Handshake: Easy Access to Job Opportunities
by Jade Francis
Providing students with a vast amount of job and internship opportunities is the newest resource here at Cape Cod Community College (4C’s): Handshake. Handshake is now available, at no cost, to all 4C’s students. It is nationally accredited and used among all the UMass schools, all Massachusetts state colleges, and almost all Massachusetts community colleges.
“There are a lot of internships and opportunities that students don’t even know about where they could gain some experience at this level of their education.” Said Ann-Marie Julian, a Career and Development Counsellor at 4C’s. “We are trying to give students an opportunity to try out what they’re studying in the field.”
Ann-Marie Julian
Very commonly, students change their major, maybe even multiple times. Landing an internship provides students with a deeper understanding of their intended career path. They can then recognize if their field of study seems appropriate for their future. Students could also notice a specialty within their field that they wish to focus their studies on moving forward.
Not only does Handshake provide jobs, but it also informs students about events that may interest them. On Handshake, students can contact other students regardless of if they’re from private schools or public schools. Before committing to a job or internship, it may be beneficial for a student to reach out to a previous employee to gain insight about the work environment.
Julian is passionate about helping students get their resume prepared with influential opportunities before their time at 4C’s is over. “Whether [students] do any of the events, get a job, or get an internship, at least we can help them get their resume on Handshake so when they go to another school, they have it all set up.” Julian said.
Dawn Harney works alongside Julian to spread awareness and provide help regarding Handshake. She is a job developer in the Student Employment Office, as well as an academic advisor, here at 4C’s.
“Ann-Marie and I” said Harney, “have sent out various emails to our staff, faculty, and students. We decided we needed to offer a workshop to our students to learn about Handshake and learn how to use it.” Workshops are now held every Thursday on Zoom for the rest of the fall semester (see bottom for details). If students are not able to attend any workshops, they may contact Julian or Harney to learn about it.
Dawn Harney
Following graduation from 4C’s ten years ago, Harney’s daughter took advantage of a local internship with the Barnstable Police Department. Because of the connections she made, five years later when she applied for an open position there, she immediately got offered an interview. Soon after, she was offered the job. She took the offer and has loved it ever since. Harney always encourages students to get involved with opportunities, like jobs or internships, because they can give students significant advantages in years to come.
“I think of it as serving both our students who are looking for a job while attending school, as well as those who are getting ready to go out into the workforce.” Harney said. After forming a Handshake profile, if the profile is chosen to be public, then organizations can reach out and offer interviews to individuals who pique their interest.
When creating an account, students are asked a series of questions, like work experience, qualifications, extracurriculars, and acquired courses. Handshake then personalizes profiles in order to feature relevant job and internship listings for each individual student.
A no-charge resource that can help kickstart careers has fallen right into every student’s hands. Handshake is available to all 4C’s students. It can be found on the My4C’s page, front and center. Using Handshake can open many doors for anyone.
Questions? Do not hesitate to contact [email protected].
Zoom Workshop: Thursdays 2-3pm
Meeting ID: 568 546 3980
Passcode: Career
Categories: Featured, Around Campus, Student Life