MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich.—The University of Michigan has been named nonprofit Employer of the Year by Crain’s Detroit Business and the Detroit Regional Chamber’s InternInMichigan.com program.

Because students who intern in Michigan are far more likely to take permanent jobs here, the chamber has made boosting internships a major priority at its last two Mackinac Regional Policy Conferences. The award, presented for the first time this year, recognizes U-M’s Development Summer Internship Program.

“Our commitment to the Michigan economy includes creating and supporting careers for new graduates. We want to keep talented graduates in the state, and internships are an excellent path to full-time employment,” said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman. “We are pleased to expose students to careers in philanthropy through our innovative Development Summer Internship Program.”

U-M was judged the best nonprofit while Southfield-based Barton Malow, a contractor on several U-M construction projects including the stadium renovations, was honored as the best private company. A Wayne State University student, Yan Isayev, was honored as Best Intern for his work at Blue Cross Blue Shield.

U-M’s Development Summer Internship Program offers students a 12-week paid internship that combines four days of work with weekly learning sessions in a related U-M philanthropy course, leadership development workshops and retreats. In addition, U-M’s No. 1-ranked master’s program in higher education administration now has a master’s concentration in philanthropy, advancement and development.

U-M alumnus Brittany Affolter-Caine, program director of InternInMichigan.com, has worked with all 15 of Michigan’s public universities and private employers to help build interest in internships so that college graduates will be more familiar with job opportunities in the state.

While stressing that the winners were judged and selected by the Crain’s news staff, she said the U-M program serves as a role model for ways to attract and retain the most talented young people who often wind up getting permanent jobs with those same employers. She noted several Barton Malow employees started there as interns.

Affolter-Caine said InternInMichigan.com is looking forward to a fall second-generation upgrade designed by Digerati Inc., a company founded by U-M alumni while they were still in school. The current version of the website has grown to 13,506 registered students and 1,079 Michigan employers, though she said many more have used the site to make connections.

Related Links:

• Development Summer Internship Program
• Crain’s Detroit Business article