Hired By: Media Genesis
Title: Business Development Associate

Why did you choose this job?

I chose this job because I love to meet people and network. Also, in the web development industry there are endless possibilities. The ideas I have when brainstorming with a client can become a reality that helps to grow their business. It's very exciting.

What are your duties and responsibilities?

Whether it's through outbound calls, participating in establishing meetings, networking events or business networking groups, I introduce businesses to Media Genesis and the services we offer on a daily basis.

What's the best thing that's happened to you so far since starting the job?

It is an amazing feeling every time I connect with an organization that is excited about  strengthening their presence online, and is convinced that Media Genesis is the perfect company to help them reach that goal.

What's the best thing about working for this company?

There are two great things about working for Media Genesis. First, the services we offer are so irrefutably valuable in this day and age, that people are genuinely intrigued when I engage them. Second, clients are so pleased with the product we deliver that our portfolio practically sells itself.

Why did you choose to work in Michigan?

I always thought I'd want to move somewhere warmer when I graduated college, but I don't want to leave my family, friends and the state I grew up in. In times like these, we have to give back to the state that gave us so much. Gandhi said it best, "Be the change you wish to see..." Let's fix this place up a bit.

Hired By: Perrigo
Title: NDA/ANDA Regulatory Manager

Why Did You Choose This Job? It's all about being at the right place at the right time! It's an exciting time to be at Perrigo, as they increase their focus on prescription drug products and nutritionals while continuously supporting new launches and higher volume sales in their OTC portfolio. I believe greater investments in new product pipeline, vertical integration, and global expansion (BRIC markets) will present new opportunities for career advancement.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? My responsibilities fall within Regulatory Affairs of supporting NDA/ANDA applications. More specifically, it is about obtaining drug product approvals (with exclusivity), which allows us to be first-to-market or at least, a part of wave one market launches to gain the greatest market-share. We support Perrigo's business objectives by submitting high quality applications to FDA (or other agencies) to meet first-to-file opportunities and to improve our new drug development/regulatory cycle times to ensure quicker approvals in order to meet the needs of our customers who are seeking affordable healthcare drug products.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened to You so Far in This Job? The best thing that has happened to me since starting the job is meeting and knowing that I will be working with some talented professionals who have a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge. I have had the privilege to meet some wonderful and kind people who have gone above and beyond to help me transition into my new home and role.

What's the Best hing About Working for Perrigo? Perrigo has a bright and promising future! I strongly believe that with increasing changes in the pharmaceutical landscape, from a molecule complexity and patent perspective, Perrigo has found a very unique niche that differentiates them from the rest of their competitors. Holistically Perrigo has great potential for sustainable profitability with their understanding of market-forces: by increasing the barriers to entry through their diverse product portfolio mix, by decreasing their supplier power through vertical integration and better supply chain management, and meeting the increased needs of their customers by delivering on their promises. But just as importantly, supporting continuous improvement initiatives and acknowledging today's challenges and the need for change in order to support tomomorrow's future/growth.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? I transitioned from Toronto, Canada to Grand Rapids, Michigan because I believed in Perrigo's future. Michigan is close to Canada and allows me to be in close proximity to my family.

Grand Rapids seems like a fun place to live, which supports many events and venues to accommodate all sorts of interests.

Finally, I am impressed on how GR has been able to successfully transform its economic climate from an 'automotive/furniture manufacturing' hub to a 'medical/pharma' hub attracting talent from all over the world.

Hired By: Rainbow Rehab
Title: Physical Therapist

Why Did You Choose This Job? I went to school for physical therapy and I knew I wanted to work with the neuro population. During the interview process, I felt welcome and really felt a real family environment. The work Rainbow does for these clients is real and compassionate, and I felt it right off the bat.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? As a physical therapist, I am responsible for evaluating, creating care plans, treating and measuring outcomes for individuals who have experienced a brain injury. I help them get back to walking, among other functional tasks that are part of their everyday lives.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened So Far? The best thing happens every day for me, seeing my clients progress and achieve goals we have set and eventually being able to get back to their homes and soon back to work.

