If you registered for a student account but intended to create an employer account, you can still create an employer account.
Can I convert my student account to an employer account?
No. Handshake does not support converting a student account to an employer account or an employer account to a student account.
To access employer features, you must create a separate employer account, even if you plan to keep your student account active.
How do I create an employer account using the same email as my student account?
1. Log out of your student account completely.
- Remaining logged in will result in the error: “You do not have permission to do that. Please contact the Handshake team or your local administrator.”
- If your browser signs you back in automatically, open an incognito or private browsing window before continuing.
- If you selected the wrong account type during registration and can't return to the previous page, complete the student account registration first. After the account is created, log out.
2. Create your employer account using the same email address.
Follow the instructions outlined in How to Create an Employer Account Linked to Your Student Account.
Can I keep my student account?
Yes. You can keep your student account if you want to explore or view the features available to students. Keeping both accounts does not affect your student account or your employer account.
After both accounts are created and confirmed with the same email address, you can switch between them using the Switch Users feature.
Can I delete my student account?
Yes. If you no longer need your student account, contact Support and request deletion. Include the email address associated with the account and confirmation that you understand deletion is permanent.
Troubleshooting login and permission issues
Why am I getting a "You do not have permission to do that" error?
This error usually means you're still signed in to the wrong account type, or your browser or school's single sign-on system is redirecting you to your student account.
- Log out of Handshake completely.
- Close and reopen your browser.
- Try again in an incognito or private browsing window.
- Return to the Employer registration page.
Why do I keep landing on my student dashboard?
This typically happens when you sign in using a one-time code or your school's single sign-on, which routes you to your existing student account instead of your employer account.
Employer accounts use a Handshake email address and password, not school single sign-on credentials.
Sign in through the Handshake login page using your employer email address and password.