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Landing an internship has become a crucial step in building your career, and if you're looking at Michigan as a destination after college, you'll find a wide array of opportunities. With its booming industries—automotive, healthcare, technology, and more—Michigan offers countless possibilities for college students to gain valuable work experience. The competition can be fierce, so having a strategic approach is key. Here are the top five tips to help you secure that coveted internship in Michigan. 1. Leverage College Career Services Your college’s career services office is a treasure trove of resources for internship seekers. Most colleges and universities have well-connected career offices that work closely with local companies, hosting job fairs, workshops and maintaining exclusive internship databases. How to Use Career Services Effectively: Schedule one-on-one meetings with career advisors for personalized guidance. You already pay for the service through your tuition, so be sure to take advantage of it. Regularly check your college’s internship database for new postings and apply. Attend career fairs to meet recruiters face-to-face. Sign up for resume workshops to polish your application materials. Bonus tip : Send a thank you email or text to each person that helps you at Career Services – you will not only stand out from the crowd, but you’ll be developing your follow-up techniques for meeting with employers and potential colleagues. By tapping into these resources, you'll gain access to opportunities you might not find elsewhere and prepare yourself to stand out from the crowd. 2. Network Strategically Networking is one of the most effective ways to discover internships. Building connections can lead to valuable recommendations and insights about unadvertised opportunities. It can be a little daunting at first, but developing your networking skills early in your career will help you throughout your professional life. Ways to Network: Use LinkedIn to connect with alumni from your college, particularly those working in Michigan-based companies. Reach out with a polite message expressing interest in their field and asking for advice on how they got started and recommendations on where to start. Always include a note when you Connect with someone; this encourages them to consider accepting your request. Attend professional events such as industry meetups or gatherings hosted by Michigan’s chambers of commerce.  For example, in Grand Rapids you’ll find a wide variety of networking events for young professionals, many that are industry-specific. Build strong relationships with professors and mentors. They often have connections in your field of interest and can provide recommendations. Schedule office hours with these professors to get their insight and advice on employers, associations and even possible professionals you can conduct informational interviews with to learn more about opportunities. Bonus tip : Every person you connect with, ask them if they could recommend one more person that you could meet from their network, and if they’d make the connection. You’ll be surprised how many additional people you’ll be able to meet! The more you network, the more you'll hear about opportunities that fit your career goals. 3. Target Michigan’s Key Industries Michigan’s economy is driven by industries like mobility (Ford, GM, and a wide array of tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers), healthcare (Corewell Health, Henry Ford Health), and technology (tech hubs in Grand Rapids, Detroit and Ann Arbor). You should look for region-specific information about strong industry groups. For example, in West Michigan , advanced manufacturing, IT, health sciences and food processing/agribusiness are large industry sectors. Steps to Take: Research companies in your field of interest and learn about their culture, values and job openings. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight skills and experiences relevant to the industry. Apply early, as internships in these sectors tend to fill quickly. Bonus Tip : On LinkedIn, you can look up a Company Profile and Follow them. This lets you see company news, hiring activities, product announcements and more. You’ll also be able to view many of the employees at that company by looking at who is linked to the company profile. This can help you find individuals doing the recruiting as well as ones in the types of roles you are interested in. By aligning your interests with Michigan's strongest industries, you'll demonstrate your value to employers and stand out as a well-prepared candidate. 4. Utilize Online Internship Platforms In today’s digital age, most companies post their internship opportunities online, and many platforms allow you to easily search for roles in Michigan. Recommended Platforms: Register yourself on Handshake, the primary platform used by companies recruiting on college campuses (Fun fact: did you know Handshake was created by students at Michigan Technological University??). LinkedIn is great for networking and applying to internships . Michigan Career Portal offers a deep dive into all job opportunities across the state of Michigan. Upload your resume to the Hello West Michigan website if you’re interested in an internship in the West Michigan region – our team would be happy to help you get connected to a great internship opportunity. You can also search for jobs in our Job Portal and set up email alerts for internship postings. Bonus Tip : Set up alerts for internship postings on multiple platforms to stay on top of new opportunities and apply as soon as possible. Quick responses can make a big difference when applications are competitive. 5. Gain Relevant Skills and Experience Employers value candidates who demonstrate the skills and experiences they’re looking for, so it’s essential to build your qualifications before applying. How to Build Your Skills: Join clubs, volunteer or work on side projects that showcase teamwork, leadership and problem-solving abilities. These experiences are not only good for your resume but help you answer interview questions with relevant stories and skills developed. Complete certifications or online courses in areas relevant to your field, such as programming languages, marketing analytics or financial modeling. Update your resume and portfolio regularly with these experiences to showcase your growth. Take the time to enhance your skillset. It shows potential employers that you’re proactive and committed to your career development. Bonus Tip : Start looking at job postings for internships of interest to you. You’ll see patterns in the types of skills they are looking for and use that information to help you craft the descriptions of your school, volunteer and work experience to date. Final Thoughts Timing is everything when it comes to internships. Many Michigan companies begin recruiting months in advance (often summer internship hiring starts in the fall), so start your search early. If you feel behind the eight ball, that’s ok. There are still lots of opportunities available for summer, but don’t wait until spring finals to start looking. After interviews or networking events, don’t forget to follow up with a thank you email to show your interest and professionalism. Securing an internship in Michigan may seem challenging, but with a strategic approach it’s entirely achievable. By leveraging your college’s career resources, networking with professionals, focusing on key industries, utilizing online platforms and building relevant skills, you can stand out from the competition and land an opportunity that sets you on the path to success. Author: Rachel Gray is Executive Director of Hello West Michigan in Grand Rapids, where she promotes West Michigan as a great place to live and work. She helps educate employers and prospective relocatees about the region. Hello West Michigan runs West Michigan Intern Connect, a summer engagement program and the largest gathering of interns in the state every June. The organization’s other resources include the Weekly Resume Pack Program, informational resources, a Job Board and a community onboarding program for executives. Rachel is a native Michigander. She is an alumna of Aquinas College and interned at Celebration! Cinema.

