At the end of February, Notre Dame’s Industry Labs gathered a conference room full of regional Human Resources (HR) and hiring professionals, and business leaders at the University’s Innovation Park to discuss a challenge facing recruiters today: How do you attract AI-savvy talent to your open job positions?
Jean Crumlish, who leads Industry Labs’ Regional Careers Initiative, focuses on supporting collaboration between Notre Dame and local companies to highlight regional career opportunities that attract ambitious people. The February event featured Michael McFadden, IT Recruiter, for the Office of Information Technology at the University of Notre Dame, and Ben Fouch, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of Polygon Composites Technology. Each contributed to a discussion, led by Crumlish, on how they identify and cultivate talent prospects that are familiar with AI-platforms and tools, and are capable of bringing that experience to their open job positions.
“While having conversations with regional partners, I noticed a theme of questions coming up with hiring managers wanting to gain insight into appealing to potential employees who are open to innovating with AI technology,” said Crumlish. “Businesses in the area are working to upskill their employees and integrate the latest technologies to keep and attract motivated people. AI adoption isn't a solo journey. Through conversations like these at Notre Dame, we learn from hiring managers, from our speakers, and from one another, turning shared knowledge into both strategic advantage and a stronger region for all of us.”
Crumlish moderated the session, posing questions to Fouch and McFadden. The conversation included questions about how to frame skill sets in job descriptions to appeal to potential candidates who naturally adopt AI tools in their work, while not discouraging those who may come to be strong adapters of the tools later. Another point of discussion brought insights on spaces inside organizations where big impacts are already being seen with implementing AI, and discussing how those examples can be applied elsewhere.
The session provided space to discuss how hiring and HR professionals are addressing fear towards AI integration into work, and how existing employees can have their concerns addressed to begin using the tools to advance their skillsets.
The Regional Careers Initiative at Industry Labs works with regional companies to find and identify high-impact roles, and promote them to the University of Notre Dame network. The initiative focuses on mid-career and senior-level talent and roles.
“We are excited to see so much energy around advanced careers in South Bend and surrounding communities,” said Maria Gibbs, executive director, Industry Labs. “The Regional Careers Initiative continues to serve as a connector where Notre Dame and regional firms can work together to create meaningful career opportunities for top talent.”
For career seekers in the Notre Dame Network, especially dual-career spouses and alumni, the initiative connects them to compelling career opportunities in the region surrounding campus.
To learn more about the Regional Career Initiatives led by Notre Dame’s Industry Labs, please visit: Regional Career Initiatives.
About iNDustry Labs
iNDustry Labs at the University of Notre Dame helps companies unlock a competitive advantage for the South Bend - Elkhart Region. iNDustry Labs forms long-term partnerships with regional companies that drive innovation, economic resilience, and real-world impact for both industry and University.
Learn more by visiting industrylabs.nd.edu.
Contact: Christina Clark, Research Communications Specialist
iNDustry Labs | Notre Dame Research | University of Notre Dame
cclark26@nd.edu | 574.631.2665
Originally published by at industrylabs.nd.edu on April 09, 2026.