Hire-Viking is out, and Handshake is in. As the spring semester starts, along with it comes a new career exploration platform ready to use for the students and alumni of Del Mar College.
Hire-Viking was the previous platform that enabled the student body to search for employment, both while they were currently enrolled at Del Mar and post-graduation. Now, thanks to the counselors in the Career Development department, the student body can use the invigorating website called Handshake.
According to Career Counselor Emily Longoria, Handshake had a soft launch within the Del Mar campuses back in October 2023, but now career counselors are imploring students to use this program.
“Students need to know that soon Handshake is going to be the only way that they will be able to book an appointment with us, the career counselors. Students will only be able to book appointments with us on the Del Mar website for a few more weeks and then we will make the solid transition over to Handshake,” Longoria said.
Longoria expressed that students should sign up with Handshake sooner rather than later so they can reap the benefits and grab the opportunities that this platform has to offer.
“Creating your profile is swift and easy. First students will search ‘Handshake’ in the search box on the Del Mar College website. Once students locate the link, they have the choice to scan the QR code or click on the ‘Join Handshake’ link; both options will take them to the website. Next, students will answer some questions, create their profiles and the process is complete,” Longoria said.
Longoria said students will be not only be able to book appointments with their career counselors, but they also can view upcoming job fairs and networking events, join webinars, create industry resumes, browse job listings, and will be able to communicate with employers and other students with ease.
Longoria also disclosed that there is an additional bonus for students who complete their Handshake profile. Over the 2024 spring semester, there will be five or six random drawings among the student body. These winners will receive a $50 gift card to H-E-B.
If any questions come up, do not hesitate to reach out to the esteemed career counselors at any of the three Del Mar College campuses.
This is a great way for counselors to save time when it comes to students booking appointments to meet, this new approach handshake sounds like it will be very accessible to students and convenient for counselors.
Also with technology advancing and taking over this is a great tool for students to use at any time on their cell phones instead of calling or emailing to set up appointments with counselors.