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UCLA Career Center
UCLA student on a laptop

Make Connections with Handshake

The UCLA Career Center's platform for connecting students to services and employers.

Handshake is a platform that connects talented Bruins with internships, jobs, and career opportunities. Use Handshake to find workshops, events and other career development programs hosted by the UCLA Career Center.

Handshake

Login to Handshake Handshake Help Center

Employer FAQ

How to Add UCLA on Handshake

  • Log in to Handshake
  • Go to Schools, under the "Relationships" category on your left navigation bar
  • Choose the + Add More Schools button above your list of schools
  • Click the (+) next to “University of California, Los Angeles–Student Employment"

How to Post a Job

  • Start by clicking Post a Job from your home dashboard. You can also click Jobs in the left hand navigation bar and then select Create Job toward the right hand corner.
  • You will now be asked to complete 4 steps: Job Basics, Job Details, Job Preferences, and Schools to post the job to. You don't have to fill out every field to create your job - required inputs will be identified with an asterisk (*).
     
  1. Job Basics (Job Title*, Company Division, Contact Info, Job Type*, Employment Type* Duration*)
  2. Job Details (Description*, Job Functions*, Salary, Location*, Required Documents)
  3. Job Preferences (Graduation Date Range, Minimum GPA, Majors, Applicant Packages)
  4. Schools (Add Schools, Remove Schools, Interview on Campus, Apply Start Date, Expiration Date)
     

How to Request an Event at UCLA

  • Click Create an Event on your homepage or go to Events on the left hand navigation bar and clickRequest Event on the top right hand corner.
  • Fill out the information requested about the event:
     
  1. Host School: A list of your connected schools will appear. Choose one to host the event.
  2. Career Center: If applicable at the host school, choose the career center on campus to host the event.
  3. Type: Select the type of event this will be to help students know what to expect.
  4. Name: Type the name of the event that will be visible to the school and students.
  5. Invite Only: Select this box if you will be inviting specific students to the event. Leave this unchecked if you would like this event to be open to all students.
  6. Start and End Date of the Event
  7. Image: Upload an image visible to both the school and the students. If an image is not uploaded, the host school's logo will be visible.
     
  • Fill out the description of the event and complete the survey questions required by UCLA.
  • Click Request Event. From here, you will be taken to the Overview page, where you will see the status as Pending in the top right hand corner. You will also see a summary of the information you provided, including your survey responses. If you need to change any of these details, please click Edit in the top right hand corner.
  • Navigate to the Qualifications on the top right hand corner where you can specify which types of students will qualify for the event. If you would like to leave this event open for all students, you can leave the qualifications blank but we do recommend identifying school years to which the event is targeted. Click update Qualifications in the bottom right corner when you have completed this step.

*You will not be able to edit your event once it has been approved. Please reach out to the Career Services Center if changes to the event need to be made.*

How to Register for a Career Fair

  • Click Register
  • Select a booth option
  • Add your basic information (Company Description, Names & # of Representatives)
  • Select a division within your company if available (e.g. Company: LA Savings, Division: Sales)
  • Select any jobs you currently have posted at UCLA
  • Select the criteria you are looking for in potential candidates
  • Select your payment method, and agree to the school's refund policy
  • Answer any additional questions from the career center and click Create Registration when you your registration is complete

UCLA Undergraduate & Graduate Student FAQ

What is Handshake?

Handshake offers undergraduate and graduate students a personalized, user-friendly interface to find skill specific jobs and internships, schedule appointments with undergraduate career educators or graduate career advisors, register for professional development events, career fairs and employer events.

Through Handshake, undergraduate and graduate students are able to:

  • Explore thousands of jobs and internships
  • Select the Employer account type from the options presented
  • RSVP for professional development workshops, programs, and events
  • Discover jobs and internships in collections tailored towards your interests
  • Connect with employers
  • Track deadlines (job application, on-campus interviewing, events, etc.)
  • Make appointments with undergraduate career educators and graduate career advisors
  • Explore and utilize online career resources like Vault, VersatilePhD, FOCUS2, InterviewStream, and GoinGlobal

How do I access Handshake?

