Handshake positions itself as the premier career development platform for students and early-career professionals, operating through partnerships with educational institutions nationwide. The application serves as a bridge between academic preparation and professional employment, offering tailored job matching and networking capabilities specifically designed for the entry-level market segment. The core functionality centers around a sophisticated algorithm that delivers personalized job recommendations based on user profiles, academic backgrounds, and career interests. Key features include an integrated application system allowing direct submissions to employers, event management for career fairs and networking sessions, and messaging capabilities for direct communication with recruiters. The platform maintains partnerships with over 1,200 educational institutions, providing access to exclusive campus-recruitment opportunities that may not appear on general job boards. User experience demonstrates a clean, intuitive interface resembling modern social media platforms, featuring a scrollable feed of opportunities and updates. Navigation follows conventional mobile patterns with bottom-tab organization separating jobs, messages, events, and profile sections. Real-world usage patterns indicate highest engagement during academic semesters, particularly around career fair seasons and graduation periods, with users typically spending 10-15 minutes daily browsing opportunities and managing applications. User feedback reveals consistent praise for the platform's design and opportunity volume while highlighting algorithmic matching concerns. Aneeb Naveed's March 2025 review notes receiving irrelevant job suggestions for teaching and law enforcement despite being an IT student, suggesting room for improvement in recommendation accuracy. Samantha C's June 2024 review confirms the platform works best for currently enrolled students through institutional affiliations, though some users express reservations about the social media-style news feed implementation. The platform excels in providing structured entry points to early-career opportunities through educational partnerships, though its effectiveness varies significantly based on institutional relationships and major-specific demand. Limitations include occasional mismatches in algorithmic recommendations and variable employer responsiveness rates. Ideal usage involves active engagement through campus career centers, combined participation in virtual events, and strategic networking rather than relying solely on application submissions.