THE COLLECTIVE
2026
Embedded Career Learning
April 20-22, 2026
Savannah, GA
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Join us in Savannah, GA, as we discuss the heartbeat of the Career Ecosystem Era: Embedded Career Learning. And so much more...
From cobblestone streets to picturesque squares, from southern charm to 18th-century architecture, Savannah offers a rich history, a lively art and culinary scene, and a reputation as one of the most welcoming destinations in the US, living up to its nickname, the "Hostess City of the South." Nestled next to Hilton Head and Tybee Island, this city does not disappoint!
Prepare to be inspired by the river, the talents of local musicians, and the indulgence of the refined comfort of The Brice, just one block from the Riverwalk and walking distance to outstanding local restaurants and shops.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Day 1 - Monday, April 20, 2026
10:30 - 4:30 | Registration open
12:30 - 2:30 | Pre-conference sessions
4:15 - 5:30 | Opening Session
5:30 - 6:30 | Opening Reception
Day 2 - Tuesday, April 21, 2026
7:30 - 8:30 | Breakfast
8:30 - 9:45 | MainStage Panel
10:00 - 10:45 | Ecosystem Transformation Sessions
10:45 - 11:15 | Networking Break
11:15 - 12:00 | Breakouts
12:00 - 1:30 | Lunch
1:30 - 2:15 | Breakouts
2:30 - 3:15 | Breakouts
3:30 - 4:15 | Breakouts
4:30 - 5:15 | Cohort Reunions: Mastermind, Aspire, Kickstart
Day 3 - Wednesday, April 22, 2026
8:00 - 9:00 | Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 | Plenary Session
10:15 - 11:00 | Breakouts
11:15 - 12:00 | Breakouts
Opening Keynote
DAY 1
The heartbeat of the Career Ecosystem Era is Embedded Career Learning. How can embedding career learning across the academic and student life landscape dramatically improve outcomes and institutional value? What is happening around the country as career learning becomes more and more integrated? Jeremy will inspire, advise, and provide practical insights.
Jeremy Podany
CEO
The Career Leadership Collective
Author of the book, The Career Ecosystem Era in Higher Education, and host of the podcast with the same name.
Mainstage Academic Panel
DAY 2
Hear an Academic Panel from very distinct institutions discuss embedding career learning within the institution from an academic perspective; their why, what, and how to ensure career success initiatives work.
Moderator
Nick Cattin
Sr. Manager of Consulting & Training
The Career Leadership Collective
Dr. Katy Morgan
Professor of Psychology
The University of the South (Sewanee)
Dr. Michael Drew
Professor of Neuroscience & Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education in the College of Natural Sciences
The University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Jose Santos
Professor of Social Science & Co-coordinator of the Metro State Career Readiness Project
Metro State University
Jennifer Gibb
Assistant Professor of the Practice in English, Training and Development-CTL Faculty Fellow
Utah Tech University
Ecosystem Transformation Sessions
DAY 2
Don’t miss each Ecosystem Transformation Session where various career readiness leaders will share how they are transforming their career ecosystem; the steps they are taking, what is working, and why it is important.
Katie Ramirez
Director, Center for Experiential Learning & Career Success
Trinity University
Dr. Michael Drew
Professor of Neuroscience & Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education in the College of Natural Sciences
The University of Texas at Austin
Joy Asher
Associate Dean for Career Readiness
Centre College
Anneke Chy
Assistant Dean of Advising & Student Support in the College of Natural Sciences
The University of Texas at Austin
Erica Stallings
Executive Director, Career Discovery & Success
Auburn University
Jen Guyer-Wood
Associate Vice President of Life Design and Innovation
Macalester College
Mainstage Plenary
DAY 3
How do a VP of Student Affairs and a Provost collaborate to support innovation and change in a campus career ecosystem?
