Discover the “Why” Behind Hiring WashU Students
The WashU Center for Career Engagement invites organizations to the annual Hire WashU Employer Forum, a unique opportunity to connect with WashU students and university leaders while gaining valuable insights into what makes our students exceptional in today’s competitive talent market. Designed for both new and returning employer partners, the forum offers an inside look at the distinctive qualities, aspirations, and academic preparation of WashU students. While not a direct hiring event, it provides meaningful engagement through interactive discussions that help organizations understand what students value in employer relationships and how to enhance their recruitment strategies across schools and campus partners.
- Keynote Insights: Hear from nationally recognized thought leaders who bring data-driven insights and forward-looking perspectives on the future of work, talent strategy, and professional development. The Hire WashU keynote is approved for 1 SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC).
- 2026 Keynote: Chelsea Schein, Vice President of Research Strategy & Hannah Bower, Director of New Partnerships at Veris Insights
- 2025 Keynote: Shawn VanDerziel, President & CEO, National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
- 2024 Keynote: Matt Berndt, Head of Indeed’s Job Search Academy
- Student & Professional Connections: Learn what defines a WashU student: Participate in a casual networking lunch and interactive student panels designed for authentic conversation—not recruiting pitches. Students share their recruitment journeys, challenges, and decision-making process, offering real insight into what motivates them and how they engage with employers.
- Leadership & Academic Perspectives: See the WashU talent pipeline in action: Hear directly from senior university leaders representing WashU’s top schools as they discuss institutional priorities, academic innovation, and how WashU prepares students to succeed in today’s evolving workforce.
Due to limited space, we ask that organizations limit participation to two representatives.
Hire WashU 2026 Date: April 16, 2026
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, Danforth Campus/ Contact us with any questions
We are pleased to share that WashU Center for Career Engagement has been approved as a SHRM Recertification Provider for the upcoming term. As a result, attendees of the Hire WashU Keynote Speaker session are eligible to earn 1 SHRM professional development credit (PDC) for their participation. Additional details regarding credit confirmation and documentation will be shared with registered attendees.
Additional badge guidelines can be found in the SHRM Recertification Provider Program Badge Usage Guide or the SHRM Academic Alignment Program Badge Usage Guide.
5th Annual Hire WashU 2026 Keynote Feature:
The Students of Today: What Matters Most to Tomorrow’s Workforce
What do today’s students really want from work, and how are forward-thinking employers evolving to meet them? Veris Insights will pull back the curtain on new, data-driven research gathered from thousands of students and hundreds of employers to reveal how this generation is reshaping the early talent landscape. From changing job search behaviors to the influence of AI and shifting definitions of career success, this session will share the insights powering the recruiting strategies of the future, and what they mean for anyone competing for top student talent today.
Chelsea Schein is the Vice President of Research Strategy at Veris Insights, a market research consultancy dedicated to helping University Recruiting and Talent Acquisition leaders attract, engage, and recruit top talent. She is also an award-winning instructor of Negotiations and Business Ethics at the Wharton School of Business. Dr. Schein earned her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research has been featured in leading journals and outlets including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Harvard Business Review, and The New York Times.
Hannah Bower is the Director of New Partnerships and one of Veris Insights’ first hires (formerly Ivy Research Council). She began her journey building the University Recruiting Member Experience team before transitioning to the New Partnerships team almost three years ago. A graduate of Claremont McKenna College and former collegiate swimmer, she brings joy, humor, and a relationship-based approach to every conversation. She is passionate about building strong, lasting partnerships grounded in the best University Recruiting & Talent Acquisition data and strategic support available on the market.
2026 Hire WashU Agenda
- 8:30-9:00 a.m. Check In and Networking Breakfast
- 9:00-9:10 a.m. Welcome from Norma Guerra Gaier, Associate Vice Chancellor for Career Development and Education
- 9:10-9:55 a.m. Academic Excellence Insights Panel 1 – WashU Deans and Academic Leadership
- Hear directly from senior university leaders and students representing WashU’s top schools as they discuss institutional priorities, talent development, and the academic innovations preparing students for success in today’s workforce.
- 10:05-11:05 a.m. Keynote speakers Chelsea Schein and Hannah Bower (Veris Insights)
- 11:15-12:30 p.m. Lunch with Students and Remarks from Dr. Anna Gonzalez, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
- Join a casual networking lunch with WashU students to hear about their recruitment journeys, challenges, and successes.
- 12:40-1:40 p.m. Student Experiences Spotlight: Real Voices, Real Journeys
- Participate in a meaningful “ask me anything” style panel that reveals what defines a WashU student — from their academic experiences to the innovative programs that shape their career paths.
- 1:50-2:35 p.m. Academic Excellence Insights Panel 2 – WashU Deans and Academic Leadership
- Hear directly from senior university leaders and students representing WashU’s top schools as they discuss institutional priorities, talent development, and the academic innovations preparing students for success in today’s workforce.
- 2:45-3:45 p.m. ShowcaseU: Meet the Student Groups
- Engage directly with student leaders – visit tables hosted by student organizations to highlight their mission, achievements, and impact on campus.
- 3:45-4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks from Norma Guerra Gaier
Parking, Transportation & Lodging Accommodations
Parking is available in Millbrook Garage on Throop Drive. For rideshare drop-off, please use Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center for your drop-off location. Please follow signs to Knight Hall immediately next to the Charles F. Knight Center.
Lodging accommodation recommendations can be found here.
Career events at WashU are intended to be accessible to all. If you need specific accommodations, please email hiretalent@wustl.edu.