{"id":30444,"date":"2026-11-12T13:54:49","date_gmt":"2026-11-12T18:54:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/?post_type=story&#038;p=30444"},"modified":"2026-11-12T17:28:17","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T22:28:17","slug":"clark-conference-helps-answer-the-question-what-is-the-future-of-work","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/2026\/11\/12\/clark-conference-helps-answer-the-question-what-is-the-future-of-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Clark conference helps answer the question, \u2018What is the future of work?\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>There was a time when work was easily defined and efficiently measured. You obtained a college degree or went through vocational training, then embarked on a career that, with luck, earned you money and supplied meaning. The path was distinct, almost predetermined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That was so five minutes ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Old assumptions about work and career have become less relevant thanks to lifelong learning opportunities, emerging technologies, government interventions, and a marketplace that continues to churn and evolve. How, then, do we pull together what\u2019s most needed to flourish in the modern work ecosystem of today and tomorrow?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a question that brought an eclectic group of participants to the Clark University campus on Tuesday for Talent Forward 2026: Knowledge, Skills, and Partnerships for the Future of Work. Representatives from higher education, business and industry, government, workforce development, and community organizations gathered in Tilton Hall for the daylong conference, which proposed effective approaches to giving people agency over their work future and fostered connections among the institutions and agencies that help shape career avenues.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Taking Education Into the World | The Clark University Experience\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XcwGDox6vRI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The day included discussions about the state of the workforce and the skills \u2014 including the application of artificial intelligence \u2014 that are needed for workplace readiness; an interactive showcase featuring examples of experiential learning, research, and partnership initiatives; and Design Labs, which brought participants together in small collaborative groups to develop partnerships, establish \u201ctalent pathways,\u201d and plan workforce initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-8-1024x682.avif\" alt=\"Woman at podium\" class=\"wp-image-30456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-8-1024x682.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-8-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-8-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-8-1536x1024.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-8-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-8.avif 1814w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jennifer Hanselman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Jennifer Hanselman, associate provost and dean of research, introduced the day\u2019s events by noting that the workforce is rapidly changing&nbsp;as AI and other technological advances transform industries and alter the knowledge and skills employers need. She sees it first-hand in the research realm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe discoveries our faculty and students make matter most when they help an employer solve a problem, help a community meet a need, or help a student prepare for a career that may not exist yet,\u201d she said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group alignright boxout has-white-color has-deeper-red-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-5a82699a1ff1fc24d69d7bdcee49981f is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/2026\/11\/12\/clark-27m-apprenticeship-program-officially-launches\/\">Clark officially launches $27M apprenticeship program \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p>Hanselman offered a challenge to the participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur measure of success for today isn&#8217;t simply the quality of the conversations we have. It&#8217;s whether those conversations lead to stronger relationships, new opportunities, and concrete next steps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In his welcome remarks, Clark President David Fithian noted that higher education might be asking the wrong question regarding student outcomes: not \u201cAre students ready for the world of work?\u201d but rather \u201cIs the world of work ready for them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even the metaphor of an education-to-work \u201cpipeline\u201d is outmoded, he noted. The relationship between the two needs to be more permeable and multidirectional as people learn, build capacities, and adapt to the array of opportunities and challenges that present themselves throughout their lives and careers. The dynamic has changed so substantially that education and work must be commingled so that people are better prepared for jobs in a world that is changing around them \u2014 jobs that may not even yet exist. \u201cIt\u2019s not simply what they know,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s what they can do with what they know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Several speakers followed President Fithian to the podium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-30-1024x682.avif\" alt=\"Man speaks at podium\" class=\"wp-image-30455\" style=\"width:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-30-1024x682.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-30-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-30-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-30-1536x1023.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-30-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-30.avif 1666w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Interim Massachusetts Commissioner for Higher Education Jos\u00e9 Luis Santos said the state is recognizing the need to support students earlier, with wraparound services, as they begin their academic journeys. Apprenticeships, internships, co-ops, and other programs \u201cgive students an opportunity to draw a paycheck while learning.\u201d The aim, he said, is \u201cto make college fit around students\u2019 lives\u201d so that they can \u201clearn, earn, return, and advance\u201d over the course of their lifetimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Robert LePage, assistant secretary of career education for Massachusetts, said the state has the most robust \u201cinnovation economy\u201d in the country and needs talented individuals to drive research and industry. With the workforce losing older employees to retirement, and fewer high school students entering college in the coming years, \u201ceverybody in the workforce is essential,\u201d which requires ramping up efforts to train people in the skills needed to perform at a high level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>State Rep. David LeBoeuf urged&nbsp;participants to address economic inequalities as they promote job creation, ensuring people can meet their housing, childcare, and transportation needs so they are positioned for success in their profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-48-1024x683.avif\" alt=\"Three people in a panel discussion with one holding a microphone\" class=\"wp-image-30454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-48-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-48-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-48-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-48-1536x1024.