Michigan Career Planning

Launch your career in Michigan's diverse economy with strategic planning, industry connections, and comprehensive preparation for professional success.

Michigan's Key Industries

Automotive

Global automotive capital with major manufacturers and suppliers

+10%
Job Growth
$80,000+
Avg Salary

Major Employers:

Ford
General Motors
Stellantis
Bosch

Key Skills:

Engineering expertise
Manufacturing knowledge
Quality control
Innovation mindset
Engineering & Manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing and engineering across multiple sectors

+12%
Job Growth
$75,000+
Avg Salary

Major Employers:

Whirlpool
Steelcase
Kellogg
Dow Chemical

Key Skills:

Technical expertise
Process improvement
Project management
Quality assurance
Healthcare & Life Sciences

Major health systems and pharmaceutical companies

+18%
Job Growth
$70,000+
Avg Salary

Major Employers:

Henry Ford Health
Beaumont Health
Pfizer
Abbott

Key Skills:

Clinical experience
Research skills
Patient care
Medical technology
Technology

Growing tech sector including automotive tech and software

+20%
Job Growth
$90,000+
Avg Salary

Major Employers:

Quicken Loans
Ford Smart Mobility
Google
Microsoft

Key Skills:

Programming
Data analysis
Software development
Digital innovation

Career Development Resources

Michigan Works!

Statewide workforce development and career services system

Statewide
Career counseling
Job placement
Skills training
Apprenticeships
University Career Centers

Comprehensive career services at Michigan colleges and universities

All major universities
Career advising
Internship programs
Job fairs
Alumni networks
Industry Partnerships

Strong connections between academia and Michigan industries

Major universities
Co-op programs
Research partnerships
Internships
Job placement
Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

Growing startup and innovation support throughout Michigan

Major cities
Business incubators
Startup accelerators
Funding opportunities
Mentorship

Four-Year Career Preparation Timeline

Freshman Year

Foundation & Exploration

Discover interests and build strong foundation

Key Activities:

Career assessments
Major exploration
Campus involvement
Skill building
Sophomore Year

Skill Development

Develop relevant skills and professional network

Key Activities:

Declare major
Leadership opportunities
Career fairs
Professional development
Junior Year

Experience & Connections

Gain practical experience and industry knowledge

Key Activities:

Internships/co-ops
Research projects
Industry connections
Portfolio development
Senior Year

Career Launch

Successfully transition to career or graduate school

Key Activities:

Job applications
Graduate school prep
Interview preparation
Transition planning

Michigan Career Outlook by Field

Automotive Engineering

$70,000 - $130,000
Very High Demand

Healthcare

$60,000 - $150,000
Very High Demand

Manufacturing

$55,000 - $105,000
High Demand

Technology

$75,000 - $140,000
Very High Demand

Education

$45,000 - $80,000
Moderate Demand

Business

$55,000 - $110,000
High Demand

Ready to Launch Your Michigan Career?

Use CollegeCompass to connect your college experience with career success in Michigan's thriving economy.