What's the Best Thing About Working for Rainbow? The people, including employees, clients and family members make this job worth it. It is like one big family, where everyone is caring and looking out for those around them. The work is fulfilling, meaningful and relevant.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? I grew up in Michigan and have lived here my entire life. I couldn't imagine moving anywhere else to find a job.

Hired By: Perrigo
Title: Sales Coordinator

Why Did You Choose This Job? I chose to work for Perrigo for the vast opportunities of advancement and key industry prospects. With previous experience gained within a sales environment, I felt my best opportunity to learn the company was through the sales department.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? My responsibilities include working with business associates in ensuring new sales are routed to the correct departments for planning, development, completion to manufacture. I further ensure key prospects are followed closely so as to assume the responsibility of communicating product flow and completion to sales management.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened to You So Far in This Job? From day one, I was warmly welcomed by my new colleagues. Since I started during the holiday season, I was greeted with Secret Santa gifts, holiday luncheons and much more. The sense of being enveloped within the company culture so quickly has been a wonderful experience.

What's the Best Thing About Working for Perrigo? The perks of working with Perrigo far outweigh any company I have interviewed or worked for in the past. From outright loyalty to their employees to the extended benefits, Perrigo offers an environment condusive to high morale.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? I grew up in the State of Michigan and have always enjoyed keeping close contact with my friends and relatives. Furthermore, I realized it takes much more than just 'up and leaving' to make a significant move. I remember times growing up when my friends and I would joyfully exclaim, "I'm moving out of Michigan as soon as I graduate!" As I matured, however, I realized that I need much more time with my family and friends before I would even consider leaving my home base.

Hired By: Lifton Institute for Media Skills
Title: Marketing Assistant
School: University of Michigan Dearborn

Why Did You Choose This Job? I originally wanted to have a career with a non-profit organization, however I fell into the film industry and I wouldn't have it any other way! I love the idea that we are creating a workforce in the film industry right here in Michigan! I couldn't be happier working for LIMS.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? I work in admissions, helping people find their place in the film industry. I also help with the marketing side of LIMS, creating radio advertisements, creating open houses and job fairs.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened To You So Far In This Position? The best thing that has happened to me is that this job has changed who I am. I never would have thought I would find my career in the film industry, and now I can't picture my life doing anything else. The exciting atmosphere and down to earth people really makes me love to come to work every day.

What's the Best Thing About Working for LIMS? Honestly, the best part about this job is the fact that it doesn't even feel like work. The people are great, and to know that we are giving people a second chance at a career is so exciting! I know that we are making a difference in people's live, it's really inspiring.

Why Did You Choose Michigan? My family and friends are in Michigan, I did not want to leave them. I love Michigan, and feel that our state is going to turn around soon. I mean, my job is to create jobs for more people in the metro Detroit area, so have hope and things will turn around very soon!

Hired By: Deloitte
Title: Enterprise Risk Services Consultant
School: Michigan State University

Why Did You Choose This Job? I graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in accounting. While attending college at MSU, I was a teaching assistant for a computer class and really enjoyed working with computers and the helping aspect of being a teaching assistant. I wanted to find a job that would incorporate both my accounting background and my computer/teaching skills. This job has allowed me to do just that!

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? I work on audit engagements usually with 2-3 other consultants. Our engagement team helps our client(s) with any technology and/or business risks that they may have by performing our audit over their controls. I contribute to the audits by testing our client's general computer controls and/or business process controls to determine whether or not they have effective controls in place around potential risk areas.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened So Far in This Job? This job has allowed me to finally think about buying a house and being on my own. It feels rewarding to finally start thinking about independence and beginning that chapter of my life.

What's the Best Thing About Working for Deloitte? I think the best thing about my job at Deloitte is that I am constantly learning. Every day on the job I learn something new and it keeps things interesting. I know that all the knowledge I am gaining every day will contribute to the progression of my career at Deloitte.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? I chose to work in MIchigan because I have spent my entire life in Michigan and can't imagine not being here. All my friends and family live here and they are the most important part of my life; because of them, I did not even consider leaving Michigan. Another reason I stayed is the Upper Peninsula. I love to spend time up there every summer and just relax by the lake and go fishing; it's one of my favorite things to do and there is no place like the UP.

