Handshake is the University of Redlands’ all‑in‑one career platform. Log in to discover full‑time jobs, internships, and career events curated specifically for Bulldogs. The more information you add to your profile and the more you engage with the system, the smarter Handshake becomes at recommending opportunities that fit your goals.
Step 1: Access Your Account
| Status | Action | Handshake Access |
|---|---|---|
| Current students | Current students already have an account – go to MyRedlands Portal and find Handshake in the Maroon box below your photo/name. Don’t see it? Click the “More” button. | Immediate access to jobs, internships, career fairs, workshops, and coaching appointments. |
| Alumni – within 6 months of graduation | Log in with your University credentials. Inside Handshake, click your initials/photo ➜ Settings ➜ Add another email and add your personal email address. | Continuous access to all Handshake features after graduation. |
| Alumni – more than 6 months since graduation | Email ocpd@redlands.edu with your 1) Redlands degree earned, 2) graduation year, 3) student ID or Date of birth, and 4) preferred email address to request an email update. OCPD will switch your primary Handshake email and notify you. | Full Handshake functionality once the change is processed. |
Tip: Download the Handshake mobile app so you never miss a deadline.
Step 2: Build Your Profile
A complete profile means better recommendations and an increased chance you’ll get messaged by a recruiter. Handshake’s machine‑learning algorithm looks at your:
- Career interests
- Job function preferences
- Location preferences
- Coursework and activities
- Skills and experiences
Use the “Upload from Resume” feature to let Handshake pull details automatically, then polish each section. Need guidance?
Step 3: Tailor & Upload Your Resume
Before you apply, make sure your resume is Redlands‑ready. Check out OCPD’s downloadable resume layout, drop by the Career Studio or Schedule an Appointment for feedback. When it’s polished:
- Click on your initials or photo in the top right corner › My Documents.
- Select Upload a Document and choose your file.
- Mark the document as Public if you want employers to view it.
Step 4: Start Your Job & Internship Search
Handshake offers powerful filters and smart search tools:
- Use filters such as “Full‑Time,” “Internship,” or “Location.”
- Add keywords that match your interests (e.g., “GIS,” “marketing analytics”).
- Save your search and turn on notifications.
- Favorite jobs to receive deadline reminders.
Watch this video to learn more about job and internship searching on Handshake.
Step 5: Engage & Follow Up
- Turn on alerts – Enable notifications for saved searches and favorited jobs so you never miss a deadline.
- Follow employers & career fairs – Get automatic updates when the organizations you care about post new roles or register for events.
- Track your applications – Use Handshake’s “Applications” tab to monitor statuses and set reminders to send thank‑you notes.
- Book coaching – Schedule a 30‑minute appointment in Handshake to refine your strategy, prep for interviews, or negotiate offers.
- Keep your profile fresh – Update skills, coursework, and experiences each term so Handshake keeps surfacing the best‑fit opportunities.
Tip: Make it a habit to log in once a week—five minutes is often enough to check alerts, follow up, and keep everything current.