Ms. Shelia Higgs Burkhalter
VP of Student Affairs
Winthrop University
Dr. Sebastian Van Delden
Provost
Winthrop University
PRE-CON SESSIONS
April 20, 12:30-2:30
Title
Presenting, Proposing, and Persuading Cabinets, Boards, and Senior Leaders
Facilitator
Jeremy Podany, CEO
The Career Leadership Collective
Goal
This workshop offers career services leaders practical strategies and techniques to enhance their presentation and persuasion skills when engaging with senior decision-makers. Participants will learn how to craft compelling proposals and tailor messages to cabinet and board-level audiences. Available to any level staff.
Title
Creating Career Learning Outcomes for Campus Career Success
Facilitators
Nick Cattin, Senior Consultant
Monique Frost, Consultant
The Career Leadership Collective
Goal
For participants to learn how to create career learning outcomes that can guide student success and unite a campus community around clear and specific definitions of career success.
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Title
Scaling the Life Design Framework across your Institution
Facilitator
Dr. Nathan Langfitt
Director of Career and Life Integration
The University of Texas at Austin
Goal
For participants to learn how to strategically implement a scaled approach of the life design framework across all academic colleges and learn how strategy, instructional design, training, and assessment are key to campus-wide alignment.
Breakout Sessions
Tuesday, April 21, 11:15-12:00
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The Other “Hidden Curriculum”: Innovative Job Search Courses at Metro State
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100 Career Champions in 100 Days
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Designing a Scalable Career Ecosystem: Using Learning Outcomes and AI to Integrate Career Education Across Campus
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Curating the Classroom to Cubicle Connection: A One-Day Intensive Model
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Distinctly Harbert: Embedded Career Curriculum Across Four Years
Tuesday, April 21, 1:30-2:15
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From Classroom to Career: Scaling Active Learning Through Institutional Integration and Digital Engagement Tracking
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Don’t Sleep on Student Work: Leveraging Student Employment to Advance your Career Ecosystem
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The Big 7: Creating an Actionable Path to a Paid Internship
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Two Models of Integrating Academic Advising and Career Development
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Better Together: Building Student Success Through a Comprehensive Coaching Model
Tuesday, April 21, 2:30-3:15
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A Faculty–Career Center Partnership for Experiential Learning Reflection
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FDS - Moving Beyond Salary to Measure Outcomes & Impact
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Beyond the Resume: A Blueprint for Embedding Career Readiness into Every Course
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From Career Center to Institutional Priority: How Leaders Decide to Invest
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A National Commitment to Career-Connected Learning: Scaling Work-Integrated Learning Across Higher Education
Tuesday, April 21, 3:30-4:15
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From Vision to Buy-In: A Replicable Strategic Planning Model for Career Services Leaders
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From Building Slap Bracelets to Solving AI Ethics: Engaging Students in Case Competitions
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Career Empowerment Faculty Innovators: A Cohort Model for Embedding Career Readiness Across Disciplines
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From Zero to Hero: Power-Boosting a New Employer Brand on Your Campus
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It’s in the Syllabus: Embedding Career Readiness Where Learning Already Happens
Wednesday, April 22, 10:15-11:00
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Case Study: Embedded Career Design in a Required First-Year Undergraduate Course
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Answering the Call—Then Making One: How faculty and staff reflect on vocation to guide student discernment
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Elevating Student Efficacy and Closing Industry Skills Gaps through Equitable Infusion of Career Readiness into the Student Experience
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From Pilot to Practice: Innovating Career Communities
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TBD
Wednesday, April 22, 11:15-12:00
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Enhancing the New Student Experience Through Work-Integrated Learning: A Scalable, Course-Embedded Model
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Start with the End in Mind: Using Career Markers to Guide the Student Journey
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Industry Intersections: A Place-Based Blueprint for Making Regional Economies the Classroom for High-Impact Career Education
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It Takes a Campus: Building Career Champions One Partner at a Time
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Intergenerational Intelligence: Preparing Students for People, Not Just Platforms
CONFERENCE HOTEL
The Brice Hotel is FULL, but Good News...we have a additional blocks of rooms at:
1. The AC Hotel, Savannah Historic District, across the street from The Brice Hotel.
2. The Homewood Suites, Savannah Historic District, across the street from The Brice Hotel.
NOTE: All Breakout Sessions will be held in the Brice Hotel.
REGISTRATION
Registration is OPEN!