General Frequently Asked Question

How do I sign on to Handshake?

Virtual Job Fairs with Handshake

We’re introducing Handshake, the No. 1 national virtual job fair platform for college students, which provides:
   •   Job Listings
   •   Employer Introductions
   •   Community Tips
   •   Virtual Job FairsAccess for UCSC Silicon Valley Extension students differs from access for UCSC students, so please follow these steps carefully.

Handshake will soon be available to current UCSC Silicon Valley Extension students and recent alumni* of certificate and specialization programs.

Signing on to Handshake for the First Time

It’s pretty simple, but there are just a few quirks in the system that apply to students who are in professional education extension programs, such as UCSC Silicon Valley. Even if you're one of those people who never read instructions, you’ll need to for your initial log on. Just follow the steps below.

STEP 1: Click the “sign in with your email address” link.

Do not use the “UC Santa Cruz Log In” option.

Handshake log on page. Don't click on UC Santa Cruz Logon. Instead start here: sign in with your email address.

STEP 2: Enter the email address you used when you enrolled with UCSC Extension and click Next.

University of California, Santa Cruz. Enter your email (use your .edu email if applicable. Click on Next or Need help?

STEP 3: Click on “Or log in using your Handshake credentials.”

Do not click the “UC Santa Cruz Log In” button.

Hello! Click below to sign in to your account. Don't click on UC Santa Cruz Log in. Click here: Or log in using your Handshake credentials

STEP 4: Click the Get Started button.

Handshake sign on. Welcome Student. Click below to set you account. You will receive a verification email to create a password. Click on Get started.

STEP 5: Check for Handshake email.

The email will guide you through the next steps.

Almost there! Please check your email to set your password.

STEP 6: Click Set My Password.

The email should look something like the image below.

Handshake. Hello Student, We have received your request to set your password. Please click the following link to set your password. Set my Password. If you didn't request to set your password, disregard this email. Thank you, The Handshake Team

STEP 7: Type in a password of your choosing and click Next.

Handshake Create your password. Box for new password. Box to confirm password.

STEP 8: Ready? Click the Sign In button.

Handshake Page: Success. Your password has been successfully changed. Click below to sign in. Sign in.

STEP 9: From log in page, use the “sign in with your email address” link

At the log in page (https://ucsc.joinhandshake.com/login be sure to use the “sign in with your email address” link. DO NOT CLICK the “UC Santa Cruz Log In” button.

STEP 10: Click on the “Or log in using your Handshake credentials” link.

DO NOT CLICK THE “UC Santa Cruz Log In” button.

Handshake log on page. Don't click on UC Santa Cruz Logon. Click here: log in using your Handshake credentials.

STEP 11: Enter your password and explore Handshake job opportunities!

Handshake will be available only for recent alumni back to 2018 and current students. We will send you an email to let you know when you are eligible to participate.