We’re excited to have you join the Handshake AI Fellowship! This program connects talented fellows with meaningful projects through our AI Lab partners. Below is an overview of what to expect after applying, including the steps that take you from application to getting started on your first project.
Topics covered in this guide include:
- Project matching and invitations
- Project onboarding
- Payout setup through Stripe
These steps apply after a fellow has created a Handshake AI account and completed the required profile setup.
1. Application submitted
Once you sign up, complete your profile, and submit your application, your Handshake AI profile becomes eligible for matching with open projects that align with your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Our team reviews applications and matches fellows to projects based on the needs of our AI Lab partners. Since projects are launched on a rolling basis according to partner demand, there is no fixed timeline for receiving a project invitation.
To learn more about what happens after you apply, refer to Next Steps After Applying to the Handshake AI Fellowship.
2. Project match & interest email
If your profile matches an available project, you’ll receive an email invitation from our team asking if you’d like to express interest in participating.
Project invitations typically include:
- A project description
- Estimated project length
- Expected time commitments (if applicable)
- Compensation details and participation requirements
- Other important project information
Invitation details may vary depending on the project. Some projects may also require additional information from you, such as a slide deck, portfolio, or other work samples. These requirements will be outlined either in the invitation email or within the project workspace in Handshake AI.
Any materials you submit are securely maintained by Handshake and may be used by the AI Labs team to evaluate your qualifications before moving forward.
3. Decision & selection
After you submit your form of interest, there will be a short waiting period while interested candidates are reviewed for the project. If you’re selected to join the project, you’ll receive another email confirming your acceptance.
4. Project Onboarding
Before you can begin working on a project and earning compensation, you’ll need to complete that project’s onboarding requirements.
Please note that onboarding steps may vary by project. All required onboarding tasks will be listed within the project workspace in Handshake AI.
What fellows need to do:
- Open the assigned project in Handshake AI
- Review all onboarding requirements carefully
- Complete each required step before starting project tasks
5. Training & Getting Started
Once onboarding is complete, you may begin training to help prepare you for the work ahead.
Training may include:
- Detailed project information
- Expectations, deliverables, and responsibilities
- Best practices and project guidelines
- Information about where project work takes place and how time tracking works
When approved to start tasking, you can begin working on your assigned project and contributing to project deliverables based on the project requirements and timelines.
To learn more about what to expect and how to set yourself up for success, refer to Getting Started on a Project.
6. Set Up Your Payout Method
Handshake AI uses Stripe to process fellow payouts.
After completing your first task on a project, you’ll be prompted to set up your payout information through Stripe. You can also add or update your payout method at any time through the Payments tab in your Handshake AI dashboard.
Important notes:
- A valid payout method must be configured in Stripe before payments can be processed
- Make sure your payout information is accurate and kept up to date to avoid payment delays or issues
We’re here to support you at every step as you begin your journey with Handshake AI. If you have questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team—we’re always happy to help.