Handshake is proud to elevate the voices of top creators on our feed! Meet Chanelle Mao, a junior at UC Berkeley studying cognitive science and media studies—and building a standout personal brand as a content creator.
Read her full interview below and follow her on Handshake for more.
Handshake: Chanelle, give us a TL;DR on you!
Chanelle: Hii!! I’m Chanelle Mao, a Cognitive Science and Media Studies major at UC Berkeley, Class of 2026. I’m from the Bay Area, and I’m a content creator passionate about blending creativity and strategy to produce captivating digital stories. I thrive at the intersection of innovation and business, with a strong focus on accessibility and social media marketing. In my free time, I love cheffin’ up in the kitchen, drawing canary, or making travel vlogs.
How did you decide what to study, and what's your dream job?
I decided to study Cognitive Science because I’ve always been curious about how people think and make decisions. Understanding things like memory, perception, and learning gives me a deeper insight into what drives human behavior, which is valuable in marketing. My Media Studies concentration focuses on Digital Studies, where I get to see how technology and social media connect us in all kinds of new ways.
My dream job is to work in digital marketing, where I can blend my passion for storytelling and content creation with data-driven strategies to create campaigns that really resonate with people. What drew me to marketing is my fascination by how small decisions in campaigns can shape the way we think, feel, or act as consumers. Since I spend a lot of time on social media, I’m always exposed to new ideas and content from different creators and notice how dynamic the field evolves. I’m excited to think about how marketing keeps changing with new technology and trends—and I want to be part of that growth, helping brands connect with people in meaningful and creative ways.
How have you used Handshake in your job search and/or academic journey?
I love using Handshake for my job search and academic journey! It’s been super helpful in keeping me updated about different opportunities, like career fairs and internships. I enjoy exploring the variety of career options available and the resources it offers, as it helps me learn more about what’s out there and connect with employers.
Since the new Feed feature was introduced, I’ve been scrolling through so many diverse and creative videos made by student creators, which has been great for learning more about different aspects of my field.
A fun fact: I actually found my current on-campus job as the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Student Technology Services through Handshake! It’s amazing how Handshake can lead to real opportunities.
What's your biggest advice/tip/hack for an aspiring creator who's hoping to build their personal brand on Handshake?
When it comes to building your personal brand on Handshake, my biggest piece of advice is to find your niche. Think about what you’re passionate about and what you love to talk about. Content creation is the art of storytelling, and when you share your authentic self, you can inspire others to follow your path too.
If you’re feeling lost on where to start, here are my top tips on how to get started as an aspiring creator on Handshake:
- Selfless Content Over Selfish Content: Focus on what message you want to convey to your audience. Think about how your content can provide value to others.
- Visual Hook Over Verbal Hook: While both are important, we naturally gravitate toward visually appealing content. Start your videos with eye-catching visuals or movement to draw people in.
- Use Lists: People love lists! Whether it’s “5 Must-Haves for Your Portfolio” or “3 Tips for Success,” breaking your content into lists makes it easier to digest and share.
- Rework and Repeat: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different content ideas and styles. Play around with what resonates with you and your audience, and keep refining your approach.
When it comes to editing, I love using CapCut. Depending on my mood, I might go for an animated style that mixes different media with recorded clips, or I might create a vlog-style video that emphasizes big, aesthetic text and hand-drawn illustrations to make it unique. Biggest thing is to have fun, be creative, and let your passion inspire those around you on Handshake!
Give us two truths and a lie about you!
- I’ve eaten monkey brain.
- I’ve been to Antarctica.
- I’ve memorized 100 digits of pi.
To find out the lie, connect with Chanelle on Handshake.