Where are the jobs in Detroit?
By Leslie J. Griffin LLC would bring jobs to the City of Detroit through a partnership dividuals who find themselves temporarily unemployed. Networking
etroit is known for a lot of things: the largest city in
with Detroit Workforce Development. The other projects will base not only builds relationships, it openly displays one’s communication
D
the State of Michigan; its history, arts, entertainment,
their operations in “north of Eight Mile” cities such as Plymouth, and interpersonal skills; two invaluable key assets to all employers.
festivals and its melting pot of diverse cultures. It
Novi, Livonia, Tecumseh, Bay City, Warren, Auburn Hills, Troy and
Networking opportunities are endless and abound by attending
is home to the renowned Motown and boasts some
Kalamazoo.
community meetings, church and PTA gatherings and other pro-
of Michigan’s top universities, restaurants, churches While some of these projects have been instated, many of them fessional events. Volunteerism is also beneficial in that hands-on
and medical facilities. Spanning over 135 miles and despite its chal- are still in development stages with implementation pending over knowledge is gained and can be added to the resume as experi-
lenges, Detroit is one of the most studied and talked about cities the course of five to seven years. ence.
of our time.
Mentoring is equally valuable as individuals position themselves
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy recently sat down with to study with people who are already successful in a particular field.
ESSENCE magazine for an in depth conversation about Detroit. Mentoring also builds relationships, character and trust, and estab-
Named the city’s toughest woman, hated and loved for bringing lishes a rapport with people who may be connected to or know of
down Detroit’s former mayor, she is recorded as saying “Everybody upcoming opportunities. Mentees can also use their mentors as
knows that if you want to commit a crime, just cross Eight Mile Road references for future opportunities.
and commit it because the odds are very much in your favor that
In the meantime, seeking employment in Detroit will not be a
you won’t get caught.” Unfortunately, it is a harsh reality as crime
cakewalk. Individuals must do their research and ask themselves
and other factors continue to have a staggering impact on the city’s
what they really want to gain and align their goals to match. Invest
shattered economy.
in having a professional resume created and take advantage of
Most motorists, however, who battle the morning standstill traffic complimentary enrichment courses that may be offered at local col-
on the Lodge, I-96 East and I-75 South would argue that Detroit’s leges or libraries. View the public service announcements aired on
economy is anything but in disrepair. But with a declining population most cable channels for information on free community resources.
and alarming unemployment rate of 27 percent, can Detroiters stay
There has never been a better time to turn your passions
south of Eight Mile to obtain meaningful employment?
into payment. With spring approaching, engagements, weddings,
This article will explore some of Detroit’s largest employers and christenings, parties and graduations are in demand. Inform your
offer information for surviving the economic tsunami. network of family and friends that you write, sing, sew, customize
A recent Crain’s List study identified more than 20 of Detroit’s
Other companies with physical Detroit addresses include Detroit
greeting cards and plan events, decorate, design, consult, arrange
largest employers ranked by full-time employees. And despite the
Public Schools (fourth on Crain’s), United States Postal and Govern-
flowers, paint, build, bake, cook or cater.
devastating collapse of the automotive and financial industry, Ford
ment Service, Henry Ford Health System, City of Detroit (11th on
Use the skills you have as a vehicle during your transitional
Motor Co., General Motors and Chrysler LLC held their top three
Crain’s), State of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, DTE Energy, Blue
period. Invest in having professional business cards prepared and
positions with more than 129,000 employees.
Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, EDS Corp., Comerica Inc., Wayne
legitimize your empire by registering its name in Wayne County.
State University and Wayne County Government.
Once known for its lucrative graduate and walk-right-in-the-door- Open a business account separate from your household ex-
and-retire-in-35-years banner, the automotive industry has taken its
As major stakeholders within the community equipped with
penses and be committed to the growth of your business. You can
share of hits and has offered a record number of employee buyouts
state of the art websites, they too have adjusted to the nationally
also attend free seminars on how to govern small businesses and
to stay afloat and remain competitive. The industry was also gov-
troubling economy and now offer limited employment opportunities
obtain referrals from past clients. If applicable, utilize buyout dollars
ernmentally restructured, thus significantly impacting smaller com-
in specialized areas.
to develop a website or return to school. And always remember to
panies and Detroit families. The casinos have also been an integral
According to Eduation-Portal.com, Detroit’s career outlook is
keep business…business. Do not offer family freebies or hook-ups
revenue component in the development of downtown. Distinctly
bright and will be revived through energy-efficient green jobs in au-
until you are profitable and always get everything in writing.
gracing Detroit’s skyline and hosting thousands of patrons, they
tomotive manufacturing, research and development, and robotics.
Detroit is still home to some of the nation’s top employers and
offer luxury dining and accommodations coupled with star entertain-
Nursing, education, child care and IT industries also offer promis-
with time citizens will begin to see the regrowth. Continue to browse
ment.
ing outlooks. Detroiters can prepare for these opportunities through
job engines and company websites, and apply for relevant jobs that
In March 2007, more
skilled trades and education at local colleges and universities. In-
position you for personal and professional growth.
than 26,000 people ap-
formation on education funding can be found on numerous online
plied for 1,000 jobs
search engines.
Remember, whether you’re into running your own business or
managing the business of others, there is no better investment than
to staff the new MGM
During seasons of downsizing, temporary agencies such as Kel-
the one you will make in yourself.
Grand. The massive
ly Services, Snelling Personnel, Minute Men Staffing, Cole Financial
hiring was touted as
Services and Vision Information Technologies of-
a savior in an other-
fer some advantages and alternative methods for
wise dismal economy.
obtaining employment by allowing both parties to
Greektown and Motor
develop a contractual relationship. Connected to
City casinos are also lo-
several major employers, temporary agencies of-
cated in Detroit but did
fer flexible schedules, computer training, referral
not make the Crain’s
bonuses and weekly compensation.
list. While all three fa-
cilities have felt the
Some contractual opportunities can shift into
burden of the national
full-time employment. Contractual employees
decline, their employ-
should treat these opportunities with the same
ment websites list avail-
dedication as employers take note when em-
able opportunities. Still,
ployees show up on time and display a spirit of
like many companies in
teamwork and a willingness to learn more about
Detroit, they are not re-
the company. Employees should go beyond the
cruiting in mass numbers.
written job description and pitch in on group proj-
ects and participate in meetings to observe daily
In March 2008, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced that more
job interactions.
than 18 projects with 7,000 jobs would be created in the state, a
development that would invest more than a billion dollars. Out of
Networking is one of the most beneficial
the 18 projects, only AT&T Internet Services and Accretive Health,
and proactive tools for youth and downsized in-
8 www.frontpageconnect.com • March 19, 2010
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