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The Complete Guide to BU Handshake: Career Services Made Simple

The Complete Guide to BU Handshake: Career Services Made Simple

Unlock the power of BU Handshake, the university's premier career portal. Discover how to land your dream job or internship with our insider tips and tricks.

Photo: Priscilla Du Preez
Career
Updated 2026-01
9 min read

The Complete Guide to BU Handshake: Career Services Made Simple

Unlock the power of BU Handshake, the university's premier career portal. Discover how to land your dream job or internship with our insider tips and tricks.
ER
Emma Rodriguez

BU Class of 2026 | COM

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1

The Quick Answer

This guide covers the complete guide to bu handshake: career services made simple at Boston University (BU), based on outcomes data and patterns observed among students who successfully launched their careers from BU.

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What is BU Handshake?

BU Handshake is the ultimate career management platform for Boston University (BU) students and alumni. Powered by Handshake, the leading career network for college students, it provides a suite of tools and resources to help you find jobs, internships, career events, and more.

As a BU student, you have full access to Handshake - all you need to do is login with your BU credentials. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of this powerful career platform.

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Key Features of BU Handshake

BU Handshake offers a wide range of features to support your career development:

  • Job & Internship Postings: Search through thousands of opportunities posted by top employers specifically for BU students.
  • Career Events: Discover and register for career fairs, information sessions, workshops, and other events on campus.
  • Employer Profiles: Learn about companies recruiting at BU and connect with their representatives.
  • Career Guides & Resources: Access expert advice on r??sum??s, interviews, networking, and more.
  • Appointment Scheduling: Book 1-on-1 sessions with your career advisor.
  • Career Interests & Preferences: Set your job preferences to get personalized recommendations.
  • Application Tracking: Monitor the status of your job and internship applications.
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How to Get Started with BU Handshake

Pro Tip

Setting up your BU Handshake account is quick and easy:

  • Go to [bu.joinhandshake.com](https://bu.joinhandshake.com) and click 'Sign Up' in the top right.
  • Enter your BU email address and follow the prompts to verify your identity.
  • Complete your profile by adding your r??sum??, career interests, and other details.
  • Start exploring job/internship postings, events, and other features.
  • Tip: Be sure to keep your profile up-to-date and take advantage of the personalized job recommendations. The more complete your profile, the better Handshake can match you with relevant opportunities.

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    Finding Jobs & Internships on BU Handshake

    Pro Tip

    BU Handshake is the premier destination for finding jobs and internships as a Boston University (BU) student. Here's how to make the most of the platform:

    • Search & Filter: Use the advanced search tools to filter by role, industry, location, and more. Save your favorite searches for future use.
    • Apply Directly: When you find a posting you're interested in, click 'Apply' to submit your application through Handshake.
    • Track Applications: Monitor the status of your applications and receive updates from employers.
    • Get Notifications: Set up job alerts to be notified when new positions matching your criteria are posted.
    • Attend Career Events: Check the calendar for upcoming career fairs, info sessions, and other networking events.
    6

    Career Resources & Support

    Beyond job postings, BU Handshake provides a wealth of career development resources:

    • Career Guides: Access expert advice on r??sum??s, cover letters, interviews, and other job search topics.
    • Career Coaching: Schedule 1-on-1 appointments with your career advisor to get personalized guidance.
    • Virtual Events: Attend online workshops, webinars, and employer info sessions.
    • Career Communities: Join industry-specific groups to connect with peers and professionals.
    • BU Career Center: Leverage the full suite of services offered by the BU Career Center, accessible through Handshake.
    7

    What BU Students Say About Handshake

    Hear from fellow BU students on how they've benefited from using Handshake:

    'Handshake made my job search so much easier. I was able to find relevant postings, apply directly, and even get noticed by recruiters. It's a game-changer!' - Sarah, Class of 2023

    'The career resources and coaching on Handshake were invaluable. They helped me craft a winning r??sum?? and prepare for interviews.' - Michael, Class of 2024

    'As an international student, I was worried about finding internships. But Handshake connected me with great opportunities, both on and off campus.' - Lily, Class of 2025

    8

    What Surprises BU Students About Career Services

    Many students don't realize that BU Career Services is most effective when you engage early and consistently—not just senior year. The relationships you build with advisors matter more than any single workshop.

    9

    Key Considerations

    When evaluating The Complete Guide to BU Handshake: Career Services Made Simple, BU students should weigh both the benefits and constraints. No option is perfect for everyone—the right choice depends on your specific priorities, circumstances, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is BU Handshake only for current students?
    No, BU Handshake is available to all current students as well as alumni. Even after graduating, you can continue to use the platform to search for jobs, connect with employers, and access career resources.
    How do I access BU Handshake?
    You can access BU Handshake by going to [bu.joinhandshake.com](https://bu.joinhandshake.com) and logging in with your BU credentials. If you have any trouble, you can also reach out to the BU Career Center for assistance.
    What types of jobs and internships are posted on Handshake?
    BU Handshake features a wide variety of job and internship postings from top employers across diverse industries, including tech, finance, consulting, healthcare, nonprofit, and more. You can find roles ranging from part-time jobs to full-time career opportunities.
    Do I need to have my r??sum?? ready to use Handshake?
    While it's recommended to have an up-to-date r??sum?? uploaded to your Handshake profile, you can still explore job postings and access other features without one. However, having a polished r??sum?? will make it easier to apply for opportunities through the platform.
    How can I get help using BU Handshake?
    If you have any questions or need assistance using BU Handshake, you can reach out to the BU Career Center. They offer workshops, one-on-one advising sessions, and other resources to help you make the most of the platform.
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