Handshake Quick Start Guide for Students and Alumni

Your Launchpad for Careers & Internships

As an Arts and Sciences student, you have exclusive access to thousands of employers looking for your unique skill set. Handshake is Ohio State’s central platform for finding part-time jobs, internships, co-ops, and full-time careers, as well as registering for campus networking events, webinars, and career fairs.

Setting Up Your Profile

• Log in securely. Navigate directly to Handshake at Ohio State, select "Access Handshake," and log in using your standard university credentials. Select "Access Handshake," and log in using your standard university credentials.
• START HERE: The icon in the top-right corner of your dashboard is your main navigation hub. Click this circle—which usually contains your initials or uploaded headshot—to open a dropdown menu. From here, select the relevant categories to build out your profile.
  • Complete your profile. Click your initials icon or photo in the top-right corner and select "Profile" to add your major, coursework, campus involvement, and skills.
  • Upload your resume (or skip for now!). Click your initials icon or photo in the top-right corner, then select “Profile”, and then navigate to the "Documents" section to upload a polished copy of your resume for easy 1-click applications. Don't have a resume drafted yet? You can still explore and use Handshake without one! When you're ready, use our Resume Writing Principles to build your first draft.
  • Customize your interests. Click your initials icon or photo in the top-right corner and select "Career Interests" to complete a questionnaire to tell Handshake what industries, roles, and geographic locations you want to see on your feed.

Pro tip: The more details you provide in your profile, the more curated and relevant job suggestions Handshake will automatically surface for you.

Finding Jobs and Events

Once your profile is set up, use the main navigation bar at the left of your dashboard to actively explore opportunities:

• Explore the “Jobs” tab. Filter your searches by job type, location, or industry keyword, and save your favorite searches to receive instant alerts when new matching positions are posted.
• Check the “Events” tab. Register for upcoming workshops, employer information sessions, career preparation webinars, and career fairs hosted by the Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success.
• Meet with a Career Coach. Click on "Career Center" at the left of your dashboard, select "Appointments," then select “Schedule a New Appointment” and choose a time and topic to meet with an Arts and Sciences Career Coach.

Pro-Tip: First-Time User Support

If you experience any issues accessing your student account for the very first time, check out the official Handshake First-Time Login Guide for quick troubleshooting steps.

Next Steps: Take Action

• Want Personalized Feedback? Bring your Handshake profile or resume draft to the Career Studio for a quick drop-in review.
• Need a Strategy? Log into Handshake today to browse open positions and schedule your next career coaching appointment.