Career center switches to the Handshake online platform

The UO Career Center has unveiled a new online career services platform called Handshake, which replaces the previous platform, Duck Connect.

The platforms are similar to one another; however, Handshake is seen as more user-friendly and is compatible on mobile devices.

“Institutions that use Handshake see substantial increases in student and employer engagement, increasing access to part-time job, internship and career opportunities for UO students,” according to Kate Werdebaugh, acting director of the career center. “With more than 500 universities and 250,000 employers from a diverse range of industries using the Handshake, it’s a win-win for students and employers alike.”

Students received an invitation to Handshake at the start of the fall term and are encouraged to complete their profiles and get started using the new tool.

Students who complete their profiles will have access to part-time and full-time job listings, internships, employer events and on-campus interviewing opportunities that align with their interests and majors. The platform also allows students to set employer alerts and job notifications, view upcoming career-related events and schedule career advising appointments.

On- and off-campus employers also can use Handshake by posting job and internship opportunities, managing applications, scheduling events and more.

“Whether employer’s opportunities are on- or off-campus, full or part-time, job or internship, they are all incredibly valuable to students’ career development and preparing them for careers after graduation,” Werdebaugh said.

To learn more about the changes at the Career Center, see its website.

By Bryan Dorn, University Communications