Hello West Michigan

For this week's , we want to appreciate Davenport University. Davenport University offers a unique, experiential approach to learning. Its educational programs are flexible and career-focused. Join the team at Davenport to prepare graduates to exceed employer expectations.
Current openings include Business Development Manager, Admissions Representative, and Account Manager.
Check out more of Davenport's job openings on our Job Board: https://ow.ly/gYE050SCmm1

This week's featured community event is happening today, Saturday the 20th from 10am to 1pm. Breathe Deep On The Blue Bridge is a family-friendly fundraiser that will have yoga, local vendors, raffle prizes, refreshments, music & more to benefit The American Lung Association.
Learn more:
https://www.facebook.com/events/the-blue-bridge/breathe-deep-on-the-blue-bridge/3382082772045553/

Does your company have executives who are new to the region? Nominate them for .
Our program, Rapid Roots, showcases what West Michigan has to offer, while making meaningful connections in an immersive environment.
Sessions include:
-History of West Michigan
-The West Michigan Economy
-The Arts in West Michigan
-Outdoor Recreation in West Michigan
-Making Connections in West Michigan
-Food, Dining, & Nightlife in West Michigan
More information: https://hellowestmichigan.com/rapidroots/

In a room full of 600+ interns, AB is Adrian Butler kept the energy high and played the tunes. Thank you, Adrian, for DJing 2024.

Moving to a new area and starting a new job can feel lonely. is designed to help executives adapt to and learn about West Michigan, while making friends and network connections. With the help of our program, 89% of Rapid Roots Cohort Members are choosing to stay at their company a year later.
Apply by August 2: https://hellowestmichigan.com/rapidroots/

Apply to be the Intern of the Summer and showcase your internship experience! is July 25, and we want to honor one of West Michigan's summer interns. Supervisors, celebrate your intern's work by encouraging them to apply.
Applications are due at midnight on Tuesday, July 23. Apply below!
https://hellowestmichigan.com/work-here/west-michigan-intern-connect/national-intern-day-story-submission/

We are excited to bring back for the third year, starting September 5. Our six week cohort-style program is designed to acclimate executives who are newer to West Michigan. Sessions include learning about the history, culture, arts, and economy of the region. Plus, build real connections within the community.
For more information:
https://hellowestmichigan.com/rapidroots/
Applications are due August 2.

Are you new to West Michigan and looking for employment? We can help with the job search. When you submit your resume, we send it to over 500 HR professionals in the region. Submit your resume below:
https://portal.hellowestmichigan.com/s/candidate-resume-form

Hike with animals at Blandford Nature Center on Thursday, July 18. Open to all ages, learn about wildlife as you hike at this week's spotlight community event.
Learn more: https://www.blandfordnaturecenter.org/events/family-hike-with-the-animals-2/?occurrence=2024-07-18

Now that it's mid-July, you've probably enjoyed a cold, sweet treat on one occasion or another. From unique creations to the classic cone, read our latest blog post to learn about West Michigan's ice cream scene.
Comment your favorite ice cream place!🍦
https://ow.ly/RKmK50SzY6c

Haworth won the swag competition at 2024, and one lucky intern won a Haworth gaming chair.🏆 Thanks to all the West Michigan employers who participated in the swag competition. We can't wait to see who brings the best swag at Intern Connect 2025!

Unlocking Opportunity: Accessing International Talent is happening July 23. Hear insights from leaders at West Michigan companies on the straightforward process and substantial benefits of hiring international graduates. Register today: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6318112

We are incredibly thankful for Russ and the team at Tiberius Images for photographing . The team documented every detail to showcase the story of our annual conference, and Russ set a personal record of over 100 portraits in less than an hour for the interns. Well done, team!

If you’re already here, become a tourist in your own town if you haven’t visited some of these places in a while. If you’re not here yet, summer is the perfect time to come to West Michigan for an exploratory vacation before making the decision to relocate.
Photo credit: Tiberius Images
https://www.cnn.com/travel/grand-rapids-michigan-best-towns-america

Do your kids love the new Inside Out 2 movie? Take the kids to the "Emotions at Play" exhibit at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and learn about emotions and expressing them. The exhibit is happening now until September 8.

