DENTON (UNT), Texas — As May graduation approaches, University of North Texas students connected with industry leaders and built practical career skills through a series of on-campus experiences hosted by LinkedIn.

The LinkedIn Open to Work Lab was designed to help students better understand how work is evolving and how to position themselves for success as they enter the workforce. The main event, a half-day interactive experience hosted in the University Union, featured a discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers, followed by a hands-on workshop focused on using LinkedIn as a tool for career development.

During the morning session, university leadership and national experts discussed what is changing in the workforce — and what skills remain essential.

“Employers are looking for graduates who can add value much faster than in the past, and that means universities have to rethink how we prepare students,” said UNT President Harrison Keller, Ph.D. “At UNT, the diploma is not the destination. From a student’s first contact with us through their education and into their career, we have to take responsibility for equipping them with the knowledge, skills and experiences that unlock their potential. That requires much closer relationships with employers so we understand what they need and how the workforce is changing.”

Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn’s chief economic opportunity officer and co-author of Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI, also met with students during a book signing following the discussion. Attendees received a copy of the book, along with access to additional career resources.

“Work is changing, not ending,” Raman said. “The thing that will matter most is what makes us human. Work requires efficiency, but the human brain has been around far longer than any machine. What sets people apart are human capabilities like curiosity, creativity, compassion, courage, communication, resilience and adaptability. Nobody beats you at being you. That is what makes us irreplaceable in the AI age.”

The event concluded with a student-focused workshop designed to help participants translate their academic, campus and internship experiences into meaningful career opportunities. Students learned how to strengthen their LinkedIn profiles, expand their professional networks and engage with others in their field.

Alfred Dozier IV, a senior digital and print journalism major with a minor in political science, moderated the discussion panel.

“I’m graduating this semester and I’ve been hearing a lot about AI changing every industry,” said Dozier. “When I saw that LinkedIn was coming to campus, I really wanted to be part of it because I think these are conversations students need to be having. Students are asking how to leverage AI and how to find employers who are actually using it. These are questions I’ve been thinking about in my own job search, so I’m really glad this event is happening and that so many students showed up.”

LinkedIn also hosted a Campus Commons Experience April 20-22 in the Business Leadership Building. The drop-in event offered interactive experiences such as career quizzes and allowed students to create or update their LinkedIn profiles, take professional headshots and explore skills needed to stand out in a competitive job market.

Together, the events gave UNT students a clearer sense of direction as they prepare to transition from college to career at a time when technology and job functions are changing faster than ever before.

“What really stood out is that employers care about your personal growth and what you do outside the classroom, not just your technical skills,” said Yuliana Vazquez, a senior majoring in business analytics with a concentration in information systems. “A lot of people have similar degrees, so what makes you different matters.”

Vazquez said the discussion felt especially timely as she prepares to graduate in May.

“My time at UNT is something I’ll take with me everywhere I go,” she said. “I’ve had moments where I felt unsure about what my next step should be, but being here has really helped me build confidence and be more willing to take chances. I’ve even been debating whether to go straight into a master’s program, but this made me realize that’s an option, not something I need to rush into out of fear.

“It reminded me I can keep growing and improving while I figure out what’s right for me.”