July 17, 2023
Are you considering moving to Michigan or already live here and want to learn more about the state’s top industries for a thriving career? From automotive and mobility to defense, transportation, distribution, logistics, health care, and information technology, Michigan has a wealth of opportunities for young professionals to make the most of. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the state’s key industry clusters. Read on to learn more!
The automotive and mobility industry is a major powerhouse in Michigan, providing more than 1.1 million jobs and accounting for $304 billion of the state’s annual economic output. This sector includes traditional automotive manufacturing and, more recently, cutting-edge electric and autonomous vehicle technology, allowing young professionals to be part of an exciting industry shift. Michigan is also home to a world-class network of suppliers, with 96 out of 100 top suppliers having a presence or headquarters in the state, as well as the number one exporter of transportation equipment in the U.S.
As the world’s auto capital, Michigan is a great place for young professionals interested in starting or growing their careers in the high-tech automotive and mobility industry. Job opportunities for various positions, from engineering to communications to human resources, are available at top employers like Bollinger Motors, Bosch, and General Motors.
Find your dream job in high-tech automotive and mobility on the Let’s Detroit job board.
Defense is another top industry in Michigan, riding off the state’s automotive and mobility success. During World War II, Detroit accepted President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s call to become the “Arsenal of Democracy,” providing the weapons and vehicles necessary for victory. Today, as the automotive industry’s global leader, both in production and research and development, this Region is once again driving the rapid evolution of the vehicle and its increasingly automated future. The state’s defense industry has been doing so well that it contributed $31 billion in economic activity through 155,000 defense-related jobs and 17 commands and installations.
Young professionals interested in working within this industry should consider the many career opportunities available, including engineering or administrative positions at companies like Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics.
The transportation, distribution, and logistics industry is a key part of Michigan’s economy, as the Detroit/Toledo/Windsor Region is crucial for moving goods throughout the Midwest and North America. With major airports, four railroads, and some of the busiest borders connecting the U.S. and Canada, the Detroit Region is one of North America’s premier logistics hubs.
Young professionals interested in pursuing a career in this industry can find a variety of jobs, from truck driving to customer service and management positions. Companies like DHL and Penske Logistics constantly seek new talent.
The health care industry in Michigan is booming, with more than 570,000 direct jobs. The state is home to some of the top hospitals and research centers in the nation, like Corewell Health and Henry Ford Health, as well as some of the best medical schools, such as the University of Michigan Medical School.
In 2018, the Detroit Region achieved notoriety for its talent pool, including having the tenth-largest health care workforce in the nation. In 2022, the industry also had over 138,294 jobs in ambulatory health care services, 108,503 in hospitals, and 48,255 in nursing and residential care facilities. These numbers are encouraging for Michigan young professionals interested in health care, as they have many opportunities to find their dream job in their dream setting, whether as an aide, technician, practitioner, or another role.
Michigan’s information technology industry is growing rapidly, with a thriving workforce supported by some of the Region’s top employers like Logicalis Inc. and MSX International Inc. This sector includes software engineering, analyst, and development positions at major tech companies and business-focused roles at startups. More than 60 institutions also offer computer and IT certificates and degrees, making transitioning into this industry extremely feasible for those seeking a new career.
Young professionals interested in taking advantage of all that Michigan’s top industry clusters have to offer should start by exploring the Let’s Detroit job board. With many opportunities available across various industries, finding a position suited to your skills and interests is simple. There are also plenty of resources for those who want to learn more about the industry before they apply, such as attending networking events and connecting with Ambassadors who actively work at some of the top companies in the Region.
Written by Krishaun Burns, Let’s Detroit
