When the statewide stay-at-home order was first issued in March, Global Detroit had just launched the second cohort of our Global Talent Accelerator. We asked the seven competitively selected students if they wished to continue the program, which prepares international students for the U.S. job market. Every one of them said yes, despite dealing with the closing of their universities and many other concerns. We got the program up and running online within 24 hours and hosted a virtual graduation ceremony via Zoom on March 24.

These hard-working students, in their final year of undergraduate or graduate studies, spent the spring attending interactive workshops online. They participated in sessions on pitching, resume writing, networking, business etiquette and other essential professional skills. Before the shut-down, they also visited Logic Solutions, a software development firm in Ann Arbor (GTA grad Kelin Tu was hired there last fall). They also attended a virtual employer meet-and-greet with the staff from Hexin Machinery Manufacturing.

“The program was amazing, regardless of the situations we had. Every GTA member accommodated us with the best possible ways in taking this program forward,” said Prasanna Sri Ramya, who recently graduated from the University of Michigan – Dearborn with a master’s in mechanical engineering after completing the program. “It helped me with building up my confidence, and I could figure out where I was going wrong in my job search. I have learned that I am good at public speaking. It’s a wonderful opportunity for me as an international student.”

The students’ work—and ours—is far from finished. Global Detroit will continue to connect these promising students and graduates to Southeast Michigan employers through meet-and-greets and other networking events. Nearly sixty percent of our graduates over two cohorts have secured positions. Many other graduates, with STEM and business and degrees, are actively seeking internships or full-time employment in Southeast Michigan. 

Thank you to our partners at Logic Solutions, Office of Global Michigan, Hexin Machinery Manufacturing, Detroit Regional Chamber, Ford Motor Company, UM-Dearborn, UM-Ann Arbor and Wayne State University, who made this quick transition with us.

Applications for the Summer 2020 cohort are open through June 26. Learn more and apply at www.globaldetroitmi.org/gta.