Hired By: McKesson Pharmacy Systems
Title: IT Project Manager
School: University of Detroit Mercy

Why Did You Choose This Job? I want to work in a challenging environment that allows me to work with people from different career backgrounds, cultures and different job position levels. McKesson provides an information/knowledge sharing environment that will aid in career development.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? I manage software and application development projects. I work with teams to develop a project schedule with detail overall timeline and lead the team to successful completion of the project goal. I also manage project budget, scope and project team.

What's the Best Thing That Has Happened So Far in This Job? I have gained a tremendous amount of hands on experience and increase in job responsibility that will contribute to me being a better project manager.

What's the Best Thing About Working for McKesson? There is a lot of opportunity for growth and access to tools to aid in career development. The key is taking advantage of it which I have already begun to do.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? I am actively a part of many professional networks here in Michigan that I want to maintain. These relationships have helped me develop my career here in the Michigan job market. Also, I have lived here for more than half my life and I love the area and people where I live.

Additional Info About Me: I also co-own ShutterBooth of Atlanta with a partner since September 2009. Shutterbooths are elegantly designed photo booths that provide entertainment as well as keepsakes for party guests at everything from weddings to social parties to Bar-Bat Mitvahs. Shutterbooth was founded in Royal Oak, MI just a few years ago. We have local offices in 24 cities across the US and are still growing.

I was laid off from the automobile industry last year and it made me look at my future as it pertains to my career differently. I took the opportunity to start this company because I wanted to take control of my life, have financial freedom and not just be working from 9-5 for a company knowing that at any day they can lay me off. I enjoy being a project manager but I want to manage something of my own, something that belongs to me.

Hired By: St. John Hospital and Medical Center
Title: Registered Nurse
School: University of Madonna

Why Did You Choose This Job? I graduated with a B.S. in nursing from the University of Madonna in May. My undergraduate career prepared me for a job as a nurse. I work in the surgical intensive care unit. I chose this job because not only is it the unit that I found most exciting, it also gives you the experience you would need to do just about anything involved with nursing, such as management or furthering your education.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? As a nurse in the SICU, it is my responsibility to monitor postoperative patients who are at an increased risk than the normal patient and relay the findings to the physicians. We are also a trauma unit so many traumas that occur in the area come directly to us, be it a motor vehicle accident or a gun shot wound. We also deal with neurological injuries.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened to You So Far in Your Position? The best thing that has happened to me since I began this job is the feeling that I get knowing that I can support my family and that I am also making a difference in people's lives. It is a very stressful job however it is a very rewarding job because every day I learn more and more and that helps improve my clinical skills as a healthcare professional.

What's the Best Thing About Working for St. John's? St. John Hospital and Medical Center is a great place to work. It was actually in the top 15 best places to work in Michigan in terms of a large company. The wage is competitively priced and the standards of practice are excellent. The hospital stays current with contemporary medicine and the nursing staff is treated well.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? Working in Michigan was an easy decision. Both my wife's family and mine are located in Michigan. Also being that healthcare is in demand it made my finding a job much easier. I wanted to stay in Michigan because I want to stay close to my family and I love the summers up north.

Hired By: Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies
Title: Health and Physical Education Teacher

Why Did You Choose this Job? I chose this job because of its unique setting. HFA:SCS is a middle and high school that also shares a public building with the College for Creative Studies.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? In addition to teaching 7th grade Physical Education and Health, I am also the After School Coordinator.

What's the Best Thing About Working at HFA:SCS? The best thing about working for HFA:SCS is the daily interaction with the students. Helping the students develop their skills is very rewarding.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? I received a great education in Michigan and I feel it's important to give back.