UCLA undergraduate and graduate students are pre-loaded into the Handshake system. To access Handshake, and activate your account, simply go to ucla.joinhandshake.com and log on using your UCLA logon email and password. Your account logon is the same as your MyUCLA account.

What is Handshake Mobile?

Use the Handshake iPhone app to explore jobs, favorite them and then apply! Students will also receive notifications for application deadlines and messages from employers.

Where did BruinView go?

On May 14, 2018 the UCLA Career Center transitioned from BruinView to Handshake. All currently enrolled UCLA undergraduate, graduate students and alumni with membership information has automatically been moved over into Handshake. Please refer to the "How to Access Handshake" link for more information.

Okay. I'm logged in. How do I build my profile?

Once you log in, you will be prompted to fill out your profile. You can choose to make your profile visible to employers. We highly recommend you upload a resume and complete your profile so that the most relevant opportunities are pushed to you. Handshake is a dynamic system, so the more information you provide about yourself, the more relevant career opportunities and resources will be. Visit the "For You" tab to see how information is best curated for you.

I need to update my profile, because information is incorrect. How can I change it?

Pre-populated information in Handshake is updated daily for currently enrolled students from your MyBruin account, which is controlled by the Office of the Registrar. Any changes to your information must be requested through the Registrar. You can update your profile to reflect recent experiences, relevant skills and interests. However, your core profile information including your degree program, email account, and major are all automatically connected through your UCLA record. GPA and citizenship status are not automatically uploaded, but should be accurately represented in any employment application process.

How do I make an appointment with a career advisor?

  1. Under the Career Center dropdown at the top of your screen, select Appointments
  2. On the following page, you'll see any past and upcoming appointments you have scheduled. To request a new appointment, click the Schedule a New Appointment button.
  3. Select the category and type of appointment you are interested in scheduling. You will be taken to the next available appointment times once you have selected an appointment category and type.
  4. Click on a time that works for you or click on staff member to see their availability.
  5. Enter details about the appointment in the What can we help you with? section and then click Request at the bottom of the screen.
  6. You will be taken to the overview of the appointment where you can cancel or add comments before the appointment.
  7. Make sure that you check your notifications for updates to the status of your appointment

 

I’m having a hard time scheduling an appointment. What do I do?

Before you make a 1:1 appointment with a Career Engagement Educator, check out some other resources including:

Career Advising appointment openings are released two weeks in advance. The optimal time to check for new appointment availability is every Friday evening after 5 PM. For any questions regarding Career Advising appointments, please email questions@career.ucla.edu or access our Virtual Front Desk (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm)

How do I search for jobs/internships?

Start by clicking on Job in the top menu bar. You will be taken to the Job Search page. Learn how to filter job/internship opportunities.

Can I apply for jobs online through the system?

Yes, once you have stored your job search documents in Handshake, employers can request that you apply for their jobs directly through Handshake. Each employer will detail which application documents they require (resume, cover letter, etc). You can then retrieve the appropriate materials and submit your application. Employers may also link you directly to their employment sites on their respective websites and request that you apply directly to their internal application systems.

I'm being blocked from applying for a job because of my qualifications (Degree Level, Major, etc.), what can I do?

The first step is to make sure that your profile is updated with the correct demographic information, such as GPA, grade level, major, etc. Once you check or update your profile, the second step is to thoroughly read through the company's job posting to see what specific qualifications they are looking for. If you do not meet some of the company's qualifications, here are your options:

  1. Contact the company's recruiter directly to ask clarifying questions regarding their qualifications
  2. Follow-up with a Career Center staff member

Can I save a job search and have results e-mailed to me?

Learn how to save job and internship searches and create email alerts.

How do I connect with employers?

Click the Job tab on your homepage. Click the Employer tab to see a full list of employers on Handshake. Filter your search using the criteria at the left side of the page. To learn more about an employer or favorite them, click onto their page.

How do I identify fraudulent employers?

