HandshakeNovember 12, 2018 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven students now have access to over 326,000 employers for both jobs and internships. The University's Center for Career and Calling recently joined the Handshake network that builds careers and connects students to employers.

Handshake is free app for every Belhaven student, traditional, adult, and online, regardless of their major. After students make a profile, Handshake provides customized recommendations of jobs and internships based on their interests. Students who use Handshake are five times more likely to get an interview than those who do not.

Dr. Mark Hunter, director of Belhaven's Center for Career and Calling, believes students have many misconceptions about finding a job and the importance of internships. He points out, “One of the misconceptions students have about job hunting is the importance of internships. Employers consistently state that internships are the deciding factor in distinguishing between equally qualified candidates for jobs. Because of this app, Belhaven students have opportunities for local and national internships, many during the summer.”

The Handshake app is available for both Apple and Android devices and is found in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, free of charge. Unlike Indeed and other job-posting websites, Handshake only provides job and internship postings for current and recently graduated college students.

“Rather than sifting through hundreds of or thousands of job postings, Handshake provides Belhaven students listings of jobs and internships that are customized for them and do not require years of previous experience to secure the job.”

The app is also the one-stop shop to connect all Belhaven students with the Center for Career and Calling for a list of upcoming events, resume evaluation, and mock interviews. Our online and adult students can access the Career and Calling staff through video conferencing.

If you have questions about Handshake or need help, email Dr. Hunter atmhunter@belhaven.eduor call (601) 968-8995.