Why Greater Grand Rapids

Talent

Greater Grand Rapids is a thriving regional economy with access to a robust talent pipeline. The region is home to more than 20 colleges and universities, and its workforce is comprised of motivated, innovative and highly skilled professionals.

The Right Place works closely with our strategic partner, Hello West Michigan, to make it easy for area companies to connect with top talent. Hello West Michigan serves as a single source for accessing, attracting, and retaining talent in West Michigan. By leveraging their expertise alongside your talent recruitment efforts, the result is a winning talent strategy across the board.

Contact Victor for more information

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Victor Joaquin

Talent Program Manager

As Talent Program Manager for The Right Place, Victor works on establishing collaborative relationships between businesses, colleges, universities, and organizations dedicated to the flourishing of communities in West Michigan.

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Regional Education Data

View the most recent data on higher education in the Greater Grand Rapids region, including college enrollment numbers, top degrees by field and educational attainment rates.

More on Education

Regional Workforce Data

View the most recent data on Greater Grand Rapids' regional workforce, including top occupation groups, average wages, union membership and more.

More on Workforce

Demographics Data

View the most recent data on Greater Grand Rapids' demographic makeup.

See Demographics Data

Innovative Internships with Michigan STEM Forward

Ann Arbor SPARK and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have launched Michigan STEM Forward, a statewide program that matches students attending Michigan colleges and universities with internship opportunities at the state’s leading innovative companies.

Get Involved

Become a Hello West Michigan member company

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Rachel Gray

Executive Director, Hello West Michigan

As the Executive Director for Hello West Michigan, Rachel leads the organization’s strategy, operations, and membership. She helps educate employers and prospective candidates about the region.

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Jessica Kuster

Program Manager, Hello West Michigan

Jessica serves as the Program Manager for Hello West Michigan, where she oversees the internship and candidate connection programs, marketing and communication needs, and facilitates member orientation and training programs.

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Upcoming Talent Learning Labs

Talent Learning Lab: How to Combat Unconscious Bias in Recruiting

Talent Learning Lab: How to Combat Unconscious Bias in Recruiting

Save the date for our Talent Learning Lab on March 29.

March 29, 2023
2:00PM–5:00PMThe Right Place
Talent Learning Lab: Protecting your Workplace from Toxic Behavior

Talent Learning Lab: Protecting your Workplace from Toxic Behavior

Save the date for our Talent Learning Lab on April 11. More info coming soon!

April 11, 2023
2:00PM–5:00PMThe Right Place
Tech Founders Happy Hour

Tech Founders Happy Hour

Join the Technology Council of West Michigan and The Right Place for the Tech Founders Happy Hour!

May 18, 2023
3:00PM–6:00PMMichigan Software Labs