Launch of Handshake app bolsters opportunity for YVC students and alumni to connect with employers
This April, Yakima Valley College students and recent graduates will gain a powerful new tool to connect with employers about job and internship opportunities.
Handshake, an online student-centered job board, is used by more than 400,000 employers, including many in the Central Washington region. Through Handshake, Workforce Program Coordinator Kimberly Gonzales said YVC’s current students and recent graduates are able to find jobs and internship opportunities for virtually any career.
“Handshake significantly expands opportunities for our YVC students to connect with employers and explore their career options,” Gonzales said. “Using Handshake is free for YVC students and alumni, and it allows you to provide information about your interests and skills so that you can receive personalized job and internship opportunities.”
Employers were able to start posting job openings specifically for YVC students in mid-March, and students and alumni will be able to begin setting up their Handshake profiles and searching for openings the week of April 10.
“We have a lot of employers in our region who are looking to fill job openings and they know that YVC graduates are well prepared to succeed in the workplace,” Gonzales said. “At the same time, we know a lot of our students are looking for good jobs where they can stay in the community they love. So Handshake is a really powerful tool to bring employers and students together.”
How students/alumni can get started
Starting the week of April 10, students will be able to log into Handshake or download the mobile app (Apple App Store | Google Play). Simply search for “Yakima Valley College” and log in using your YVC login (xxxxxx@yvcc.edu). Students and recent graduates will have their account already pre-populated with information provided during application and registration, all students need to do is update their profile.
More information about how to create a Handshake profile that stands out, tips from recruiters and advice from other students is available on YVC’s Handshake page.
How employers can get started
Employers who don’t have an existing Handshake account will need to create a user account. After creating a Handshake account, employers must then request and receive approval from YVC prior to posting jobs, internships or events for students. Learn more about getting started with Handshake.