Hired By: Henry Ford West Bloomfield
School: Oakland University

Why Did You Choose This Job? I chose this job because I'd been working for a physician's office for the last three years and had experience with insurance verification. I had grown to like working in health care and was looking for something more challenging. The position offered higher pay, full benefits and better hours.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilites? Myself and the other three insurance verifiers are responsible for checking the insurance for everyone who is admitted to the hospital or is scheduled for surgery. We have to make sure their insurance is going to cover their services and get authorizations if required. When the patients are discharged and we have gathered all of the correct information we release the accounts to be billed.

What is the Best Thing That Has Happened to You at This Job? The best thing that has happened to me since I started this job is I became a homeowner! This summer I bought a condo and am able to afford it because of my new job.

What is the Best Thing About Working for Henry Ford? The best thing about working for Henry Ford West Bloomfield is the people. Everyone is nice to work with. Our supervisors keep us involved and respect our opinions. Henry Ford also offers affordable health, dental and vision insurance and retirement packages.

Why Did You Choose Michigan? I choose to work in Michigan because this is where my friends and family are and I can't imagine being anywhere else!

Hired By: Perrigo
Title: Inventory Manager

Why Did You Choose This Job? I chose this job because I love working with spreadsheets and numbers, but I also wanted to choose something where I would still have the opportunity to work with others and build relationships cross-functionally.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? One of my responsibilities is to provide high level inventory summaries of executive audiences. This includes sending out presentations and spreadsheets that are professional and accurate. Another responsibility is to audit demand signals and work with the Customer Service team to discuss findings and work through issues.

What's the Best Thing That has Happened So Far in This Job? Because this is such a complicated business, it takes a while to feel like an asset to the team. Now that I've been here almost a year, I feel more knowledgable and confident. I like the feeling that I am bringing something to the table.

What's the Best Thing About Working for Perrigo? I think there are many great things about Perrigo. One of my favorites is that it is a place where you can get involved in extra activities if you want; for example, I am starting my lean sigma yellow belt training and also participate in the fit for life program.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? I always thought I wanted to move away... until I did! Once I moved, I realized how much I love Michigan. We have great seasons, lots of diversity and plenty to do. And, most importantly for me, my family is in Michigan.

Hired By: Perrigo
Title: Validation Specialist

Why Did You Choose This Job? I had previously worked at Perrigo as a validation contractor; at the time Perrigo employees impressed me with their teamwork, productivity, competence and creativity. I left a job with comparable pay and benefits to join Perrigo as a direct hire: Perrigo's working environment was the critical factor.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? Writing and executing tests of pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging equipment.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened to You So Far in This Position? The best thing so far was being assigned to validate types of equipment that I had not previously validated. Although I've been in validation for ten years, I learn something new on each project. Catching up with my colleagues from my contracting days has also been great!

What's the Best Thing About Working for Perrigo? Perrigo is not just stable- it's growing... because it makes the products that people are demanding.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? My family and I like the changing seasons and natural beauty of Michigan. We love to picnic at Lake Michigan, and we've had a wide variety of vacations without leaving Michigan. I also appreciate the communities: the town of Allegan, where Perrigo is headquartered, is a very friendly, cohesive community.

Hired By: Cleary University
Title: Director of Communications and Community Relations

Why Did You Choose This Job? This position is a great opportunity for me to develop and implement a PR program from scratch. Cleary University has been a leader in business education since 1883, yet its longevity has not deterred administration and faculty from creating a warm, family like environment. I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable from the get-go.

What are Your Duties and Responsibilities? I handle all of the public relations activities for Cleary University and will be overseeing the school's relationships with local Chambers of Commerce, the Livingston Economic Club, Leadership Livingston and other community programs.

What is the Best Thing That's Happened So Far? I had been onboard for five days when the Livingston Economic Club brought in John Stossel (formerly of '20/20'; now of Fox News) to speak at Cleary. I had the opportunity to meet all of my local media contacts at the same time, one week into my tenure. Almost unheard of in PR!

What's the Best Thing About Working at Cleary? Everyone at Cleary- from the president to part-time adjunct faculty- understands the importance of PR and has been incredibly helpful at getting me what I need in order to do my job. I feel energized and valued when I come to work each day.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? I have lived and worked in several states and countries, however Michigan offers the best of all worlds: a rich history, natural beauty, major urban destinations, professional sports teams, world-class theatre and museums, affordable housing, a thriving network of young professionals and even an international border. We have to learn to appreciate our great state!

