University adopts US system to link students with employment opportunities

The University of Liverpool is part of a pioneering drive to help students find jobs and work experience.

US-based Handshake has launched in the UK in partnerships with the University of Cambridge, University of York and University of Liverpool.

Handshake says it makes it easier and more efficient for companies of all sizes to connect with early talent.

Following its success in the US where students from more than 900 colleges and universities use the platform, the company has launched in the UK. It expects to sign deal with six more universities by the end of the Summer.

This launch comes at a time where recent research found that more than a quarter (27%) of businesses are reducing the number of graduates they recruit in 2020.

Handshake UK expects to have hundreds of thousands of student accounts created. Already, it has had more than 10,000 British students create profiles.

Employers including the likes of Clifford Chance and Google are already using Handshake to proactively engage students via messaging and host virtual events.

Founded in 2014 by three graduates of Michigan Tech University – Garrett Lord (CEO), Scott Ringwelski (CTO), and Ben Christensen (Head of People and Talent) – Handshake says it has democratised student access to job opportunities and has helped employers easily recruit best-fit early talent from a wide range of colleges and universities.

By lowering the barrier to entry, Handshake increases the number of job postings available to students at a university by 300% on average.

As a result, students have the support they need to find a great job and kick off a meaningful career regardless of which institution they attend, what they choose to study, and who they know.

Garrett Lord, Handshake chief executive, said: “Across the UK young people are facing the most challenging labour market for 75 years.

“Our mission is to make it as easy as possible for universities to help their students find jobs.

“By creating a level playing field for all graduates, employers of all sizes across industries will have their pick of the top talent in the UK, breaking down barriers to equal opportunity.”

Emma Moore, director of careers and employability at the University of Liverpool, said: “The class of 2020 will have faced severe disruption while completing their degrees, with final assessments altered and uncertainty suddenly the norm.

“As they look to take their next step, students graduating in 2020 are entering a vastly changed employment market than previous years.

“The economy is facing a long and uncertain road back to recovery. That’s why we are excited to partner with Handshake and give our students the best opportunities available.

“The system has been easy to implement and we are excited to help our students as they start their careers.”