December 10, 2021
December is Career Exploration and Awareness Month
By Ryan Hundt
Over the course of the past year, one in four people have quit their job, fueling what is dubbed the “Great Resignation.” However, many workers aren’t just quitting their jobs but are instead switching industries in well-planned career pivots. What better time to think about career exploration than now!
To recognize the state’s urgent and growing need for talent and the programs and services in place to help engage residents in employment, training, and educational opportunities, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is encouraging Michiganders to explore the many career pathways available to them during Career Exploration and Awareness Month.
There is a critical need for Michiganders to have access to the resources and tools they need for career exploration at any stage in life. From young students just launching their careers, to individuals re-entering the workforce, to those who are considering a change in their current profession, there are a wide variety of resources available to help prepare Michiganders for high-demand, high-wage pathways across the state.
Individuals of all ages are encouraged to check out the Michigan Career and Education Pathfinder at Pathfinder.MiTalent.org to explore careers and identify educational opportunities throughout the state. Pathfinder was recently enhanced to better support residents looking to make informed choices about educational and career options. This free tool uses current information related to employment and the workforce, as well as data about the relationship between education and training programs. Perhaps most importantly, this tool allows users to better match skills to career paths and jobs.
It is imperative that parents, counselors, coaches, and influencers of the state’s youth make an extra effort to regularly have meaningful conversations with students about the different career options available to them, as many Michigan students leave high school and college without the knowledge of the skills needed for high-demand, high-wage careers. These conversations need to continue as adults navigate career options and make changes in employment and education.
For those looking for job opportunities available in Michigan, visit Pure Michigan Talent Connect -- the state’s system for connecting Michigan job seekers and employers. There are over 100,000 jobs available on the site right now.
The Michigan Works! network is proud to play an integral part in assisting employers across many industry sectors in establishing training programs such as Registered Apprenticeships and expanding existing training programs, as well as helping job seekers connect to these career opportunities to create a diverse pipeline of skilled workers to meet the industry’s talent needs.
Now, more than ever, Michigan residents must better understand they have many options and that there are multiple career pathways which include pursuing stackable credentials, certificates, and degrees. Michigan Works! is here to better prepare Michigan residents to understand that a globally competitive workforce requires a commitment to lifelong learning.
Career Exploration and Awareness Month also ties into Gov. Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal, which aims to increase the percentage of adults in the state with a postsecondary degree or credential by the year 2030. Michiganders interested in education beyond high school, to gain the skills they need for rewarding careers, are encouraged to explore free education and training resources like the Michigan Reconnect program that provides free tuition to Michiganders age 25 and older.
You can find more information about the Michigan Works! network and the services offered at www.michiganworks.org.