Hello West Michigan

Hello West Michigan From Kalamazoo to Holland, Grand Rapids to Muskegon, the region’s employers have joined together.

We’re building a better future for West Michigan Business, by attracting and retaining the nation’s top talent. People are unaware of the career opportunities and exciting lifestyles West Michigan has to offer. HWM exists to:
• Promote West Michigan as a place where business thrives and people want to live and work
• Increase the rate of success member companies have in their efforts to recruit

top talent
• Collaborate with organizations across the region to help new residents find their fit in West Michigan

Seeking the best for West Michigan, Hello West Michigan fosters cooperation throughout West Michigan to recruit and retain talent. HWM is an employer-driven and non-profit membership organization, serving as an advocate for talent and provides downstream support to them, and their families, as they settle into their new lives in West Michigan.

Say cheese — and thank you, Fifth Wheel Freight! FWF is a West Michigan-based logistics and transportation company that ...
05/26/2026

Say cheese — and thank you, Fifth Wheel Freight! FWF is a West Michigan-based logistics and transportation company that prides itself on out-servicing anyone — and today, that spirit extends to our interns. Thanks to their generous sponsorship, all attendees at West Michigan Intern Connect will have the opportunity to walk away with a free professional headshot and one less thing to worry about as they launch their careers.

A huge thank you to our Full Conference Sponsor, Gentex Corporation, for making West Michigan Intern Connect possible! H...
05/22/2026

A huge thank you to our Full Conference Sponsor, Gentex Corporation, for making West Michigan Intern Connect possible!

Headquartered right here in Zeeland, MI, Gentex is a global technology company creating innovative products for the automotive, aerospace, fire protection, and medical industries — and an 8-time winner of Top Workplaces in Michigan. They walk the talk when it comes to investing in early talent: their internship program is one of the most robust in West Michigan, offering hands-on, cross-functional experience across engineering, IT, marketing, HR, supply chain, and more.

We're grateful to have such a committed partner in building the future of West Michigan's workforce.

Building a network is an essential, but intimidating, part of building your career, especially in West Michigan. Join us...
05/20/2026

Building a network is an essential, but intimidating, part of building your career, especially in West Michigan. Join us for Networking 101 — an interactive session at this year's West Michigan Intern Connect. Guided by Celeste Ross and Steve Zaagman — two of West Michigan's most magnetic community connectors, known for their big personalities and a knack for bringing people together — this session will leave you with a sense of confidence and know-how as you kick off your career.

Register for West Michigan Intern Connect today!

What's the #1 mistake interns make? We asked someone who's seen it all. Misti Stanton from Mercantile Bank is on the po...
05/15/2026

What's the #1 mistake interns make? We asked someone who's seen it all. Misti Stanton from Mercantile Bank is on the podcast this week and she is not holding back — career pivots, internship red flags, networking tricks, and her favorite spots in Grand Rapids. New episode out now!
https://f.mtr.cool/gmqwmclqca

New episode is LIVE — and this one is packed. We sat down with Celeste Ross, MBA, SHRM-CP and she did not come to play. ...
05/13/2026

New episode is LIVE — and this one is packed.

We sat down with Celeste Ross, MBA, SHRM-CP and she did not come to play. Celeste is an HR Director, career coach, VP of the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber of Commerce, and one of the most energizing voices in the West Michigan young professional community.

If you're early in your career or trying to find your footing in West Michigan, hit play. You'll be glad you did.

https://f.mtr.cool/mpacsolgnq

We sat down with Cindy Brown, Employer Development Manager at Grand Valley State University, for the real talk every int...
05/12/2026

We sat down with Cindy Brown, Employer Development Manager at Grand Valley State University, for the real talk every intern and young professional needs to hear.

From navigating the West Michigan job market to landing a full-time offer, tackling imposter syndrome, and learning how to network — this episode is packed with advice you can actually use.

Listen now!
https://f.mtr.cool/wcgsckaden

🎙️ Episode 1 of Intern Connect is LIVE!Host Karen George sits down with alumni Elise Rapeyko and Matthew Streeter to tal...
05/05/2026

🎙️ Episode 1 of Intern Connect is LIVE!

Host Karen George sits down with alumni Elise Rapeyko and Matthew Streeter to talk about turning internships into careers, networking tips no one tells you, and what made them choose to stay in West Michigan.

Whether you're a current intern or just figuring out your next move — this one's for you. 🎧

🔗 Listen now! [link in bio]

The best networks aren’t built overnight—they’re built with consistency. Show up, follow up, and focus on people, not nu...
04/15/2026

The best networks aren’t built overnight—they’re built with consistency. Show up, follow up, and focus on people, not numbers.

Come connect with intention on June 10th at West Michigan Intern Connect! Register using the link below.

https://f.mtr.cool/wsqteybfhn

Networking doesn’t end with the conversation. Follow up with a short, personal message that references what you talked a...
04/08/2026

Networking doesn’t end with the conversation. Follow up with a short, personal message that references what you talked about. That’s where real connections start.

Are you looking for more ways to connect? Check out West Michigan Intern Connect and register today!
https://f.mtr.cool/sguimudmho

Michigan's largest intern conference is back. Get your brand in front of tomorrow's top talent. Sponsor West Michigan In...
04/06/2026

Michigan's largest intern conference is back. Get your brand in front of tomorrow's top talent. Sponsor West Michigan Intern Connect today.

Address

25 Ottawa Avenue SW, Ste 400
Grand Rapids, MI
49503

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

(616)8189080

Website

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