The academic year is in full swing and so is Handshake, UW–Madison’s new tool to help students find jobs, internships, and campus career events.

Handshake officially replaced BuckyNet and myECS as the primary student recruitment and career services tool over the summer, and since then thousands of students and employers have made the transition to the new system.

“We chose Handshake because it has a great track record for increasing student engagement, connections to employers, and the quantity of relevant job and internship opportunities,” shares Wren Singer, associate vice provost and director of undergraduate advising, and one of the executive sponsors of Handshake. In addition to its solid reputation for increasing student and employer connections, Handshake was also selected based on its modern interface that mirrors other social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook.

“I’m extremely pleased with the numbers we’re seeing so far,” says Singer. “We’re only one month into the first academic year using the tool and already we’ve connected with 12,500 students, 8,500 employers, and approved over 7,000 jobs and internships.”

Here are a few reasons career advisors recommend all students activate their free Handshake account, no matter where they are in the career planning process:

• They’ll Get Personalized Jobs and Internships: Full-time job or Internship? Networking or Career Events? Design & Art or Engineering? With Handshake students can share exactly what they’re looking for and get recommendations that are tailored to their interests. The system also recommends opportunities based on other preferences students can set, including major, industries, hobbies, location, and type of experience they’re seeking. (Think Netflix’s “Top Picks for You”)
• Because Career Planning Starts Freshman Year: This doesn’t mean students need to know their major or career goals right away but it does mean they can — and should — take steps to explore, test, and evaluate their career interests and goals, and activating their Handshake profile is a great first step. Tip: If your student is undecided or exploring majors and careers they can meet with a Career Exploration Center advisor.
• Handshake is the Best Way to Find Career Fairs and Events: In addition to personalized job and internship opportunities, Handshake recommends relevant events offered by UW career centers. Students can explore and register for opportunities like job fairs, resume labs, mock interviews, company info sessions, and even on-campus interviews.

Singer is looking forward to seeing the positive impact Handshake has on the student experience in the upcoming year. “It’s an exciting time for career services,” says Singer, “Handshake will play an instrumental role as the academic advising and career services communities continue to collaborate to support student success.”

Student Instructions on how to Join UW on Handshake

1. Read the Student Terms of Use
2. Go to MyUW
3. Search for Handshake
4. Click “add to home”
5. Launch the app and start exploring!

If students have questions they should contact their school/college career center or the Career Exploration Center, and they can find FAQs and Help Resources on careers.wisc.edu/students.

The Wisconsin Union’s Memorial Union and Union South serve as a home away from home for students. They are safe, fun places where students explore, learn, develop leadership skills, and more. The Union has opportunities for whatever Badgers may want out of their experience. Here are just a few of the ways that students can make the most of the Union:

A Place to Work
The Wisconsin Union has more than 1,200 student employment opportunities and more than 50 different types of positions, including but certainly not limited to social media intern, climbing instructor, event planning intern, baker’s helper, and paddling instructor. With each role, students have the opportunity to build up their résumés with real-world skills before they graduate.

Wisconsin Union student employees also enjoy discounts on food, flexible work scheduling, all-staff parties, and more. In a recent Union survey, 92 percent of student employees said they would recommend working at the Union to a friend or classmate. Students can view available jobs on the Wisconsin Union website. All students are encouraged to apply, including international students and those who have work-study.

A Place to Lead
Student leaders plan, promote, and implement more than 2,000 events that take place at Union South and Memorial Union each year. Events includes live music performances; engaging discussions on current political issues; innovative, diverse film lineups; outdoor climbing trips; volunteer service trips; and more. These leaders are part of the Union’s student-led programming and leadership board called the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD), which is made of up 10 WUD Committees and six outdoors-focused Wisconsin Hoofers clubs.

All students are welcome to join WUD and Hoofers. In addition to opportunities for fun and leadership as committee members, some student leaders, such as committee directors, receive stipends and other leadership benefits.