Fraudulent employers can and do attempt to post job listings on Handshake in order to obtain money or identity information from unsuspecting students. Although the UCLA Career Center staff reviews all new employer accounts to determine that contact information appears valid and job descriptions appear legitimate, some fraudulent parties have succeeded in posting jobs and internships. In order to help safeguard students against potential threats, we are providing the following guidelines.

If you become suspicious that an employer or contact may be fraudulent, please report this immediately to questions@career.ucla.edu or call the UCLA Career Center's Handshake team at 310-206-1902.

When interacting with contacts found in Handshake who present themselves as legitimate employers, please stop all communication and notify the UCLA Career Center team immediately if you experience any of the following:

  1. A job or internship is offered by phone or email on the spot, with no interview or meeting. (Request to meet with the employer in person at their place of business and confirm before meeting that it is not a residential address)
  2. The employer contact claims that her or she is out of the country and unavailable to meet, but wants you to start employment immediately. (You should not start work or agree to any task or transaction until meeting with the employer)
  3. The employer sends you a check and requests that you deposit it into your personal bank account as part of your job duties. (Cease all contact with the employer and do not deposit any check. Please retain any correspondence and provide when reporting to UCLA Career Center staff)
  4. You are requested to use funds from your bank account to purchase gift cards, gift certificates, or merchandise, and asked to ship purchases to employer address.
  5. You are asked to provide your social security number, credit card information, or other personal or financial information over the phone or by email.
  6. The employer is unwilling or unable to provide any background information on their company or declines to provide a verifiable company address or phone number.
  7. You are asked to purchase products or services.
  8. You are asked to engage in work activities that appear questionable or illegal.

After receiving credible and concerning information about an employer's hiring practices, we will launch an immediate investigation and suspend their account and work with appropriate UCLA authorities and/or law enforcement.

For details on privacy practices, please review the NACElink Privacy Policy and the Direct Employers Privacy Policy. All privacy policies for our partners have been reviewed and accepted by the UCLA Career Center. Information on fraudulent postings.

What career resources are available to me and where can they be found?

UCLA's Career Center has various subscriptions to organizations like VersatilePhD, Vault, GoinGlobal, InterviewStream, and FOCUS2 that promote professional and career development. Our partner services can be found in the Handshake resources section, so please make sure to click on their links to learn more.

I am getting too many Handshake notifications, how do I make them stop?

Go to your User Settings in the top right corner and click on Email Notifications. A check mark by the statement means that you are opting in to receive notifications, so by unchecking you will be opting out of notifications. To see our notification recommendations, log on to Handshake and read the Notification Preferences 101 resource.

UCLA Postdoctoral Scholar FAQ

What is Handshake and why would I use it?

Handshake is UCLA's online career management platform where employers post jobs, internships, postdocs, and fellowships. This is also where postdocs can sign up for career-related events, info sessions, and recruitment opportunities. Finally, we have curated career-related resources specifically for Postdoctoral Scholars in Handshake.

How do I access Handshake?

Once your Postdoctoral appointment is confirmed and you are officially hired at UCLA, you can sign up for Handshake. We have pre-loaded your information in Handshake, so you simply need to log in using your UID and password, which should take you through UCLA's multi-factor authentication. From there you can set up your profile and start looking at jobs and resources.

What services can I access as Postdoctoral Scholar at UCLA?

Postdoctoral scholars at UCLA have access to Handshake, PhD and postdoc specific career events, career fairs, employer information sessions and career resources.

As a Postdoc, can I meet with a Graduate Career Advisor?

Because Postdoctoral Scholars are employees of the University, they can seek Career advising through Campus Human Resources by emailing Julia Sanchez at juliasanchez@chr.ucla.edu

Where else can I find Postdoctoral resources?

The David Geffen School of Medicine Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the UCLA Graduate Division work with Postdoctoral Scholars and can help identify additional resources and offices at UCLA.

UCLA Alumni FAQ

I've just graduated, can I still use the Career Center?

Yes! We are happy to announce that you will now receive three (3) months of continued services after your last academic term. For example, if you graduate in March, you will enjoy the full benefits of the Career Center through June.

Do I have to do anything to activate the post-graduation services?

