How Do We Ensure College Grads Meet Our Future Talent Needs?
May 28, 2024
“Wayne State is fueling Michigan’s talent pipeline that undergirds our future workforce for 21st century commerce. We provide greater access and opportunity for more young people from all backgrounds and means to gain college-level knowledge and competencies through innovative classroom academics and immersive ‘learning by doing’ career-ready experiences that align with employers’ needs. At Wayne State University, we call this talent development formula “College to Career” that is designed to promote student success and to drive prosperity for our community.”
– Kimberly Edwards Espy, President, Wayne State University
“Michigan State University prepares students to thrive in jobs that don’t yet exist by focusing on career exploration and maintaining close relationships with employer stakeholders. Students are provided experiential learning, internship and volunteer opportunities and acquire highly transferrable skills. Faculty teaching and research is frequently informed by employer partners, and alumni and industry-specific advisory panels help us understand employers’ evolving needs. MSU graduates are highly sought by recruiters, and about two-thirds of our graduates start their careers here in Michigan.”
– Kevin Guskiewicz, President, Michigan State University
“At U-M, we’re dedicated to being an essential partner in growing, attracting and retaining talent in Michigan. To do so, we’re committed to providing our students with a life-changing education, and to becoming the defining public university in leadership and learning, service and excellence, innovation and impact. We will also lead in expanding and accelerating the talent pipeline, and in technology-driven economic development. Most importantly, we aspire to not simply be the University of Michigan, but the University for Michigan.”
– Santa J. Ono, President, University of Michigan
“A highly trained workforce is key to our state’s long-term strength. Employers can’t do it by themselves. Neither can higher education. Together, we need to provide students with in-demand skills, so they are prepared for rewarding careers. Then, we need to continue providing education throughout their careers as industries evolve. That happens best when education and industries are partners, understanding needs and working together to identify what is needed today and in the future. Ferris State University has been doing this for years. It is in our DNA, and we must continue to do this work for the betterment of the state.”
– Bill Pink, President, Ferris State University