As we enter the middle of the fall semester, we’re all getting used to the back-breaking weight of internship applications. Between midterms, group projects, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, finding time to think about our future careers can feel like a job in itself. And if you’re approaching graduation, you might be looking for full-time, entry-level positions instead.
Two platforms that frequently come up in the search are LinkedIn and Handshake. Both offer ways to find opportunities and connect with employers, but they serve slightly different purposes. So which one should you use? The answer is both. Knowing how to use each platform can make your job search more intentional, efficient, and successful.
What Is Handshake?
If you’re a college student looking for an internship, Handshake is a great place to start. Designed for students and recent graduates, the platform connects users with employers offering internships, entry-level positions, and other early-career opportunities.
One of Handshake’s biggest advantages is its connection to university career services. Universities vet all employers on the app. Depending on your school’s resources, you may find career fairs, employer information sessions, campus recruiting events, and opportunities shared specifically with your university.
Handshake can also help narrow your search. Instead of sorting through positions meant for professionals with years of experience, you can focus on opportunities that align with your current stage of education and career development.
If you’re still figuring out what you want to do after graduation, Handshake is a useful starting point for exploring industries, discovering employers, and gaining experience before entering the workforce full-time.
What Is LinkedIn?
Think of LinkedIn as more than just a job board. It’s also your online professional presence.
While Handshake is especially useful for students entering the workforce, LinkedIn allows you to build connections with professionals throughout your career. LinkedIn has gained serious traction among our generation, especially; it’s virtually a professional Instagram. You can follow companies, connect with recruiters, find alumni working in your desired field, and learn about opportunities that might not appear on your university’s career platform.
LinkedIn also lets you showcase your experience beyond a traditional resume. You can highlight internships, campus involvement, volunteer work, certifications, projects, share professional interests, and engage with industry conversations.
One of its most valuable features is networking. You can connect with someone at a company you’re interested in, learn about their career path, or ask questions about their industry. These connections can help you understand your options better and may introduce you to opportunities you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
You don’t need years of experience to benefit from LinkedIn, either. College activities, part-time jobs, and academic projects can all help with building a professional profile.
Which Is Better for Internships and Entry-Level Jobs?
The short answer? It depends.
If you’re searching for your first internship, Handshake may be the more straightforward place to begin. Its student-focused opportunities and university career resources can make it easier to find positions intended for people with limited professional experience or anything connected to your university’s events.
If you’re looking for a full-time, entry-level job, LinkedIn is particularly useful because it combines job listings with networking opportunities and access to a broader professional community. However, Handshake can still be valuable for recent graduates, especially when employers recruit directly through universities.
Neither platform guarantees you’ll land an interview, and neither should be your only resource. Some employers advertise on both; others rely on their own career websites or other recruiting channels.
The best approach is to use Handshake to discover relevant opportunities and LinkedIn to learn more about the companies, connect with people in your field, and strengthen your professional presence.
How to Use Both to Your Advantage
Now that you know what each platform offers, how can you actually use them to improve your job search?
Keep your profiles updated.
Start with the basics. Make sure your resume reflects your most recent experience, your education is accurate, and your skills are relevant to the positions you’re pursuing. On LinkedIn, use a clear professional-style profile photo and write a headline that communicates your interests or career goals. On Handshake, complete your profile so employers can better understand your background.
Search strategically on Handshake.
Don’t limit yourself to typing in the word “internship.” Search by industry, job title, location, and relevant skills. Save interesting positions, check application deadlines, and look into career fairs or employer events offered through your university. Tailor your resume to each opportunity instead of submitting the same application everywhere.
Use LinkedIn to research employers and connect with alumni.
Found an internship you love? Look up the company on LinkedIn and learn more about its work, culture, and employees. Search for alumni from your university who work there, and consider sending a brief, personalized connection request. Be curious and professional; don’t immediately ask for a job.
Don’t underestimate networking.
Applying online is important, but building genuine professional relationships can help you learn about industries and discover opportunities. Attend networking events, participate in career panels, and follow professionals whose work interests you. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do to start making connections.
Make consistency part of your routine.
Instead of spending hours scrolling through job listings whenever you feel overwhelmed, set aside a few dedicated blocks of time each week. Review new Handshake postings, check LinkedIn for relevant opportunities, follow up on applications, and reach out to a few new connections. Small, consistent steps can make the process feel much more manageable.
So, Which One Should You Be Using?
Ultimately, you don’t have to choose between LinkedIn and Handshake. They complement each other, and using both gives you more ways to discover opportunities.
You don’t need to have your career completely figured out by the time you earn your degree. But taking small steps now, whether that means applying for your first internship or connecting with someone in your dream industry, can help you feel more prepared for what comes next.
So update your resume, finish that Handshake application, and give your LinkedIn profile some attention. Your future self might thank you.