No! Your information is coming directly from the Registrar's office and our new Handshake system will continue to recognize your full access services.

What are the services I will get in these three (3) months?

You are able to use all of the same services of current students including:

  • Career counseling appointments (via Handshake)
  • Drop-in counseling
  • On-campus recruitment job postings and on-campus interviews
  • All other job & internship listings
  • Access to information sessions, workshops, and career fairs.

I just graduated in June. Is the Career Center open during the summer?

Yes, the Career Center is open during the summer and most services will be available. You will still be able to get career counseling appointments, come by for drop-in counseling, have access to job & internship listings and company site-visits and workshops (though limited during the summer). On-campus interviews, information sessions, career fairs do not normally take place in the summer.

My three (3) months are up, what happens now?

After your three (3) month grace period, you will get one (1) year of Handshake for Alumni absolutely FREE! That includes access to our online job listings (non-OCR) and entrance to all of our career fairs and networking events. More information can be found on our alumni page.

Do I still get access to on-campus interviews?

Unfortunately, after your three (3) months are completed, you are no longer eligible to participate in on-campus interviews.

What is the best way to connect with other UCLA alumni?

Provided by the UCLA Alumni Association, UCLAOne.com is your one-stop-shop to meet your professional needs and connect with UCLA alumni as well as current students.

If I need to purchase a subscription, where do I go?

Please purchase a subscription here.

UCLA Extension Student FAQ

Who is eligible for a UCLA Extension Handshake Account?

  • All current Enrolled UCLA Extension Certificate Students (with established candidacy)
     
  1. Certificate students have free access to Handshake while actively enrolled.
     
  • UCLA Extension Certificate Alumni (Completed Certificate)
     
  1. Certificate Alumni can access Handshake via paid subscription, $30 for 6 months.
  2. Paid subscriptions are non-refundable.
  3. Alumni with active paid subscriptions from BruinView will be carried over to Handshake. (You will not have to submit payment until your 6-month subscription expires).

For questions regarding eligibility, email careers@uclaextension.edu

I am currently enrolled UCLA Extension Certificate student, how do I create an account?

You must set up your BOL (UCLA Logon ID) before creating a Handshake account. There is a 24 hour delay for Extension students registering for Handshake. Please follow the directions in the next topic "How do I set up my BOL (UCLA Logon ID)?".

How do I set up my BOL (UCLA Logon ID)?

  • Step 1: Create a UCLA Logon ID (also called BOL)
     
  1. Go to https://accounts.iam.ucla.edu
  2. Click on Create a UCLA Logon ID (lower left-hand side of screen).
  3. Read Terms of Services, Your Responsibilities, and Consequences of Misuse. Check the box stating agreement to terms and services and then click "I agree to the Terms of Use".
  4. Indicate if you have a 9-digit UCLA ID Number (UID). If you have a Bruincard or previously had one of the other listed affiliations with UCLA, select 'I have a 9 digit UCLA ID Number'. Otherwise, select 'I do not have a 9-digit UCLA ID Number'
  5. Follow the prompts to create your account. Congratulations, you now have a BOL account! Make sure to write down your username and password. You will use your BOL account to log in to Handshake.
     
  • Step 2: Register for Handshake
     
  1. Go to https://sa.ucla.edu/CC/CareerServices/UserIdentification
  2. Sign in using the BOL account username and password that you created in step 1.
  3. After signing in, you will be prompted to register (because you are a new user).
  4. Because you are an UCLA Extension student you will get a message saying that Handshake can't find you in the system and to click on "I"m an extension student/alumnus".
  5. The system will then prompt you to put in your:
  6. a. UCLA Extension Student ID (starts with the letter "X". Log in to your student portal account to locate the number).
    b. Email address (must be the primary email on your UCLA Extension Student Account).
  7. Click Submit. The system will take 24 hours to process your registration. You should be able to log in to Handshake the following day.
  8. For UCLA Extension Certificate Alumni, you will be prompted to make a payment in order to access Handshake. The system will take 24 hours to process your payment. You should be able to log in to Handshake the following day.