A young man seated at a table talks with another young man.
Construction engineering student Bryan Panameno talks with another student at the Industry Connect event in Paris, Texas. | Photo credit: DeadCat Media

Students Connect with Industry Leaders to Explore “The Future of Work in the Age of AI”

The College of Science and Engineering (CoSE) at East Texas A&M University recently hosted its first Industry Connect event in partnership with the Paris Economic Development Corporation in Paris, Texas, giving students a firsthand look at how leading companies are using artificial intelligence to transform the modern workplace.

Held Nov. 7 at Home2 Suites in Paris, the event brought together 44 students, 9 faculty members and five regional industry partners for a day of discussion, collaboration and exploration centered on the theme “The Future of Work in the Age of AI.”

Participating companies included:

  • Campbell's
  • Huhtamaki
  • Harrison Walker & Harper (HWH)
  • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
  • Drake Construction

Through panel discussions, roundtables and facility tours, students engaged directly with industry professionals to learn how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping production, logistics and design. Roundtable conversations encouraged students, faculty and business leaders to consider key questions such as which skills will always remain uniquely human and how universities can adapt programs to better prepare graduates for AI-driven industries.

Students and other participants of Industry Connect gather in front of Texas’s Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas. | Photo credit: DeadCat Media

Dr. Andrea Graham, dean of CoSE, said events like Industry Connect are vital to the college's mission.

“This event is a powerful example of our mission to transform lives through meaningful engagement and real-world learning,” Graham said. “Hearing firsthand from industry leaders about their innovative use of AI gave our students invaluable insight into today's workforce and tomorrow's opportunities.”

Dr. Burchan Aydin, head of the Department of Engineering and Technology, added that the collaboration bridged classroom learning with real-world experience.

“The roundtable discussions created a true exchange of ideas about the future of work,” Aydin said. “Events like this help our students understand how innovation and adaptability will define their careers.”

Students left the event with a clearer picture of the industries driving East Texas and the evolving skills that will shape their futures.