The ODU Career Summit is a drive-in conference that allows recruiters and ODU faculty and staff to interact, learn, connect, and engage. Now, more than ever, it is critical for higher education and the workforce to align as we prepare students for life after graduation through meaningful experiences both on campus and beyond. This conference addresses critical topics impacting college recruitment and career development and fosters engagement with the premier institution of the Hampton Roads area. The conference will feature various sessions to help our employers leverage ODU as a vital source for their talent pipeline and help our faculty/staff effectively support students' career aspirations.
Previous ODU Career Summit themes and keynote speakers included:
- 2023 – “PrODUcing Tomorrow’s Talent” featuring keynote speaker Jason Kies, CPA from KPMG
- 2024 – “The Value of Partnerships” featuring keynote speaker Sarah Jane Kirkland, Associate Vice President for Corporate Partnerships at Old Dominion University
- 2025 – “Bridging the Skills Gap” featuring Whitney Lester, Vice President of Talent Development, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
ODU Career Summit: Reimagining Work. Redefining Readiness.
- Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Webb Student Center
Registration will open in mid-March.
Please contact employers@odu.edu with questions. Thank you!
Woman standing at podium on stage speaking to audience
Man standing at podium on stage speaking to audience
Four people standing on stage. 3 people sitting at table for panel and one person standing at podium addressing the panel
Three employers sitting at table on stage for panel.
Three people standing on the stage. 2 people awarding the certificate and award to one person.
2 people standing on stage. One at a podium and one standing behind a table with gifts.
Woman at the podium presenting to audience.
People sitting in the audience. One woman raising her hand.
Audience paying attention to the speaker. Speaker out of frame.
A man presenting to audience.
One audience member is speaking into a microphone and other audience members are paying attention.
Session on supporting student success through collaboration and meaningful connections.
Session on best practices for supervisors of student employees.
A man presenting to the audience.
A woman at the podium with two screens behind her, one with the slides another where her colleague is explaining the content on the slide.
A woman presenting to audience.
Attendees of the 2025 ODU Career Summit listening to the session sitting in chairs.
Woman standing at podium on stage speaking to audience
Man standing at podium on stage speaking to audience
Four people standing on stage. 3 people sitting at table for panel and one person standing at podium addressing the panel
Three employers sitting at table on stage for panel.
Three people standing on the stage. 2 people awarding the certificate and award to one person.
2 people standing on stage. One at a podium and one standing behind a table with gifts.
Woman at the podium presenting to audience.
People sitting in the audience. One woman raising her hand.
Audience paying attention to the speaker. Speaker out of frame.
A man presenting to audience.
One audience member is speaking into a microphone and other audience members are paying attention.
Session on supporting student success through collaboration and meaningful connections.
Session on best practices for supervisors of student employees.
A man presenting to the audience.
A woman at the podium with two screens behind her, one with the slides another where her colleague is explaining the content on the slide.
A woman presenting to audience.
Attendees of the 2025 ODU Career Summit listening to the session sitting in chairs.