The Union is also home to the Willis L. Jones Leadership Center (JLC). JLC aims to inspire students to work to positively transform themselves, their peers, and their communities.

A Place to Unwind
The Union provides spaces and programming to help students relax and just be. They can enjoy the famous outdoor space known as the Memorial Union Terrace, catch a movie at the Marquee, play trivia at the Sett, or attend one of thousands of events all year long. From bowling, to the performing arts, to yoga, to a reflection room, there’s a way for every student to unwind with the Union. View a full list of events.

A Place to Grow
There are endless opportunities for growth at the Wisconsin Union. Students can learn new skills at a job, join a committee or club, and attend student-led events — activities that help students gain new perspectives.

Students can also explore the outdoors with the Union through Outdoor UW and Hoofers. Outdoor UW provides everything from yoga classes to snowshoe rentals. Rotating art exhibits in the Union’s galleries at Union South and Memorial Union also offer numerous chances to consider new ideas and, in some cases, innovate art forms. And Wheelhouse Studios, an open arts studio, provides a place where students can embrace their creative side.

A Place for All
Whether students come to work, to lead, or to play (or all of the above), the Wisconsin Union is a place that is meant to be enjoyed, a place where student life is truly lived, and a place where everyone can be their authentic selves. We hope you’ll stop by one of the two Unions the next time you’re visiting campus.

—Wisconsin Union, Maddie Boulanger 

Unrealistic depictions of college often glamorize and normalize negative health habits including: all-nighters, increased stress, high-risk drinking, and unhealthy eating. Parents and support members have an opportunity to correct these misconceptions. Help your students make the connection between self-care and mental health, and let them know that you support them in this process. A perfect GPA isn’t worth it if this comes at the expense of mental health.

“Grades are important, but reminding self-critical students that they are much more than a GPA helps with their perspective and can provide an emotional buffer,” says University Health Services Student Relations Manager Rob Sepich.

Please ask your students about their health and well-being. By making this a regular part of checking in, families are more likely to notice if a student is struggling. While some stress is normal and healthy, significant life changes can negatively impact mental health. It’s important to keep lines of communication open and watch for warning signs that indicate your student is struggling or experiencing a mental health concern. Conversations allow you and your student to plan for the unexpected and to know what to do if your student has emotional distress, develops a mental health condition, or if an existing condition worsens.

Mental health issues are a growing concern—and relatively common—for college students and can impact a student’s academic and social experience. One in four adults will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. By talking with your students about mental health, you’re supporting them and preparing them.

Sepich says a positive mindset is essential for success, and focusing on ways to succeed, rather than avoiding failure, often begets more success.

“I’ve seen how small improvements in self-care can help students reap major benefits.  For example, getting just an extra hour of sleep on school nights often brings more energy to the day, increases attention in classes, and can protect against many illnesses.”

University Health Services offers a variety of wellness services to help students prioritize self-care and maintain balance, including meditation, nutrition, stress management, yoga, and individual wellness sessions. The online resource, SilverCloud, also provides self-guided, interactive mental health treatment options 24 hours a day. SilverCloud’s evidence-based learning modules address anxiety, depression, body image, and stress.

University Health Services also encourages students to complete At-Risk, an online, interactive training program that teaches students how to recognize signs of distress in their peers, respond appropriately, and refer to mental health resources. After completing At-Risk, 97 percent of students said they were confident in their ability to discuss their concerns with a friend exhibiting signs of psychological distress.

One of the best ways you can promote positive mental health among students is to make sure they know that treatment works, asking for help is normal, and that it’s a sign of strength and maturity.

Remind your student that UHS Mental Health Services are no cost and confidential. Students are welcome to bring a friend along for support. Since it can be challenging to know how serious to take warning signs, check in with your student early and often. If you have serious concerns, please notify the Dean of Students Office or contact the UHS 24/7 crisis service line at 608-265-5600 (option 9). The Parent and Family Program is also always available to help triage any mental health questions or concerns you might have about your student.