KALAMAZOO – Southwest

Michigan First announced Tuesday the launch of its new internship web portal: MIINTERNSHIP.com, a one-stop source for employers and students to post and find

internship, apprenticeship, fellowship and co-op positions throughout the

Southwest Michigan Region.

“As a state,

we’ve experienced a noticeable brain drain with the departure of educated

20-somethings to cities like Chicago or New York upon graduation,” said Ron

Kitchens, chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First. “With so many

full-time positions currently available in the Southwest Michigan Region, we’ve

developed this program to connect young talent to opportunities here.”

The site

boasts free internship postings for regional employers and an easy application

process for students. The site also features educational resources, local

internship success stories and a student-led intern experience blog,

#MIINTERNLife, to ensure that employers and students can access the information

they need to be successful with their internship strategies.

“Great

internships are a win-win for the region,” said Kitchens. “Students gain

hands-on experience while building important connections, and employers get

access to top talent that will build their competitiveness today and in future

markets.”

Southwest

Michigan employers in every sector – business, not-for-profit, government,

education and faith-based – are invited to post available internships

year-round and at no cost. MIINTERNSHIP.com will be marketed to regional

students, faculty advisors, career offices and parents to draw emerging talent

to the site. Interested organizations can submit their available internship

postings by visiting MIINTERNSHIP.com and clicking on the EMPLOYERS tab, or

view the easy 3-step instructions here.

Students at

all levels of education are invited to view available internships and apply

directly through the site by visiting MIINTERNSHIP.com and clicking on the

STUDENTS tab.

To view this new talent resource for the

Southwest Michigan Region, visit MIINTERNSHIP.com