Michigan's rich industrial heritage and commitment to innovation make it a prime destination for veterans seeking civilian careers in advanced manufacturing, technology, semiconductors and mobility sectors. Recognizing the unique skills veterans bring to their workforce, many Michigan employers have established veteran hiring programs to facilitate this transition. Advanced Manufacturing Michigan's advanced manufacturing employers are global companies like General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, Dow Inc. in Midland, Hayworth in Holland, Whirlpool in Benton Harbor and BorgWarner in Auburn Hills, which include veteran hiring programs in their recruitment activities. These organizations value the technical expertise, discipline and leadership qualities that veterans offer. Technology Tech employers in Michigan are also committed to hiring veterans for the technical acumen they bring to the table from their military experience. Companies like Rousch in Livonia and Rocket Companies in Detroit are at the forefront, while GE Aerospace in Muskegon, United Wholesale Mortgage in Pontiac, SpartanNash near Grand Rapids and Stryker in Kalamazoo are some of the many that have dedicated veteran hiring programs. Semiconductor The semiconductor industry continues to grow in Michigan, with companies such as Hemlock Semiconductor in Hemlock and KLA Corporation in Ann Arbor playing key roles. Their commitment to hiring veterans is also evident through partnerships with local veteran employment services, facilitating pathways for veterans into semiconductor manufacturing, logistics, quality control and corporate management roles. Mobility Michigan's mobility sector, encompassing automotive and emerging transportation technologies, includes industry giants like Ford Motor Company and General Motors , both with dozens of locations around the state, that have dedicated veteran hiring initiatives. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) , also with many locations around the state, is one of many State of Michigan organizations with focused veteran hiring programs. These initiatives focus on translating military skills into careers in vehicle manufacturing and mobility solutions. State Support and Resources The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) recognizes over 400 employers as Veteran-Friendly Employers, awarding Gold , Silver , and Bronze -level status based on their commitment to veteran recruitment, training and retention. This program assists veterans in identifying employers dedicated to supporting their transition into the civilian workforce. The Michigan Works! system, with 16 offices regional organizations around the state , provides career services and employment assistance to former military service personnel living in Michigan. In 2023, Michigan Works! agencies assisted more than 3,000 veterans in upskilling and reskilling to assist with job search activities. They also provided direct job placement to over 7,500 Michigan veterans with more than 1,000 Michigan employers. Additionally, the Semiconductor Career and Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) Program aims to create pathways for job seekers into the semiconductor industry, with a focus on attracting and retaining a diverse, skilled workforce, including veterans. Educational Partnerships Many Michigan higher education institutions have Veteran Programs to provide additional training, skill development and degree attainment, including Michigan State University ,  Michigan Technological University , University of Michigan and Wayne State University . In fact, there are over 60 academic institutions in Michigan that are recognized by the State of Michigan for their commitment to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students. Michigan's dedication to integrating veterans into its workforce is evident across advanced manufacturing, technology, semiconductor and mobility industries. Through targeted hiring programs, supportive state initiatives and educational partnerships, veterans are provided with the resources and opportunities needed to successfully transition into fulfilling civilian careers. Christopher Rishko retired as a Major in the U.S. Air Force, with over 20 years military leadership experience. He transitioned to the civilian workforce in Michigan in 2018 and has held several workforce development leadership positions across the state. He currently serves as Director of Talent Solutions for Michigan Economic Development Corporation. He is a passionate advocate for the development of military service personnel hiring programs across the state.

Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce is an exciting (and often challenging) step for veterans. With Michigan’s thriving industries in mobility, defense, aerospace, tech and advanced manufacturing, former military personnel have an abundance of opportunities to leverage their skills and experience. Creating a compelling resume that highlights experience and is tailored to these industries is essential for standing out and securing a civilian job. Here are practical tips to help veterans create a resume that translates their military experience into civilian career success: 1. Understand the Landscape of Michigan's Industries and Career Opportunities They Provide Michigan is a hub for innovation and industry. Companies in mobility and defense are designing next-generation vehicles and defense systems. Aerospace firms are advancing space exploration, while the tech and advanced manufacturing sectors are driving the future of automation and AI. Veterans bring a wide array of skills and expertise that can be tremendous assets to these industries. Military experience in leadership, technical and problem-solving roles align perfectly with these industries. For instance: Mobility and defense industries value project management and strategic planning, at which veterans often excel. Advanced manufacturing requires teamwork, precision, attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols—hallmarks of military training. Tech industries seek the ability to learn quickly and flexibility - both skills that veterans naturally develop during service. 2. Translate Military Experience into Civilian Terms Military jargon can be difficult for civilian employers to understand. It’s essential to translate military duties, accomplishments and skills into language that resonates with a civilian audience. Identify transferable skills: Leadership, logistics, operations management, technical expertise and communication are valuable across industries. For example, if one managed a team during deployment, present it as leadership in a high-pressure environment. Focus on accomplishments: Quantify achievements whenever possible. Instead of stating, “Managed military operations,” say, “Supervised logistics for operations involving 50 personnel, ensuring 100% mission success and compliance with safety protocols.” Use civilian-friendly terms: Replace military-specific terms with equivalents that resonate in the corporate world. For instance, “Platoon” can become “Team,” and “Commander” can become “Manager.” Visit O*NET Military Crosswalk : This is an online resource for translating military specialty codes into civilian occupation codes. 3. Tailor Resume to Michigan’s Key Industries Research the companies and roles of interest and customize a resume accordingly. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to each occupation and industry that are of interest. Mobility and defense: Emphasize experience with logistics, operational planning and team leadership. Michigan’s auto industry also values familiarity with cutting-edge technology. Aerospace: Technical skills, attention to detail and problem-solving abilities stand out. Highlight certifications or experience with advanced machinery. Tech and advanced manufacturing: If there’s previous experience working with technology, emphasize adaptability and technical prowess. Experience with software systems or data analysis can be a strong asset. 4. Highlight Soft Skills Employers value veterans for their discipline, adaptability and resilience. Include examples of how these traits contributed to military career success. For example: “Adapted quickly to changing environments during overseas deployments, ensuring mission continuity.” “Maintained composure under pressure, leading teams to achieve objectives with minimal resources.” 5. Include Certifications and Training Many employers value specialized skills, and many veterans already have relevant certifications. Highlight any technical training, IT certifications or safety qualifications acquired during service. 6. Format for Clarity and Impact A clean, professional resume format ensures qualifications are easy to read: Use a chronological format if there’s a strong work history or a skills-based format to highlight abilities. Start with a professional summary, e.g., “Veteran with 10 years of leadership and operations experience, seeking a role in advanced manufacturing to leverage expertise in logistics and team management.” Limit the resume to one or two pages, focusing on the most relevant experience. 7. Leverage Michigan’s Resources for Veterans Michigan is dedicated to supporting veterans in the workforce. Organizations like the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and local Michigan Works! offices have career centers that offer resume assistance, training programs and job placement services with the option to work directly with a fellow veteran. Explore opportunities like apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing or tech boot camps to build civilian-specific skills. 8. Create Several Versions of Your Resume One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes, especially for veterans entering diverse industries like those in Michigan. Creating tailored versions of a resume for specific roles is the most effective way to showcase the most relevant skills and experiences. For instance, a resume targeting a role in supply chain or purchasing should emphasize logistics, strategic planning and leadership, while a resume for a tech role should highlight technical training, problem solving and adaptability. Similarly, if you're applying for roles in advanced manufacturing, focus on teamwork, precision, quality and safety expertise. By creating several versions of a resume, each aligned with the needs of a particular role or job, a veteran can better demonstrate why they’re the ideal candidate for each position. This targeted approach not only enhances the opportunities for getting noticed, but also helps make a stronger connection with hiring managers. Transitioning to the civilian workforce can be a challenging journey, but Michigan offers a wealth of opportunities in industries that value the skills and experiences as a veteran. By crafting a clear, civilian-friendly resume tailored to the state’s booming sectors, veterans can confidently step into the next chapter. Remember, military service has provided the preparation—now it’s time to translate that preparation into career success. Christoper Rishko retired as a Major in the U.S. Air Force, with over 20 years of military leadership experience. He transitioned to the civilian workforce in Michigan in 2018 and has held several workforce development leadership positions across the state. He currently serves as director of talent solutions for Michigan Economic Development Corporation. He is a passionate advocate for the development of military service personnel hiring programs across the state.