University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations - LER

09/11/2026

Join us in Chicago for Talent and Applied AI After Hours!

Co-sponsored by LER, 12Twenty, and the Suburban Illini Club, this event will bring together TA and HR professionals for a candid conversation about how AI is reshaping recruiting, from sourcing and screening to candidate engagement and decision-making. Hear perspectives from representatives from IDEX, PepsiCo, EY, and UPS.

📅 Tuesday, September 22
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Cooper’s Hawk, Downers Grove IL

RSVP by September 17th

🔗RSVP here: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/2030950796

09/10/2026

It’s always special to see our alumni stay connected beyond their time at LER, and even more special when they come together to celebrate life’s biggest moments!

Pictured together at alumni LC's wedding are Isaiah Williams, Trayshawn Mitchell, LC Lloyd Jr., Godson Raheem, Isabel Orellana, Zainab Alaka, Emily Stanciu, and Fredie Toussaint.

We love seeing the friendships and connections built at LER continue long after graduation. Congratulations to the happy couple! 🧡💙

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

The LER family just got a little bigger! 🧡💙

Congratulations to Katie Ramsey Zieba, MHRIR 17, and Elliott Zieba, MHRIR 25, on welcoming baby Zeke in July! Zeke may already be one of the best-connected future MHRIR students, his mom, dad, aunt, grandmother, and grandfather are all graduates of the program!

We love seeing the LER legacy continue through generations. Congratulations to the Zieba family on their newest addition!🎉

09/08/2026

This Labor Day, we’re highlighting research that helps us better understand the voices and actions of workers across the country.

LER Professor Johnnie Kallas, director of the Labor Action Tracker, recently spoke with the Illinois News Bureau about trends in strikes and labor protest activity across the U.S. The tracker provides a comprehensive look at labor action, including strikes of all sizes and those organized by both union and nonunion workers.

As we recognize Labor Day, learn more about what the data can tell us about the changing landscape of worker action and the labor movement.

🔗Read More: https://news.illinois.edu/labor-action-tracker/

09/04/2026

LER students recently welcomed alumni Sean Glennon, MHRIR 08, back to the classroom to share insights on how to effectively utilize AI in business!

Sean encouraged students to think of AI as having multiple employees at their disposal, giving it specific tasks, questioning its responses, and never simply accepting the first draft. He also emphasized the importance of embracing AI as a valuable tool while continuing to use your own judgment, knowledge, and critical thinking rather than relying on it completely.

Thank you, Sean, for returning to LER and sharing practical advice with our students as they prepare to navigate an increasingly AI-driven workplace!

09/01/2026

Fernando shared, "My summer internship at UPS gave me the opportunity to build relationships with incredible mentors and gain experiences that I'll proudly continue to evolve as a UPSer and as an HR professional. One of the coolest parts was getting to visit different UPS facilities and see firsthand how various parts of the business work together to serve customers around the world. Some of my favorite memories came from volunteering and serving Atlanta's community while getting to explore more of the city and its people; it showed me that the biggest impact happens when people come together with a shared purpose."

08/31/2026

UPS is a global leader in logistics, delivering innovative solutions that move the world forward by delivering what matters. The UPS HR Internship Program offers hands-on experience, professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Interns lead impactful projects, collaborate with HR leaders, and gain exposure to key business functions while developing the skills needed for future leadership opportunities within UPS. Come to their info session on September 8 to learn more about UPS and the impact their interns have each summer!

08/31/2026

UPS is a global leader in logistics, delivering innovative solutions that move the world forward by delivering what matters. The UPS HR Internship Program offers hands-on experience, professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Interns lead impactful projects, collaborate with HR leaders, and gain exposure to key business functions while developing the skills needed for future leadership opportunities within UPS.

Come to their info session on September 8 to learn more about UPS and the impact their interns have each summer!

08/28/2026

LER students, your future is looking bright at Alcon! Discover opportunities to grow, innovate, and make an impact alongside a team that values bold ideas and brilliant people.

🔗Alcon Careers Page: https://www.alcon.com/careers/