Hire WashU Employer Forum

Discover the “Why” Behind Hiring WashU Students

Date: April 10, 2025
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, Danforth Campus

Register today!

The Center for Career Engagement invites organizations to the 4th Annual Hire WashU Employer Forum, a unique event designed to connect organizations with WashU students and university leaders. This forum provides valuable insights into the distinctive qualities of WashU students, their professional aspirations, and the innovative academic programs that prepare them for future success. It’s not just a showcase but about understanding the “why” behind hiring WashU students and uncovering what makes them exceptional in today’s competitive talent market. Join us for an exciting day, including keynote presenter Shawn VanDerziel, President and CEO of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)!

The event is especially valuable for organizations new to recruiting WashU students, as well as those looking to broaden their engagement efforts across different schools and with campus partners. While not a direct hiring event, the forum facilitates meaningful engagement through interactive student engagements where organizations have the opportunity to ask questions directly and gain deeper insights into what students value in employer engagement, as well as learn how to enhance recruitment experiences.


This event has limited availability! If capacity is reached, a waitlist will be available.

Register here for the 2025 Hire WashU Employer Forum

Event Highlights

  • Keynote Insights: Gain thought-provoking perspectives from keynote speakers, sharing trends and insights on the future of work and professional development
  • Student & Professional Interactions: Engage with WashU students through a variety of interactive sessions. Enjoy a casual lunch with students, participate in engaging panels where students share their recruitment experiences, challenges, and successes, and take part in meaningful conversations to discover what defines a WashU student by exploring the impressive programs and learning opportunities that support their career development.
  • Leadership & Academic Insights: Hear from senior leaders and students from WashU’s top schools
  • Building Meaningful Connections: Foster relationships with WashU students, faculty, and leadership, gaining deeper insights into the priorities driving the workforce of tomorrow.

Contact us with any questions.

Hire WashU 2025 Keynote Feature

Shawn VanDerziel

President & Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

Shawn VanDerziel is the President & Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the foremost source of information on the transition from college to career.

As a leading voice on the employment of the college educated and advocate for equitable outcomes for all students, VanDerziel is featured regularly as an industry expert in both traditional and digital media and is a sought-after speaker on a range of topics, including internships, hiring, career readiness, and trends in the workforce and college job market. He also represents NACE as a member of the DOL’s Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) Inclusion@Work Leadership Council and the Washington Higher Education Secretariat.

Prior to joining the NACE staff, VanDerziel served on the NACE Board of Directors as a board member, vice president, and president (2008 – 2011). In 2014, he was inducted into the NACE Academy of Fellows in recognition of his contributions to the profession.

VanDerziel was previously the chief human resources officer for the Field Museum and served as chief of staff. Earlier roles included a corporate recruiting management position with Norrell Corporation on behalf of fortune 500 clients and a position in higher education as associate director of student enrollment at National- Louis University. VanDerziel is a graduate of Michigan State University, holds his senior professional in human resources (SPHR) certification through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), and is a senior certified professional (SHRM-SCP) through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Hire WashU 2025 Agenda

  • 8:30 a.m. Check In and Networking Breakfast
  • 9:00 a.m. Welcome from Norma Guerra Gaier, Associate Vice Chancellor for Career Development and Education
  • 9:10 a.m. Academic Excellence Insights panel 1 from WashU deans and academic leadership
  • 9:50 a.m. Academic Excellence Insights panel 2 from WashU deans and academic leadership
  • 10:45 a.m. Keynote speaker Shawn VanDerziel, President and CEO, National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
  • 12:05 p.m. Lunch with students and remarks from Dr. Anna Gonzalez, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
  • 1:40 p.m. WashU Student Innovation Showcase
  • 2:50 p.m. Student Experiences Spotlight: Real Voices, Real Journeys
  • 3:50 p.m. Closing Remarks from Norma Guerra Gaier