BY PETRAQ KOSHO
As the Grand Traverse region of Michigan grows, so does the challenge of finding skilled workers to keep up with the area’s booming industries. Companies in this scenic corner of Michigan—known for its cherry orchards and Lake Michigan views—face an issue familiar to many rural communities across the U.S.: the availability of specialized talent. Even in major metropolitan areas, it can be difficult to find skilled candidates with education and experience in specialized arenas such as supply chain management, industrial engineering, and advanced manufacturing. But in small and medium-sized cities and more rural communities, specialized talent of this source is even more scarce.
International students to the rescue! After earning advanced degrees at our nation’s top colleges and universities in technical fields, many international students are looking for U.S. work experience. Unfortunately, these students often encounter obstacles in finding practical training, as many U.S. employers are unfamiliar with the rules that allow international students to work in the U.S. after graduation without requiring employers to file a visa or pay an immigration attorney. For employers who give these international students a chance, the rewards can be transformative.
Just ask Cherry Republic. Based in Glen Arbor, Michigan (population 780, located 25 miles west of Traverse City), this popular cherry retailer has a strong Michigan presence, with stores across the state, a production facility, and a thriving e-commerce operation. As the company expanded over the past few years, so did its need for skilled employees in its fulfillment and supply chain divisions. But finding those with professional experience and advanced degrees in these fields proved difficult.
“In our very rural area, we struggled to find local talent with the technical experience needed to support this growth,” shared Madison Partak, Cherry Republic’s Recruitment Manager, during a recent October 2024 webinar on international talent hosted by E Pluribus, Global Detroit’s national program, and the Economic Innovation Group, a D.C.-based nonpartisan think-tank.
Madison Partak, Recruitment Manager, Cherry Republic
Given this seemingly unsolvable talent challenge Cherry Republic decided to try something new. Partak connected with two international students who had the exact expertise Cherry Republic needed. “We hadn’t really looked at international students before,” Partak admitted. But after a few calls with these international students, it was clear that they could fill the gap the company was facing. She brought them on as interns, and they soon became essential members of the team, making a big impact. “These students are reliable, skilled, and dedicated to making an impact,” Partak said.
One of these interns was hired through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international graduates to work for one full year in their field of study after graduation without any requirements to file visas or pay immigration attorneys. (For students in STEM fields, the one year OPT can be extended two additional years, allowing employers to employ these international students for three full years before filing a visa). Hiring international students may seem complicated or intimidating for some companies, but Partak found it surprisingly simple. “The paperwork is very minimal,” she shared. “Our students even helped guide us through the process.” She rated the complexity of hiring international students at just a “2 or 3” on a scale of 1 to 10—much lower than she’d expected.
Cherry Republic’s experience mirrors that of thousands of Michigan employers who have used the OPT program to hire international students. In Michigan alone, there are over 33,000 international students who contribute over $1.2 billion annually to the state’s economy. And it’s not just about the numbers; these students bring fresh perspectives and technical expertise that drive innovation and help businesses grow. As Partak put it, “This is a group we continue to look at now.” After seeing firsthand how skilled and driven these students are, Cherry Republic has added international students to its long-term hiring strategy.
For Michigan’s employers, the message is clear: international students can be the talent solution to persistent staffing problems. Hiring international students isn’t complicated or expenses and they can be a vital component of the regional workforce, poised to drive growth, address skill gaps, enhance competitiveness and enrich local industries.
Learn More
To learn more about the Michigan Global Talent Initiative programs or for questions, please visit https://michiganglobaltalent.org/.
Petraq Kosho is a dedicated public service professional with a strong background in communication, marketing, and community engagement. With over 8 years of experience, Petro has honed his expertise in developing strategic communication plans, managing impactful projects, and driving community-focused initiatives. His work is rooted in a passion for policy and social impact, blending skills in marketing, public relations, and stakeholder engagement to bridge the gap between public initiatives and effective outreach.