GTRI: Global Talent Belongs Here!

How does a state like Michigan keep its talented university graduates who are from overseas? How do Michigan-educated international students hook up with employers for internships and eventual employment? Feel Like You Belong welcomes Jeff Towns, Executive Director of Michigan’s Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI) along with Trinidad-born Yasha Nath, a Michigan college grad with the kinds of skills the state is clamoring for. Encouraging news for international students who want to stay in the state after graduation as well as for U.S. employers looking to navigate the unfamiliar waters of hiring foreign-born employees.

GTRI website: http://www.migtri.org/

Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.