What makes students show up for employer events—and what keeps them away? This panel features students sharing insights on what drives their engagement, how they prefer to connect with employers, and what strategies truly support their job search and career development.

Discussion Topics:

• What Works: The employer events and outreach strategies that stand out.
• Why Students Engage: Key factors influencing participation in recruitment activities.
• Beyond Hiring: Employer-led initiatives that provide lasting value.
• Building Relationships: How employers can create meaningful connections.
• Diversity & Inclusion: What students expect from employers in today’s job market.

Gain insights to enhance employer engagement and create more effective recruitment experiences for students.

What’s really going on in the job market right now? In this candid conversation, a panel of campus recruiters and talent acquisition leaders will share how they’re navigating today’s biggest recruitment challenges—from overwhelming application volumes to evolving expectations around AI, equity, and efficiency.

We’ll explore:

• How AI is shaping (and reshaping) early talent hiring
• Strategies for managing large applicant pools or struggling to attract the right candidates
• What it will take for the campus job market to rebound—and who’s already adapting
• What strong employer relations partnerships look like from the employer’s side
• Whether you're looking to better support your employer partners or anticipate where the market’s headed next, this session will give you a front-row seat to what’s top of mind for recruiters right now

Here are some potential questions:

• How would you describe the current state of campus recruitment in your organization or industry? Are you seeing any trends that concern or encourage you?
• How is AI showing up in your recruitment process right now—either internally or via vendors? Are there specific tools or approaches that are adding value or raising red flags? What do you wish schools understood about how AI is impacting the candidate experience or selection process?
• Are you seeing changes in application volume—either surges or drop-offs—in your roles or regions? How are you adapting?
• What are some ways employer relations professionals can make themselves indispensable to your team in this environment?

Employer relations is more than job postings and info sessions—it’s a strategic function that bridges campus and industry, drives student success, and helps employers meet their talent goals. When employers struggle to hire students effectively, they scale back. When they succeed, they invest more. That’s where employer relations comes in.

This session will challenge you to think bigger about your role and the function of employer relations on campus. We’ll explore how to increase your impact, better support employers, and ultimately grow opportunities for students. Whether you’re a team of one or part of a broader career services office, you’ll leave with ideas and inspiration to make your work more powerful and visible.

Walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of how employer relations supports both student and employer success
• Practical strategies to help employers get better hiring results
• Ideas to grow your influence and position employer relations as a strategic asset