Head-to-head · Career Services Software
Handshake vs Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning
Handshake leads on 0 checks, Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHandshake · 8.9/10
- Free planonly Handshake
- Most featuresSymplicity CSM Experiential Learning · 1 of 6
Handshake scores higher on our rubric for career services software: 8.9 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
Handshake is the better fit for career centers needing a broad employer and student network. Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning is the better fit for institutions focused on experiential learning and placements.
- Handshake fits best
Career centers needing a broad employer and student network
- Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning fits best
Institutions focused on experiential learning and placements
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Side by side
| Feature | Handshake 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #1 in Career Services Software | #4 in Career Services Software |
| Best for | Career centers needing a broad employer and student network | Institutions focused on experiential learning and placements |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | Pricing on request |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Phone, Live chat, Community · 24/7 |
| Compliance | SOC 2, GDPR, PCI DSS, SSO/SAML | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR |
| Integrations | 9 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Handshake 0/6 · Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning 1/6 | ||
| Appointment scheduling | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Employer portal | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Job posting workflow | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Outcomes tracking | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Event management | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Student mobile app | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Handshake serves students, employers, and educational institutions through a shared career platform. Employers can post early-career jobs, connect with schools, message candidates, manage applications, promote events and career fairs, and… Read the review → |
Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning helps higher-education institutions manage internships, co-ops, placements, and other experiential learning programs. Its workflows cover documenting opportunities, tracking student hours and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Handshake — where it wins
- Free Basic plan supports job posts and a company presence
- ATS integrations connect applications and status synchronization
- Web, iOS, and Android apps support students and employers
Where it doesn't
- Basic limits proactive outreach to 10 messages per month
- Promoted Jobs is an add-on for Basic or Pro
- Advanced messaging, analytics, and automation are Enterprise features
Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning — where it wins
- Tracks placements, student hours, and program requirements
- Supports evaluations, signatures, checklists, and approvals
- Connects through REST API and single sign-on
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting sales
- Focused on experiential learning rather than broad career services
- Configurable workflows may need institutional setup
- Handshake8.9/10 · Free plan
A broad career network with free posting, student engagement, events, and ATS-connected hiring tools.
Visit HandshakeFull verdict → - Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning8.2/10 · Pricing on request
A focused platform for higher-ed placements, requirements, evaluations, and employer relationships.
Visit SymplicityFull verdict →
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- Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning vs Career Forge
All career services software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update