Handshake Basics

Handshake is the current platform used to connect Southern Methodist University students with the 5 career centers across campus.  Handshake is where students can find jobs and internships, professional development resources, upcoming workshops and networking events, and schedule appointments with career center staff. 

The Handshake platform is your first stop to begin career development! Students & alumni who use Handshake are 5x more likely to be contacted by employers.

Use Handshake to:

  • Register for career development events
  • Book free 1-on-1 career counseling appointments
  • See over 4,000 jobs & internships exclusive to SMU students and alumni
  • Access exclusive career development resources

Handshake

 

Activate Your Account

Every SMU student already has a Handshake account; activate your account with your SMU email and ID (alumni: contact us to get started with Handshake access).

Complete your profile by adding a headshot and resume; be sure to fill out the job type, location, and job role sections (80% of users who complete these sections get contacted by employers!).

 

How to Schedule an Appointment

Follow the instructions below to schedule your appointment, or view instructions on Handshake.

  1. Select "Career Center"
  2. Select "Appointments"
  3. Select "Schedule a New Appointment"
  4. Select "Hegi Career Counseling Appointments"
  5. Select the appointment you would like to have
  6. Select which counselor/day/time works for your schedule
  7. Select your preferred Appointment Medium
  8. Write a brief description of what you hope to gain from of this appointment
  9. Select request to book the appointment

Appointment Types

  • Career and Field of Study Exploration
  • Resume Review 
  • Cover Letter ReviewNetworking/LinkedIn/Handshake
  • Meadows Career Success Appointments
  • Job or Internship Search
  • Mock Interview
  • Negotiation/Offer Letter Review
  • Graduate School Information and Mock Interview
  • Professional LinkedIn/Handshake Headshot
  • Other topic

Alumni Access to Handshake

SMU Alumni will need to contact the Hegi Family Career Development Center to set up access to Handshake. Once you have access, you will be able to create a profile on Handshake. Learn more about creating a profile as an alumni on the Handshake support website linked below.

An Overview of Student and Alumni Accounts on Handshake