FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2024
Media Contact:
Dr. Theodore Jones
Senior Director of Talent Initiatives
Global Detroit
(313) 284-4038
theodore@globaldetroitmi.org
Global Detroit’s GTRI Program Hosts STEM Talent Fair at Newlab in Corktown, Detroit
An event, and program, actively making the critically needed connection between Michigan’s top international talent and employers across the state.
DETROIT, MICH – Global Detroit is pleased to announce its upcoming Global STEM Talent Fair event on Friday, May 3, 2024, at NewLab at Central Station in Detroit, MI from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This hands-on event is designed to bridge the gap between leading companies and top-tier international talent with STEM concentrations in a dynamic, interactive hiring environment.
With a focus on fostering connections that inclusively expands corporate talent pipelines, the fair will feature a curated selection of international talent candidates who align with the specific needs of participating employers. This approach ensures that companies will meet not just any talent, but the right talent to propel their innovation and growth.
The event is free for all participating companies, providing a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse group of candidates from across the world who have come to Michigan to further their studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. The Global Detroit’s Talent Initiatives team has tailored the recruitment process to match the specific talent needs of each company, enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness in the hiring process.
“We understand the challenges companies face in finding and recruiting qualified STEM professionals. Our goal is to simplify the hiring process by bringing highly skilled international students directly to employers experiencing skilled talent gaps who need them the most.” – stated Dennis Beste, the Director of the Global Talent Retention Initiative at Global Detroit.
As of 2023, there were 33,501 international students enrolled at Michigan colleges and universities, which makes Michigan the 9th largest state for international students. In 2021 they contributed a whopping $1.257 billion annually in economic activity (tuition, rent, food, entertainment, etc.). According to NAFSA, for international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities, the most popular subjects of interest are business and STEM, with 30% considering business-related study and 60% considering STEM related.
“When we as a state make a concerted effort to include international talent in our economy it benefits all of us here in Michigan….
…yet more than most groups, international students face challenges in securing job opportunities after they graduate from colleges and universities. There are many factors, with a leading one being a lack of awareness among companies that hiring international students is relatively easy and straightforward. We need to address these factors because international students have proven themselves to be adaptable, motivated to come many times halfway across the world to pursue the great opportunities Michigan offers, and they have the type of in-demand skills that can prove transformational for tech and manufacturing companies in our state.” – stated Dr. Theodore Jones, the Senior Program Director of Talent Initiatives at Global Detroit.
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About Global Detroit:
Global Detroit is a regional economic and community development organization making Detroit and Southeast Michigan more equitable and prosperous through immigrant inclusion. With a focus on entrepreneurship, neighborhood revitalization, global talent retention, policy advocacy and research, we develop programs and strategies to revitalize Detroit and to build a thriving global region with strong neighborhoods, healthy families, successful businesses, and a rich and diverse cultural life. By intentionally including immigrants in our community and economic development strategies, we will spark growth, revitalization and sustained prosperity in Detroit and throughout Southeast Michigan.
The goal of the Global Talent Retention Initiative program is to create more opportunities for international students to pursue STEM careers in the state of Michigan and enhance industry access to this international talent through targeted recruitment events and other programming. By connecting skilled international talent with Michigan companies, we aim to support the growth and innovation of high-tech and manufacturing industries in our state and nation.