
WGU Handshake is a career development platform designed to help WGU students and alumni connect with employers for internships, jobs, and career opportunities. It is widely used by colleges and universities to provide a one-stop shop for discovering career-related resources, networking, and applying for positions. Whether you’re a current student or an alumni looking to enhance your career, Handshake is an invaluable tool for building connections and taking that next career step.
Get Started with WGU Handshake
- Explore Job Listings:
- Search for Positions: Handshake provides a powerful search function where you can find job and internship opportunities by entering keywords related to your field or career interests. The search tool allows you to filter results by industry, job type (full-time, part-time, remote, internship), and location. You can also filter by the type of work authorization required, making it easier to find positions that match your eligibility.
- Set Up Job Alerts: Handshake allows you to set job alerts based on your preferred search criteria, ensuring you never miss an opportunity. When new positions are posted that match your interests, you’ll receive an email or platform notification with the details.
- Browse Employer Profiles: Each employer on Handshake has a dedicated profile that provides detailed information about the company, including its industry, culture, and available positions. Take the time to explore these profiles to understand the type of candidates they are seeking. Some employers may also post additional resources, such as interviews with employees or company highlights, to help you learn more about their culture and job opportunities.
- Refine Your Search:
- Keywords: To find jobs or internships in a specific field, use targeted keywords such as “marketing,” “software engineering,” or “healthcare.” This helps filter out irrelevant job postings and gives you a clear view of roles that align with your interests.
- Filters: Handshake offers several filter options that allow you to narrow down your job search. You can filter by location (remote or specific cities), work type (internship, co-op, or full-time), and specific employer criteria like diversity and inclusion initiatives or employer ratings. This tailored approach ensures you find roles best suited to your needs and career goals.
Employer Profiles:
- Company Overview: WGU Handshake offers employer profiles that provide insights into company culture, values, and hiring practices. You can find information about the company’s size, mission, workplace environment, and types of roles they are hiring for.
- Job Postings: Each employer profile includes a list of job and internship openings with detailed descriptions, responsibilities, qualifications, and application deadlines. Employers often update these regularly, so it’s essential to keep an eye on these postings for new opportunities.
- Company Events: Many companies also host networking and recruitment events directly through WGU Handshake, such as virtual meet-and-greets, info sessions, and Q&A with hiring managers. Attending these events is an excellent way to engage with employers and learn more about their expectations and opportunities. You can directly interact with recruiters, ask questions, and potentially secure an interview or referral.
Networking Opportunities:
- Employer Contact: If you’re interested in a specific company, you can message recruiters directly through Handshake to express interest, ask about application procedures, or inquire about internship roles. Be sure to customize your message to show genuine interest in the company and position.
- Connect with Fellow Night Owls: Use WGU Handshake to connect with fellow students and alumni. By searching for alumni working in your desired field or industry, you can request informational interviews or mentorship. Alumni can offer valuable guidance on career paths, job applications, and networking in your field.
Your Handshake profile is your digital resume and personal brand on the platform. A strong, complete profile makes you visible to recruiters and employers, enhancing your chances of securing a job or internship.
- Complete Your Profile:
- Basic Information: Your profile should include key details like your name, academic background (including your major and expected graduation date), and any relevant certifications or skills. Make sure all sections of your profile are filled out fully.
- Upload Your Resume: Your resume is one of the most important aspects of your Handshake profile. Ensure it is polished, professional, and up-to-date. Customize it to highlight experience and skills that are relevant to the types of internships or jobs you’re targeting.
- Add Skills and Interests: List both technical and soft skills that demonstrate your capabilities. Include industry-specific knowledge (e.g., digital marketing, data analysis, healthcare) and highlight personal qualities such as leadership, communication, or creativity. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for employers to find you based on their hiring criteria.
- Showcase Your Experience:
- Work Experience: Include any internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or projects that align with your career interests. Focus on the impact of your work and be specific about the responsibilities you held and results you achieved. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments where possible.
- Projects: For students with limited formal work experience, showcasing personal or academic projects is an excellent way to demonstrate skills and initiative. Detail the project goals, your role, and the outcome. Whether it’s a group project, a freelance gig, or a personal initiative, these experiences matter to employers.
- Extracurricular Activities: Include any involvement in student clubs, organizations, or leadership roles. This can demonstrate that you possess transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management, all of which are highly valued by employers.
- Profile Customization:
- Profile Picture: Upload a professional and approachable photo to make your profile stand out. A clear headshot with a simple background is best. Ensure your expression is friendly and confident, and wear attire that reflects the industry or position you’re targeting.
- Headline: The headline is a short, but impactful description of who you are and what you’re looking for. Use this space to summarize your career goals or highlight a key skill or area of expertise. For example, “Aspiring Marketing Specialist | Skilled in Digital Campaigns and Analytics.”
- About Me Section: Write a brief, compelling summary of your background, career objectives, and what you bring to the table. This is your opportunity to tell your story, explain your interests, and highlight what makes you unique. Be sure to mention any specific areas you’re passionate about and how your academic or personal experiences align with your career aspirations.
- Job Preferences: Customize your profile to indicate the types of positions you’re interested in (full-time, part-time, internship, remote, etc.). This helps employers and recruiters understand your job preferences right away. Make sure your profile is set to reflect your availability and work authorization status (e.g., U.S. citizen, work visa, etc.).
- Availability: Customize your profile to indicate your availability for internships or full-time positions. This is especially important if you’re looking for immediate opportunities or if you have specific dates in mind for when you’re available to start.
- Company Hiring Events:
- WGU CPD will partner with employers to host company specific hiring events, where employers actively seek students and alumni for internships, part-time, and full-time positions. These events provide a great opportunity to meet recruiters, ask questions, and potentially get hired. Be prepared with a professional resume, ready to network, and practice your elevator pitch to stand out in the crowd.
- Employer Information Sessions:
- Employers often post information sessions on WGU Handshake, which can be a valuable opportunity to learn more about the company, their culture, and the positions they’re hiring for. Attending these sessions allows you to engage with recruiters, ask insightful questions, and get an inside look into what it’s like to work at the company.
- Career Education Workshops:
- CPD offers a range of career education workshops to support the career journeys of WGU students and alumni. Our CPD Advisors cover various topics, including resume development, cover letters, LinkedIn optimization, interviewing, career management, and more, providing valuable tips and strategies to help you succeed.
- Networking Events:
- Many employers host networking events that allow you to interact with professionals in your desired field. Whether these are small meet-and-greets, panel discussions, or mentorship programs, these events offer an excellent chance to establish connections and gain insight into different career paths.

Get connected. Get discovered. Get WGU Handshake.
A career community for students, alumni, and employers.

By logging in to your WGU Handshake account, you agree to review the “How to stay safe in your job search and avoid posting scams” guidelines.
To create a student account, you must be at least 16 years old to use this service. If you are not 16 years of age, please have a parent or legal guardian fill out this form and submit it here to use the service (click on “I’m a student or alumnus” and follow the prompts).
WGU Handshake Resources