Global Talent Retention Initiative
Global Talent Retention Initiative
Keeping Talent in Michigan
Premier Talent with Global Perspectives
Through the Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI), we connect Michigan companies with international graduates who bring advanced skills, innovation, and global perspectives to fill critical gaps in high-demand industries.
We understand that many employers have questions about how difficult—or costly—it may be to hire international students. The truth is, most companies can hire international graduates with far fewer barriers than they realize.
Our team provides clear training and resources on immigration regulations, hiring processes, and retention strategies so employers can confidently navigate each step.
Our signature programs, including the Global Talent Accelerator, along with workshops, networking events, job fairs, and tailored employer support, ensure that international graduates are prepared to contribute immediately and meaningfully.
At Global Detroit, we believe international students represent premier talent—not only excelling in advanced technical fields but also enriching workplaces with cultural fluency, adaptability, and international experience. These graduates are uniquely equipped to help Michigan businesses compete and lead on a global scale.
Through our strong partnerships with universities and corporate leaders, we make it easier for companies to access and retain this exceptional talent—future leaders who will drive innovation, strengthen industries, and fuel economic growth across Michigan and beyond.
Myth vs. Fact: Hiring International Talent
Myth: Hiring international students is complicated and risky.
Fact: Most international graduates are already authorized to work in the U.S. for up to three years through OPT (Optional Practical Training) and STEM OPT extensions—no sponsorship required.
Myth: It’s too expensive to hire international graduates.
Fact: For many roles, there is little to no upfront cost for employers. When sponsorship is needed, Global Detroit provides guidance to minimize cost and streamline the process.
Myth: International employees won’t stay long-term.
Fact: Many international graduates are eager to build careers—and lives—in Michigan. With the right retention strategies, they become some of the most loyal and committed employees in the workforce.
Myth: We don’t have the expertise to navigate immigration.
Fact: Global Detroit provides training, resources, and one-on-one support to help HR teams and managers feel confident hiring and retaining global talent.
For inquiries, please contact Khadeejah Lasuc Lewis, GTRI Program Director, khadeejah@globaldetroitmi.org.
And, to engage with the GTRI program and our events directly, follow our program Linkedin page.
Closing Michigan’s Critical Talent Gap
Michigan has more than 38,000 international students, most in high-demand STEM fields. These globally minded graduates bring advanced skills, innovation, and cross-cultural expertise—yet too often leave the state after graduation because employers are unsure of the rules and lack the knowledge of how easy it is to employ international student graduates.
Through the Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI), Global Detroit connects this premier talent with Michigan’s top employers, helping businesses fill urgent workforce needs in AI, engineering, mobility, biosciences, research and more —while fueling growth for Michigan and the national economy. GTRI answers employer questions and helps Michigan employers understand that international student graduates can be hired under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) portion of their student visas without any visa fees or costs and without an employer needing an immigration attorney. For students in STEM fields, OPT employment can last for three full years before a longer-term visa strategy would be needed.
For data and additional discussion of international students’ role in filling Michigan’s talent gap, read our Lambert Report.
Success Story: Arjun Venugopal
When Arjun Venugopal came to Wayne State University to earn his master’s in manufacturing engineering, he faced the same challenge as many international students: finding an employer willing to see beyond borders and recognize his potential.
That opportunity came when Arjun attended a GTRI-supported engineering job fair. Our staff shared his resume with Process Controls and Instrumentation (PCI), Inc., where he secured an internship. Arjun embraced every opportunity—attending GTRI workshops on career readiness, Optional Practical Training (OPT)/ Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and tax preparation—while building his professional network.
His persistence paid off. Through those connections, Arjun landed a full-time role as a Project Engineer with ZF, a global automotive supplier in Livonia. In 2018, ZF sponsored his H-1B visa, which was approved within weeks—securing his future in Michigan’s advanced manufacturing sector.
Today, Arjun serves as the Director, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering – Global Electronics at Lear Corp and is paying it forward. As a volunteer with Global Detroit, he helps connect the next generation of international students to career opportunities, proving the lasting impact of retaining global talent in Michigan.