On May 27, 2026, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Career Services Council (CSC) hosted the 2026 Illinois Recruiter’s Forum: The Next Generation of Hiring is Here, at the Big Ten Conference Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The forum brought together employers, recruiters, U. of I. career services leaders, and students to explore the future of college recruiting and early talent engagement. The Career Center at Illinois is one of fifteen career center offices on campus affiliated with the CSC, and several Career Center staff members played an active role in shaping programming, facilitating conversations and providing thought leadership across industries. Through this experience, The Career Center continues to prepare Illinois students for success in a changing workforce. 

An all-day event, the forum offered employers an inside look at recruiting at the U. of I., highlighting student perspectives, emerging trends, innovative campus resources, student engagement opportunities, and best practices for building strong connections with Illinois talent. Six current students, representing a wide array of colleges and majors at the U. of I., participated in a student panel where they were able to share their insights and perspectives on employer engagement. 

Shawn VanDerziel, President and CEO of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), delivered the forum’s keynote centered around national research and emerging trends that inform the college-to-career transition. Other discussions included topics about the future of hiring, workforce trends, and student success. There were also specific sessions geared toward issues affecting Illinois students including AI in recruiting, skills-based hiring, internships, career readiness, and employer expectations. 

Designed for action, the Illinois Recruiter’s Forum is a biennial event rooted in collaboration and real-world experience, providing participants with ready-to-implement ideas that move hiring forward.