Handshake

Handshake is a career services management platform and early career network that connects college students and recent graduates with employers. Founded in 2013, Handshake aims to democratize access to job opportunities for students regardless of their background or school. The platform serves as a three-sided marketplace, connecting students, universities, and employers. As of July 2024, Handshake's network includes over 1,400 universities, community colleges, and bootcamps, powering 93% of the top 500 universities in the US. The platform provides students with access to job and internship postings, career fairs, employer events, and networking opportunities. For employers, Handshake offers tools to post jobs, connect with schools, and engage with potential candidates. Universities use Handshake to manage career services, including on-campus interviews, career fairs, and student appointments. In October 2018, Handshake raised USD 40 million in a Series C funding round led by EQT Ventures, bringing its total funding to USD 74 million at that time. By February 2024, the company had achieved a valuation of USD 3.5 billion.

Key customers and partnerships

Handshake's customer base includes college and university students, career service offices, and employers. The platform has partnerships with over 700 colleges and universities across the US, including more than 100 minority-serving institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions. Handshake's network comprises 14 million students and young alumni, along with 300,000 employers, including 100% of the Fortune 500 companies. The platform has also expanded internationally, with a presence in the UK. Handshake has established partnerships with various educational institutions, including Michigan State University, the University of Southern California, the University of Arizona, and the University of California, Berkeley, among others, to provide career management services to their students and alumni.