What Stuck: Hello West Michigan Intern Connect Event Recap

Intern season is in full swing here in Grand Rapids, and I couldn't be more excited to be part of the action. As offices buzz with the energy of ambitious young adults eager to apply their skills, there's a palpable blend of enthusiasm and nervous anticipation as we navigate our new roles, striving to make meaningful contributions to our teams.

To ease the nerves and foster a sense of community among young professionals, Hello West Michigan organized an empowering Intern Connect event on June 26 at GLC 20 Monroe Live in downtown Grand Rapids. This gathering brought together interns from many companies, including Meijer, Amway, RDV, Gordon Food Service, Spartan Nash, Hayworth, and Steelcase. The day featured keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and a panel discussion.

I gained the most insight from the keynote speakers, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share what I learned with all of you!

Hilary Doe:

Hilary Doe, the Chief Growth Officer for the state of Michigan, plays a crucial role in retaining talent in the West Michigan area. During her talk, she highlighted compelling reasons to build a career in the state and shared a powerful piece of advice. She emphasized that the key to a successful career is pairing audacity with humility. In her words, "Have the audacity to take on something big, and the humility to know you cannot do it alone."

Kimberley Brown: 

Kimberley walked on stage in a vibrant, multi-colored striped silk pantsuit, exuding confidence and wisdom. As a career leadership expert and author of "Next Move, Best Move: A Strategic Approach to Lasting Careers," Kimberley has a remarkable talent for inspiring self-belief in others. One key takeaway from her speech was the importance of cultivating a strong personal brand. She explained that your personal and professional brand is cumulative of how your entire network perceives you. 

Another significant point she made was to "get clear on where you're coming from to understand where you are going." Many young professionals early in their careers, feel uncertain about their past experiences and future goals, often getting lost in countless job descriptions. Kimberley advised creating a professional self-assessment by listing past jobs and the skills gained from each. Then, use those insights to craft a job description that aligns with your skills, interests, and passions. Search for a job on those bases. 

Finally, she emphasized the importance of strategic planning: "Ask yourself, 'Where do I want to be in ten years? Where do I need to be in five years to get there, and in two years?' Use these milestones to bridge gaps and make informed, strategic decisions for your career."

Dwight Bowman:

Gordon Foods Service’s DEI specialist, Dwight Bowman, delivered an enlightening talk on harnessing the power of LinkedIn to advance our careers. He emphasized the value of investing in knowledge, saying, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." Bowman broke down his insights into three main areas. First, he described the “About” section as an elevator pitch, encouraging the audience to craft a compelling story that showcases their skills and experiences. Next, he advised optimizing the “Header” section by highlighting areas of study and incorporating relevant keywords to increase visibility. For the “Professional Experience” section, Bowman recommended researching and using industry-specific "buzzwords" to enhance profiles. Lastly, he underscored the importance of networking and engagement on LinkedIn, noting that relationships are the key to achieving tangible results. His guidance provided a comprehensive approach to leveraging LinkedIn effectively, making it a powerful tool for professional growth.

As I reflect on the event, I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from such accomplished professionals and connect with fellow interns. The wisdom shared at the Intern Connect event has not only equipped me with strategies to enhance my career but has also inspired a newfound confidence to take on the challenges ahead.

Eileen Schuring is an incoming senior at Grand Valley State University, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. She is excited to begin her third year with GVPRSSA, where she will serve as Vice President of Chapter Development. Eileen currently works as a Communications Intern at RDV Corporation. After graduating in April 2025, she aspires to secure a role in Public Relations or Marketing, where she can make meaningful contributions to her community.