Handshake

Handshake is UMass Amherst’s career platform and a powerful resource for anyone who wants to take their career to the next level.

What is Handshake? 

Here are just a few ways CNS students are already using Handshake:  

• Making appointments with CNS career advisors 
• Searching for jobs and internships 
• Networking with UMass Amherst students and alumni 
• Signing up for career fairs, workshops, and other career events 
• Connecting with employers specifically seeking out CNS students  

How to use your Handshake account 

All students already have a Handshake account, and you can log in with your UMass Amherst Net ID and password. 

• Visit umass.joinhandshake.com 
• Click the large blue button that says “University of Massachusetts Amherst Current Student Login” 

Now what? 

Here are some of the first things you should try once you log in to Handshake:  

Set up your profile 

Much of your information will already be entered from SPIRE, but you should review all the details and add in other information such as work, research, and leadership experiences. You can also upload a resume and other supplemental documentation you may want to share with prospective employers and networking contacts. 

Check privacy settings 

Handshake profiles can be public or private. Public profiles can be seen by potential employers, as well as current students and alumni with whom you may want to network. Private profiles can only be seen by you and the CNS career counselors.  

Job, internship, and co-op searching

Clicking on “Jobs” from the main page will bring you to the “Job, internship, and co-op” search page. From here, you can search for and apply to experiences posted by employers specifically looking to hire UMass students and alumni.   

Events 

Clicking on “Events” will connect you to the many career fairs and events that the CNS Career and Professional Development Center and UMass Amherst offer to students. You can find information about events, register, and learn more about the employers and attendees. 

Career Center 

Clicking on “Career Center” will allow you to schedule appointments with CNS career advisors, submit information regarding an internship experience you’d like to do for credit, and find other helpful resources for your career search. 

Now jump in! 

Explore and see all of the great things Handshake can do to help you pursue your career goals. If you have any questions, check out the Handshake Help Page or make an appointment on Handshake with one of our career advisors.