Handshake for Faculty

The Office of Career Services partners with Handshake as its primary job search, internship tracking and employer engagement tool. For most academic departments, Handshake is used as a centralized internship reporting tool as it is designed to support consistent communication, streamline approvals, and ensure course enrollment. For faculty and staff involved in the review and approval process of internships in Handshake, all details on process and best practices are within.

If your academic department does not use Handshake to track internship agreements and you would like to learn more on how this tool can support your departments data and accreditation goals, please contact Director of Career Services Rita Papaleo Ruiz to learn more.

Overview of Handshake Experiences

Handshake is Kean University’s official platform for job and internship searches, employer engagement, and internship registration via Handshake Experience. All students receive a Handshake account upon enrollment and are expected to maintain an updated profile. Employers use this tool to collect applications, advertise opportunities and identify students for their open roles. When students would like to register for an internship course, they must do so via Handshake Experience to be enrolled.

Role of Faculty: Handshake Experience

Faculty play a critical role in supporting students by:

  • Review internship submissions in Handshake Experience for academic credit within a timely manner.
  • Communicate with students the important of meeting deadlines.
  • Direct students to Career Services for résumé support or job search guidance.
  • Reinforce the importance of timely registration and supervisor approval.
  • Monitor academic progress within the internship course.

Handshake Experience Review & Approval Process

  • Faculty will receive an email when a Handshake Experience has been submitted for their review.
  • Review the details provided to confirm if the internship qualifies for credit paying special attention to length of internship and time to complete the hours.
  • Approve or Decline the Experience. If declining, please provide a justification for doing so.
  • Faculty can also access Handshake to review all pending and approved agreements by visiting Handshake Experiences

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to take ownership of their internship and job search, application process, and registration process. Key responsibilities include:

  • Conduct their own internship search through Handshake, other job search portals, employer websites, and networking.
  • Maintaining an updated and professional résumé.
  • Secure an internship offer before submitting an Experience in Handshake.
  • Ensure all required information is complete and accurate in their Experience submission.
  • Follow up with supervisors to ensure agreements are approved in a timely manner
  • Complete all academic requirements associated with the internship course.
  • Withdraw from the internship course if they do not intend to complete it, following academic calendar deadlines.

Academic Credit Internships

Students seeking academic credit must:

  • Secure an internship aligned with their academic and professional goals.
  • Submit the internship through Handshake Experiences before the Second-Half Term Course withdrawal deadline
  • Receive approval from both Career Services and their Academic Department.
  • Register for the appropriate credit level (1, 2, or 3 credits) and complete the required hours:
    • 1 credit: 40 hours
    • 2 credits: 80 hours
    • 3 credits: 120 hours
  • Complete weekly assignments, a pre-assessment, a post-assessment, and any major-specific coursework in Canvas.
  • Ensure their supervisor completes a final evaluation.

Credit cannot be awarded retroactively, and internships must be completed during the same semester in which credit is earned.

Non-Credit Internship Option

Students who do not meet academic credit criteria or who do not need credit may pursue the non-credit internship option. This option:

  • Provides formal recognition on the student’s Co-Curricular Transcript.
  • Requires students to complete at least 40 internship hours.
  • Requires supervisor and student evaluations.
  • Must be submitted and approved through Handshake Experiences.

This option is beneficial for students who have exceeded credit limits, completed required internships, or are working in roles that support career development.

Internship Criteria (Credit and Non-Credit)

To qualify as an internship, an experience must meet Kean University academic requirements and the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) criteria:

  • The experience extends classroom learning and applies academic knowledge.
  • Skills gained must be transferable to other professional settings.
  • The internship has defined start and end dates and a clear job description.
  • Learning objectives align with the student’s academic and career goals.
  • The student is supervised by a qualified professional.
  • Routine feedback is provided.
  • The employer provides appropriate resources and support.

Special Considerations

  • Current Jobs: Students may not use their full-time job for academic credit. However, they may intern in a different department with different duties and a different supervisor, pending approval.
  • Paid vs Unpaid Internships: Both Paid and Unpaid internships may count for credit if they meet all criteria as outlined above.
  • Summer and Winter Internships: Students may earn credit during these terms; hours and expectations remain consistent.
  • Failure to Secure an Internship: Students are encouraged to begin searching at least the semester before the intend to intern.
  • Incomplete Hours: Students who cannot complete required hours may not pass the course and should consult their academic advisor immediately.