for Universities
Choosing the Right Career Management System: 12twenty vs. Handshake
Dive into the key differences between two leading career management platforms. From customization to employer connections, find out which solution fits your institution’s needs and sets your students up for success.
Selecting the right career management platform isn’t just a box to check—it’s a decision that can directly influence the efficiency and outcomes of your university’s career services. 12twenty and Handshake both bring valuable tools to the table, but their differences lie in how they serve your unique needs. Whether you’re prioritizing customization, real-time data, or a fully integrated platform, this comparison highlights what sets them apart and how those distinctions impact the way career centers operate.
12twenty offers significant flexibility in customizing fields, branding, and user groups. This allows universities to tailor the platform to their unique requirements, ensuring the system reflects institutional identity and aligns with the specific needs of students and employers. For career centers managing multiple campuses or specialized programs, this level of customization provides a cohesive, consistent user experience.
By contrast, Handshake takes a more standardized approach. While this streamlines implementation and may suit institutions looking for simplicity, it limits the ability to adjust fields and branding. Career centers that prioritize flexibility in workflows and a more personalized interface may find the configuration options in Handshake less accommodating.
12twenty integrates data and analytics across every module, providing career centers with instant access to critical insights. Whether tracking job postings, career advising, or career fair engagement, users can view actionable data in real-time. For example, 12twenty’s Job IQ module displays compensation trends and hiring data alongside job postings, allowing students to make more informed decisions.
This seamless data access enhances the efficiency of career services teams, reducing the time spent on manual report generation. In comparison, Handshake offers reporting capabilities, but the process often requires additional steps to access deeper analytics. For career centers that prioritize quick, data-driven decision-making, 12twenty’s integrated analytics may offer a more streamlined solution.
12twenty stands out for its integration of multiple career services functions into a single platform. Job postings, career advising, alumni engagement, and career fairs are managed through a cohesive system, reducing the need for external tools and minimizing the risk of data discrepancies.
While Handshake offers some integrated functionality, many career centers may find the need to use third-party tools to handle aspects such as alumni mentoring or employer relationship management. The more fragmented approach can lead to inefficiencies, particularly when managing large amounts of data or coordinating various career services initiatives.
Handshake is widely recognized for its vast network of job postings, which gives students access to a broad range of opportunities across industries. This can be particularly useful for institutions looking to provide their students with a high volume of postings.
However, 12twenty places an emphasis on maintaining a curated network of trusted employers, ensuring that the job opportunities and contacts are up-to-date and relevant. This approach minimizes outdated listings and provides more reliable employer connections, giving career centers a higher level of confidence in the opportunities presented to students.
12twenty’s customer service is often highlighted for its personalized, responsive support. Career centers have access to a dedicated team that works closely with them to ensure smooth onboarding and continued success. This level of customer care helps institutions fully leverage the platform’s capabilities and resolve issues quickly.
Although Handshake also offers strong customer service, particularly for employers, career centers may not always receive the same level of individualized attention. For institutions seeking a more direct, personalized relationship with their platform provider, 12twenty’s customer support may be a stronger fit.
Both 12twenty and Handshake offer robust career management solutions, but the right choice depends on the specific needs of your institution. 12twenty’s focus on customization, integrated data, and personalized support makes it particularly well-suited for universities looking for a comprehensive, flexible platform. Handshake’s more standardized setup and extensive job board network, meanwhile, may appeal to institutions prioritizing simplicity and broad access to job opportunities.
Curious about how 12twenty stacks up against Symplicity? Check out our in-depth comparison to discover the key differences and find the best fit for your institution.
