Transitioning from one career to another can sometimes be frightening or even tricky. A new program sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) helps professional individuals make this transition.
The program is called "Shifting Gears". It is a three-month program that aims to help experienced professionals move to smaller industries, such as businesses and start-ups.
"Shifting Gears is a program that's designed to help folks who were working for large manufacturing companies typically, and when we had the major downsizing they found themselves without opportunities," said Michael Finney, MEDC president and CEO, to MLive.com.
The program gives accepted applicants the opportunity to attend special networking events, resume evaluations, they can take part in mock job interviewing, and can even have career assessments done. Also included in the program is a six-week long, 80-hour internship. Although the internship is unpaid, it does give program participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in small businesses.
Program participants will attend workshops that focus on different approaches to making career transitions, refining business skills, and various other focuses on professional development.
Over 200 people have completed the program since it began in 2009. Within three months of completion, close to half were able to get jobs. Within six months well over half found employment.
Applications are currently being taken for the Michigan Shifting Gears program. The fee for the program is $500 per person, with the remaining $5,000 of the total cost covered by the MEDC.
The next round of the program is planned to take place from June 29 through October 10.
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