Center for Career Success for Alumni

Western alumni get access to Handshake for life. Depending on when you graduated, the way that you access Handshake may differ.

New Graduates

Your Western credentials may remain active for a few months after graduation. If you are a recent graduate, use your Western credentials to log in to Handshake. If you are unable to log in using these credentials, see the next section.

Graduates from May 2017 to Present

If you provided a permanent email address on your graduation application, then an alumni account has already been created for you. To log in:

1. Navigate to Western’s Handshake login page.
2. Click on “sign in with your email address” below the large “Sign On” button.
3. Enter your permanent email address and click “Next.”
4. If your email is associated with an account but you have not set a password before, you will be prompted to do so. If you have set a password before but have forgotten it, you can reset it from this screen.
5. If your email is not associated with an account, please do not create a new account. Please follow the instructions in the next section.

Graduates Prior to 2017 and Alumni without a Permanent Email on File

Contact the Center for Career Success, and we will be happy to set up or update your account for you. In your message, please include your full name, maiden name (if applicable), major(s), and graduation month/year. Be sure to send your message from the email address that you would like us to use for your account.

Look for relevant information

Visit the company website. If the company does not have a website, or if the website does not appear to match the advertised position, be cautious. Take note of how “professional” the website looks and look for specific pieces of information that you would expect on any corporate or organizational site: Is there specific contact information? Are jobs and internships actually posted to the website itself? Can you find a physical address that is verifiable via Google Maps?

Check Consumer Services

The Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission track formal complaints filed against businesses.

Check the Company’s References

Request a list of other employees or contractors, then reach out to those people to discuss their experience with the company. If a company is unwilling to share references, consider it a red flag.

Be Skeptical of Any Employer that Requires You to Pay Fees

Most legitimate employers will not charge applicants to apply or to accept a position. Do not send money for employment directories, hiring advice, company information, application fees, or anything else related to a posted position. Some legitimate internship programs require placement fees, but remember that Handshake and other free databases are available to help you find internship opportunities.

• Never give an employer information about your bank account, credit cards, or other electronic payment accounts.
• Do not register for direct deposit before your first day of actual work.
• Do not “wire” funds or send payment by courier (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL) using a personal account.
• Follow your gut. Do not reply to any posting that seems suspicious. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• In general, never agree to pay a fee to obtain a job or internship without consulting with trusted individuals first. While some fee-based programs are legitimate, most are scams designed to separate you from your money.

Review Salary/Payment Information

Be sure you understand the terms of payment prior to accepting any position. Ask if the position is paid via hourly wage, stipend, salary, or commission, and how often you will be paid. Pay close attention to any unpaid position.

Warning and Disclaimer Regarding Job and Internship Posting Fraud

The Center for Career Success at Western Colorado University posts job and internship opportunities for the convenience of our students. Western does not endorse or recommend employers, and a job or internship posting should not be interpreted as an endorsement or recommendation. Western makes no guarantees or warranties about job and internship postings or the accuracy of information provided by employers in those postings. Western is not responsible for wages, working conditions, safety, or any other aspect of off-campus employment without limitation. Students engaged in a job or internship search are responsible for performing due diligence by researching potential employers, including the history and reputation of each organization to which they are applying. Any job seeker, including Western students, should exercise prudence and common sense when applying for or accepting employment or internship offers.