BroncoJobs Web platform gets major makeover

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Major enhancements have been made to BroncoJobs, Western Michigan University's Web-based platform for students to search for jobs, sign up for events and access career information.

A new vendor provider, Handshake, is responsible for the upgrade, which provides several new services and system efficiencies for WMU students and alumni seeking jobs as well as for on- and off-campus employers seeking to fill open positions.

Handshake is based on social networking technology that encourages students to network with employers, build their professional brand and research career options. Under it, BroncoJobs will have greater functionality while continuing to be the place to locate on- and off-campus positions, internships and full-time job openings, plus register for job fairs, see a comprehensive calendar of career events, and access career-planning support tools.

Specific improvements

Lynn Kelly-Albertson, executive director of WMU's Career and Student Employment Services, says the enhanced BroncoJobs interface offers robust search capabilities; compatibility with Banner, the University's student information system; and improved information storage and retrieval.

"For instance, the more a student searches for a certain kind of job opening, the more the system will suggest related jobs and events based on those searches," Kelly-Albertson explains. "It looks and acts like LinkedIn and Facebook applications, enhancing communication and connections.

"Moreover," she adds, "once students create their profiles, information such as majors, years in school and WMU email addresses will automatically be updated in BroncoJobs when this information is updated in Banner. Also, students can easily build and store application materials, letters and resumes, and apply for positions directly through the system."

Kelly-Albertson notes that alumni will now be able to use the system's job-search services by requesting an account.

Campus units can create a profile under the umbrella of WMU by choosing a division with their unit's specific name. Once the account is established, representatives of the units can post job openings and search for students seeking jobs. In addition, employers will be able to search student resumes and contact students directly through BroncoJobs if the student has made their resume public.

The recent enhancements to BroncoJOBS are a collaboration between Career and Student Employment Services and the Career Center in the Haworth College of Business.

For more information or to use the upgraded Web platform, visit wmich.edu/career or https://wmich.joinhandshake.com.

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