The pandemic shifted the job market paradigm for both job seekers and recruiters to double-down on an emerging channel for employment opportunities: virtual networking.
As discovered in our Handshake Network Trends report, Who Wins with Virtual Recruiting?, virtual recruiting enables more accessibility, creates a wider diverse talent pool, scales engagement, and delivers a more flexible, less-stressful environment for students and recent graduates who are entering the job market.
Even once pandemic restrictions are no longer a concern, 87% of students still prefer some virtual recruiting.
While much of this success is due to dynamic digital platforms and virtual networking, we’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight the powerful work DEI, talent acquisition, and HR team leaders are doing to go above and beyond in connecting early-career job seekers with meaningful opportunities.
That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the Handshake Honor Roll: a list that recognizes and celebrates best-in-class DEI, Directors of Talent, CHROs, and HR leaders who open doors and make amazing careers happen for early talent.
Each month, our team will select a leader from Handshake’s Honor Roll to feature across our social media channels and our blog.
Read on to learn how you can participate!
How to nominate a leader to Handshake’s Honor Roll
Interested in nominating a DEI, Director of Talent, CHRO, or HR leader from your organization? Below is a snapshot of the nomination criteria:
- Must be a leader—from the manager level to the C-suite—in either DEI, talent acquisition, people operations, or HR
- Must be employed at an organization with 100+ employees
- Must be a Handshake Premium employer partner
- Must be based in the US or UK
Nominate a leader to Handshake’s Honor Roll today! Fill out this form to be considered. Nominations will be collected on a rolling basis.
December 2021 winner
We’re thrilled to announce that the inaugural Handshake Honor Roll spotlight goes to… drum roll, please 🥁 Jacky Barry, Global DEI&B University Program Manager at PayPal! 🎉
Let’s explore how Jacky and the early talent recruiting team at PayPal democratizes access to job opportunities for students and recent graduates.
What was your first job outside of college and how’d you find it?
My first job was as a Recruiting Coordinator at McCallion Staffing.
I got the job by first registering and interviewing to be a temp during school breaks and holidays. They ended up offering me a part-time position instead.
Why are you passionate about recruiting early talent and DEI?
Innovation and diversity of thought are the future. I’m a firm believer that the more diverse a team and company are, the greater impact they’ll have.
How’d you land your current role and what’s your favorite part of the job?
My current role was an evolution of passion projects over the past six or so years. My executives saw that my passion stemmed from caring deeply about the work and being personally invested in and motivated by increasing diversity in our company.
My favorite part of the job is the impact we have on a student’s future, supporting them to become future innovators and activists of change.
What are some accomplishments you’re proud of this year?
My biggest accomplishment this year has been leading PayPal’s partnership as a founding member of the CodeHouse Scholars Initiative.
PayPal is proud to provide four-year undergraduate scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for students majoring in tech-related fields. Through this partnership, we aim to increase the representation of diverse talent at PayPal—and the tech industry at large—as we work to realize our mission of building an inclusive, equitable economy.
Who are your heroes aka the people you turn to for inspiration?
The unsung heroes in our communities.
What advice would you offer to today’s job seekers?
Passion is important. We spend 40+ hours a week working, so if you’re passionate about the work you’re doing, you will enjoy most of those 40+ hours instead of dreading them.