JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas State University held its third annual Catalyst event on Thursday, drawing approximately 500 to 600 attendees to the Embassy Suites hotel in Jonesboro. The event featured a panel of professors, industry leaders, and A-State students who explored the evolving job market and employer expectations.
Danish Yaqub, a graduate student working toward a master’s degree in advanced digital technology, participated as a student panelist. Reflecting on his experience, Yaqub highlighted the rapid pace of change in the workforce and the impact of technological advancements.
“I’m learning about communication, about how industry changes, how the market is, and how the people, how the technology is changing the overall, the market,” Yaqub said. “And you know, and how industries are improving and how, as a student, we can make impact for the industries, for the businesses.”
Yaqub also emphasized the significance of artificial intelligence in business development. “I learned how we can improve our businesses through AI integration,” he said. “So I think with that kind of set of skills, we can work out with the industries, we can work out with the CEOs, and we can change it.”
A-State Chancellor Calvin White Jr. expressed enthusiasm for the event and its potential for growth. Looking ahead, he hopes to attract an even larger audience to provide more students with opportunities to engage directly with CEOs and directors in attendance.
“We want to give our students firsthand experiences with industry leaders who come to recruit and share their expertise,” White said.
Catalyst is part of A-State’s efforts to connect students with professionals and equip them with tools for career success in a rapidly evolving job market.