Published: March 5, 2024

CU Boulder is streamlining the process of connecting students with on-campus job opportunities while they’re in school. Starting in March 2024, departments are encouraged to use Handshake as the platform for posting student employment jobs and internships. This includes hourly and work-study positions. 

What’s Handshake?

Handshake is a tool that Career Services is already using to share thousands of off-campus jobs with students. Each CU Boulder undergraduate and graduate student currently has a Handshake account, regardless of their major or year. Students are already using the platform to sign up for networking events and search for off-campus internships and jobs after graduation. Starting in April, students will use Handshake to find on-campus positions too.  

The transition 

CU Boulder Student Jobs will be phased out no later than July 1, 2024, and Handshake will become the sole place to post student jobs. Employers will access Handshake starting mid-March through the Student Employment website. While not required, campus employers are highly encouraged to use Handshake to post on-campus jobs. As a reminder, all campus departments are required to post all job openings and maintain documentation. For more details, review HR policies. 

To support departments, centers and colleges with the transition to the new platform, Career Services is offering in-person training sessions and 15-minute one-on-one consultations starting March 13. Anyone who hires student employees can participate in these trainings. 

Departments that already have a Handshake account or have posted a job on CU Boulder Students Job Database will get an email before the transition with more info. For support creating an account, email studentemployment@colorado.edu. 

Why Handshake? 

Better for students 

Right now, there are nearly 9,000 hourly and work-study positions for students to work on campus. Students looking for those opportunities have to navigate various platforms, including the student job board, department websites and external websites.  

Improving access will also increase opportunities for students to experience the academic and social benefits of on-campus employment. 

“We have found students who work on campus at CU Boulder have higher levels of mattering, providing us an incredible opportunity to create personally meaninful experiences,” said Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Joe Thomas. “I’m grateful for the partnerships across campus that are helping make this transition happen. It will provide more access to students and support for faculty and staff hiring and supervising our students.”  

Benefits for student employers 

  • One-stop-shop for job posting and application tracking. 
  • Increased student job candidates. 
  • Ownership of their Handshake account and on-campus hiring processes. 
  • Ensures compliance with Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.  
  • Expanded access to participate in campus events and fairs to attract student applicants. 

For any questions, email studentemployment@colorado.edu.