confirm my email change?
A: Please fill our Handshake Access Form. We will initiate an email change in Handshake. Make sure to use a personal email that you can access.
Q: How do I confirm my email change?
A: Once you have filled our Handshake Access form, we will initiate an email change. You will receive an email from Handshake, which will have a link directing you to a page that will ask you to confirm your email and set a new password. After confirming your new email and setting a new password you should be able to log in.
Q: How long do I have access to Handshake?
A: You have access to Handshake indefinitely through a partnership with the Alumni Association! You will need to change your account email following the directions from “How do I change the email on my Handshake account?”