Lehigh University partners with Handshake to help grads find work

When Lehigh University's class of '19 graduates in May, most students will begin the grueling trek into the world of professional work across the board.

Through internships, work experience, personal connections and academic performance, seniors have been receiving job offers throughout the year. 

While some industries begin recruiting on campus starting in the fall, other students explain they were able to find applications through online programs such as Handshake, a site that is run through Lehigh’s Career Services and Professional Development Office.

Handshake is a website that allows students to browse potential career opportunities. Employers are able to notify users about their events and can post positions for students to apply to. 

According to Handshake’s website, their goal is to connect students and employers in a positive way: “Land a job or internship that sparks your unique interests. Discover companies, on-campus events, knowledge communities — and build a meaningful career on Handshake.”

Alex Johnson, ‘19, an IDEAS major, secured her job by applying through Handshake. Johnson will be working for Ernst & Young in Technology Consulting for their Financial Service Organization.

“It is about GPA in a sense because a lot of jobs do have cut-offs,” Johnson said. “If you don’t have a connection, GPA and past experience plays a lot more into whether or not they will even look at you. But, if you did know someone at the company, they can say, ‘let’s give this person another look.’ It’s kind of like a game.”

Johnson said she thinks her classes at Lehigh prepared her for different aspects of what she will be doing in her future job. Specifically, she said she finds that group work from her courses will contribute to success.

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