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-48-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-48.avif 1981w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">From left: Jay Ash \u201983, Josh Cutler, and Kristen Fox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In a panel discussion moderated by Jay Ash \u201983, president and CEO of Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, leaders from state government, workforce development, and private industry grappled with a number of issues, including the future of employment in Central Massachusetts, the skills gaps in the current workforce, the demand for durable skills in all industries, and the need for higher education and employers to be more robust partners so that they can better prepare employees for the ever-changing workplace. Panelists were Josh Cutler, Massachusetts undersecretary for labor; Kristen Fox, CEO of the Business-Higher Education Forum; Kim Tesch Vaught of Public Consulting Group; and Jeff Turgeon, executive director of the MassHire Central Regional Workforce Board.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe key is getting employers to recognize the value of partnering with schools,\u201d Turgeon said. \u201cThere is a war for talent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following a networking break, Dean of the College Laurie Ross and Mindy Marchand, history professor and director of the Honors Program, shared how Clark University provides its students opportunities to work with community, nonprofit, business, and governmental partners on projects that effect change in the city in areas ranging from invasive species mitigation to the preservation of precious historic resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The day continued with a breakout discussion titled \u201cAI and the Skills Need for a Prepared Workforce,\u201d followed by the Design Labs, which explored opportunities for creative problem-solving and partnerships.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery alignwide has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"30458\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-134-1024x683.avif\" alt=\"Man and woman sit at table with open laptop\" class=\"wp-image-30458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-134-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-134-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-134-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-134-1536x1024.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-134-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-134.avif 1617w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"30457\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-143-1024x682.avif\" alt=\"Man stands holding microphone\" class=\"wp-image-30457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-143-1024x682.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-143-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-143-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-143-1536x1024.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-143-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-.jpg-143.avif 1769w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"30453\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-65-1024x683.avif\" alt=\"Woman sits holding a microphone and notebook\" class=\"wp-image-30453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-65-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-65-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-65-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-65-1536x1024.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-65-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-65.avif 1915w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"30451\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-76-1024x683.avif\" alt=\"Woman stands with microphone next to a younger person\" class=\"wp-image-30451\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-76-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-76-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-76-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-76-1536x1024.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-76-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-76.avif 1782w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"30450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-84-1024x683.avif\" alt=\"People stand and talk during a poster display\" class=\"wp-image-30450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-84-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-84-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-84-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-84-1536x1025.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-84-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-84.avif 1772w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"30448\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-117-1024x683.avif\" alt=\"College student explains research to a man looking at poster\" class=\"wp-image-30448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-117-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-117-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-117-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-117-1536x1024.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-117-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-117.avif 1804w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"30447\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-120-1024x683.avif\" alt=\"College student explains research to two women looking at poster\" class=\"wp-image-30447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-120-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-120-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-120-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-120-1536x1024.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-120-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-120.avif 1771w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"30446\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-124-1024x683.avif\" alt=\"People stand and talk at reception\" class=\"wp-image-30446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-124-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-124-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-124-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-124-1536x1024.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-124-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-124.avif 1981w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"30449\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-93-1024x683.avif\" alt=\"Man and woman look at a poster\" class=\"wp-image-30449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-93-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-93-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-93-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-93-1536x1024.avif 1536w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-93-1200x800.avif 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/Talent_Forward_Event_10_Nov_2026-93.avif 1981w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Representatives from higher education, business and industry, government, workforce development, and community organizations gathered to discuss what\u2019s needed to flourish in the modern work ecosystem.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":30452,"template":"","meta":{"story_color":"var(--clarku-color-deeper-red)","story_headerImg":30452,"section_label":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[251],"displayed_author":[235],"featured":[494],"topic":[],"class_list":["post-30444","story","type-story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-innovation","displayed_author-jim-keogh","featured-secondary"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.1 (Yoast SEO v28.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Clark conference helps answer the question, \u2018What is the future of work?\u2019 | ClarkU News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/2026\/11\/12\/clark-conference-helps-answer-the-question-what-is-the-future-of-work\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Clark conference helps answer the question, \u2018What is the future of work?\u2019\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Representatives from higher education, business and industry, government, workforce development, and community organizations gathered to discuss what\u2019s needed to flourish in the modern work ecosystem.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/news\/2026\/11\/12\/clark-conference-helps-answer-the-question-what-is-the-future-of-work\/\" \/>\n<meta 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