So last night was the MSU Professional Writing Program Town Hall meeting on finding communication job opportunities in Michigan. All in all it went well – there was a good crowd attending, there were knowledgeable professionals on the panels, and the students asked smart and important questions. Public speaking is not my forte (I prefer to write!) and I left feeling like there was a lot more I wanted to say – more practical tips and advice for finding writing jobs in Michigan.

So here it goes – These are questions that were on the panelist preview [opens as pdf in new window], but not directly asked at the town hall.  The answers are expanded versions of my notes that didn’t make it into the discussion:

Q: How are professional writers playing a part in revitalizing the Michigan economy?

Take a look at what the city of Detroit is doing. The Metro Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Tourism Economic Development Council has spent the last couple years working on the relaunch of the ”D-Brand” – or embracing Detroit for what it is and selling it as hip, edgy, and cool in the hopes to attract tourists and in turn investors who can create jobs. It’s people with PW skills who are helping to shape this re-branding effort – and in turn helping to bring in new business and create other jobs for the rising creative class.

Lansing should be taking a close look at what Detroit is doing and trying to replicate the plan. Take a look at Old Town Lansing – this area has seen considerable growth and prosperity in the last few years. There are no less than 8-10 design/media/marketing firms right there within blocks of each other. Research these organizations. Old Town is also home to several non-profits. Visit their web sites and see who is hiring.

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