Ann Arbor employers launch summer program designed to retain young talent

Local employers are partnering on a new summer program for college interns and young professionals in an effort to highlight some of the many opportunities Washtenaw County has to offer.

AfterWork will offer social and professional programming to participants in an effort to help them connect with one another, their community, and other businesses and organizations. The ultimate goal is to encourage college students and recent graduates to continue to live, work, and play in Washtenaw County.

“We’re really excited about it,” says chief matchmaker Amy Cell, whose company, Amy Cell Talent, is managing the program. “We know that this will really support the region in terms of attracting and retaining the talent that we need.”

AfterWork’s founding sponsors are Ann Arbor SPARK, Arbormoon Software, Arbor Networks, Bank of Ann Arbor, ITHAKA, and Thomson Reuters. Together, the companies have committed more than 60 interns to the program. Since the goal is to get upwards of 300 interns involved, the program is still seeking additional community partners.

Throughout a decade of work in talent attraction, Cell has learned people will decide where they want to live and work based on opportunity and experience. AfterWork will call attention to the region’s density of professional opportunities and its variety of social and recreational opportunities.

At least 10 outings will be hosted throughout the summer as part of the program. Some of the events include a tour of Michigan Stadium, a Gallup Park cleanup, and an Ann Arbor Art Fair meetup.

College interns, young professionals, or local employers interested in participating in AfterWork should call (734) 747-2936 or email info@AmyCellTalent.com to learn more.

Brianna Kelly is the project manager for On the Ground Ypsi and an Ypsilanti resident. She has worked for The Associated Press and has freelanced for The Detroit News and Crain’s Detroit Business.

Photos courtesy of Amy Cell Talent.