Emotions at Play | grcm Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out opens at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum on June 1st! The first interactive exhibit based on Disney and Pixar’s hit animated feature helps visitors understand the important role emotions, memory and imagination play in our everyday lives. Explore some ...

Thank you Gordon Food Service for being the premier sponsor of 2024. We are grateful for Gordon Food Service Careers and their commitment to investing in the next generation of West Michigan professionals.

Thank you to Destination Consultants, LLC, The Right Place, Davenport University's Career Services, and the GLC Live at 20 Monroe staff for helping to coordinate last week. From welcoming, to setting up and tearing down, Intern Connect was a success because of their collaboration and effort.

Happy Fourth of July from us at Hello West Michigan. Looking for a way to spend the holiday in West Michigan? Check out our website for ideas.
https://ow.ly/ChZU50Su6kK

We want to especially thank our keynote speaker, Kimberly Brown. Owner of Brown Leadership and author of 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘔𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘔𝘰𝘷𝘦, Kimberly Brown spoke to interns on how to strategically plan their career.
Want to learn more from Kimberly?
Check out her book: https://ow.ly/zjTT50SkYmE
Check out her website: https://ow.ly/j8TF50SkYmF

Calling all foodies! Mark your calendars for the Grand Rapids Foodie Fest, happening July 5 through 7 at Calder Plaza. Try one-of-a-kind food options, and enjoy live music. This is event is free. Learn more:
https://www.facebook.com/events/920560479573376/?active_tab=about

That's a wrap for 2024! 600+ interns were in the crowd, making it the largest gathering of interns in the state. Students represented 50+ universities and 70+ companies. Thank you to all who spoke, attended, and volunteered. Interns, check your inbox for a survey about the event and stay tuned next week for the first installment of The Intern Inform newsletter.
Recap of yesterday ⬇️
-Kimberly Brown taught interns how to make their next move their best move.
-Dwight Bowman II gave practical advice on how to leverage LinkedIn for career growth.
-Our panelists, Sara Johnson, Madison McDonald, Rob Missman, and Brock Rubin, dropped facts and advice about their careers and how they have grown since interning at their companies.
-Haworth won the swag competition. One lucky intern even went home with a brand new chair.
-Interns networked with peers and met top West Michigan employers.
Thanks to all the employer sponsors who spent the afternoon connecting with interns. Gordon Food Service Careers, SpartanNash, Haworth, Amway, Meijer, and the 40+ other employers represented.

is underway! Hilary Doe gave us a warm West Michigan welcome, and we are ready to learn about career strategy from Kimberly Brown.

We're excited to welcome over 600 interns to tomorrow's . Check out our latest blog post for downtown activities after the event.
https://ow.ly/9xMy50Spozy

Here are all the details for this year's . ⬇️

Here's a community event to check out this weekend: the Tri-Cities Garden Club's Garden Walk in Grand Haven. Get garden inspiration and appreciate the beauty of these homes' flora and fauna. Learn more:
https://tricitiesgardenclub.org/garden-walk/

In her role as the Chief Growth Officer of the State of Michigan, it's Hilary Doe's job to welcome people to Michigan. At this year's , Hilary will give the warm West Michigan welcome to interns.

Introducing our panelists for The Intern Effect Panel: Sara Johnson, Madison McDonald, Brock Rubin, and Robert Missman. Sponsored by Amway, hear stories about their intern experience and career growth at on June 26.
https://hellowestmichigan.com/work-here/west-michigan-intern-connect/

Are you ready to network and learn career skills? is only one week away, but it's not too late to register. Learn more:
https://ow.ly/ISjU50Si9ha

Thanks to our partners at the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce for sharing info on our upcoming event.
Time is running out to get your interns registered.
https://ow.ly/ZIE250ShqON