It all starts with a ‘Handshake’

Career discovery now starts with a “Handshake” at Upper Iowa University. An online platform, Handshake is UIU’s new online career management system. Students can find career-related documents, upload their resume, apply for jobs and internships, make appointments with career development staff and view upcoming career development events. As part of the program, all active UIU students have an account uploaded for them upon their enrollment. As a bonus, alumni can utilize this resource as well. To sign up for a free account, visit uiu.joinhandshake.com/register and enter your personal email address to get started.

“Replacing our former Peacock Career Portal with Handshake allows the Office of Career Development to better target career information, internships, employment opportunities, and career-related events to students and alumni based on major, degree type and interests,” UIU Director of Career Development Anne Puffett ʼ19 said.

Puffett noted that a number of new employer connections have been developed through the new platform. After being granted access to the site, employers can post job opportunities to UIU students and alumni. Employers may also showcase events, and students can choose to have these events displayed on their student dashboard.

A native of Arlington, Iowa, Puffett has been employed in UIU’s Career Development Office for eight years and assumed the role as its director in October 2020. She earned a master’s degree from UIU and bachelor’s degree from AIB College of Business.

“I’ve really enjoyed the relationships I’ve built with my colleagues, who are just like family to me,” Puffett said. “Being able to make a difference in the lives of students and alumni, helping them achieve their career goals, and hearing their success stories definitely motivates me each and every day.”

As a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), UIU Career Development is able to access professional standards, competencies and principles for professional practice to the benefit of all students and alumni. The Office of Career Development provides student-centered career-related assistance and programs through flexible and multiple delivery systems, including guidance with careers, academic majors, resumes, cover letters, internship/job search, interview preparation, professional networking and branding, and graduate school applications.

For additional information about UIU Career Development services, contact Puffett at 563-425-5229 or puffetta@uiu.edu.