Overview
Ask any talent acquisition leader about recruiting strategy today and you are likely to hear: “Our approach is evolving.” AI and emerging technologies are changing how organizations identify, assess, hire, and develop talent, prompting employers to rethink campus and early career recruiting models, as well as the skills and potential they seek in new graduates.
As work becomes increasingly AI-enabled, organizations are placing greater emphasis on critical thinking, adaptability, digital fluency, collaboration, and continuous learning. At the same time, recruiters are using AI-enabled tools across the talent acquisition process, from sourcing and candidate engagement to assessment and workforce planning, while navigating questions around fairness, transparency, and candidate expectations.
This working group will explore how organizations are adapting campus and early career HR recruiting and development strategies in response to these shifts. Participants will discuss emerging approaches to hiring, onboarding, skills development, career growth, and talent pipelines for employees in their first two years after graduation. Anu Lyons, Director of Career Development at Cornell University’s ILR School, will also share insights into what today’s students are seeking from employers, how they view AI’s impact on their careers, and what factors influence their decisions about work, learning, and professional development.
Potential topics of discussion:
Partner Perspective
- What types of campus and early career HR roles are organizations offering today? How have these opportunities evolved as AI and automation reshape work?
- Are early-career HR hires participating in rotational or development programs? If so, what are the key features, such as duration, functional exposure, learning components, and mentoring?
- How are organizations defining the ideal candidate profile for early career HR talent? Which technical, digital, and human skills are most valued?
- How is AI changing campus recruiting strategies, candidate assessment, and talent selection?
- How are employers onboarding, developing, and retaining early-career HR talent during the first two years after graduation?
- How are organizations matching early career HR hires to roles, projects, and career pathways?
Student Perspective
- What are the most effective approaches for engaging and recruiting today’s ILR students and recent graduates?
- What experiences and development opportunities are students seeking from employers, such as mentoring, rotational experiences, learning programs, and career mobility?
- How important are flexibility, workplace culture, purpose, and well-being in students’ employment decisions?
- How are students assessing employers’ use of AI and technology in the recruiting process and workplace?
Who should attend:
This session is designed for those who lead HR recruiting, campus recruiting, early career talent programs, and/or HR career development within their organizations.
To support rich discussion and peer exchange, working group registration is limited. We ask that participants register only if they are able to attend for the full session. Attendees should review the discussion topics in advance and come prepared to engage actively. We also strongly encourage participants to be on camera to support a more interactive conversation.
If your availability changes after registering, please email us as soon as possible, as we may have a waiting list.