Hired By: Quantum Ventures of Michigan
Title: Web Designer

What are Your Duties and Responsibilities? I create and maintain several Web sites.

Why Did You Choose this Position? I took my father's advice. He often said to, "Do what you love- and you will never have to work a day in your life!" This is what I really enjoy doing and I feel very fortunate to be working in the IT field. It is always changing with something new to learn every day.

What is the Best Thing That has Happened So Far in This Job? My office has expanded and the company has purchased a new office and moved to a location that is even closer to my home. For my previous job I had to sit in traffic for at least an hour or more each way. Now my commute takes around 10 minutes.

What is the Best Thing About Working for Quantum Ventures? Quantum recently built a weight room and workout facility, complete with on-site showers and personal trainer.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? The cost of living is low compared to many metropolitan areas. I have lived in Michigan for most of my life and wouldn't want to be anywhere else!

Hired By: Everest Academy
Title: Marketing Director

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? My duties consist of internal communication with parents and staff and external marketing of the school to increase international and national enrollment.

Why Did You Choose Everest? I chose to work at Everest because I wanted to contribute to the positive leadership, moral and intellectual formation of the students who attend the school.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened So Far in Your Job? Interacting with the Everest families and learning about the positive effect Everest has had on their children.

What's the Best Thing About Working for Everest? Everyone is very passionate about working for Everest. I love being surrounded by people that give 100% for something they believe in.

Why Did You Choose Michigan? Michigan is where my family and friends are and I'm confident the state's economy will turn around if young people stick around to see it through.

Hired By: Secrest Wardle
School: University of Michigan

Why Did You Choose This Job? I've had a pretty varied experience in my practice as an attorney in this state. I worked first for a large commercial law firm, then worked at a small boutique firm, and then a medium-sized bankruptcy firm. Although all of the jobs offered good opportunities to learn and connect with different types of clients, at this point in my life I needed to find a firm that allowed me to build a more unique practice that incorporated both a commercial and family law practice, plus flexible hours that allow me to spend time with my two young children. Secrest Wardle offered that.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? I handle probably one of the most interesting assortment of cases I've ever had- ranging from defense of a variety of injury lawsuits to complicated divorces.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened to You So Far in This Position? I've been asked to manage the firm's new family law practice- not bad for only having been there a few weeks!

What's the Best Thing About Working for This Company? The people I work with and the level of interest that they each have in every case that comes throuhg the door- whether they are working on that case or not.

Why Did You Choose Michigan? Michigan is where my children are, where my family is, and in a few short hours, where my family's house in Beulah is (on gorgeous Crystal Lake). I think the best part of living in Michigan is watching the seasons change and, of course, U of M football.

Hired By: Dish Network

Why Did You Choose This Job? I chose this job because of the opportunity to advance, the pay is great and I only have a four day work week!  The biggest reason though is so I can stay in Michigan where my friends and family are.

What are Your Duties and Responsibilities? My duties and responsibilities are to install satellite dishes for the new Dish Network customers. I make sure that they are completely satisfied with the installation, where the satellite dish is located, the signal strength is where it needs to be, where the cables are run, how the receiver was connected to their televisions and their programming package is what they desire.

What's the best Thing That's Happened to You So Far in This Job? The best thing that's happened to me so far since being on the job is I have already made new friends and I am 3 months away from my first promotion. Most of all, just like anyone, I'm excited to get a paycheck every two weeks!

What's the Best Thing About Working for This Company? The best thing about working for this company is the people that work here care for each other, excel at what they are doing and get to a higher level. It's great to see the Dish Network also pays up to $2,000 a year for you to advance your education.

Why Did You Choose Michigan? I chose to work in Michigan because my family and friends are here. I just love the Great Lakes State. The people of Michigan are hard working Americans and there isn't any other state I would rather be. I was born and raised here, I will be a Michigan resident for the rest of my life.

Hired By: Kendall College of Art and Design

What are Your Duties and Responsibilities? I teach three writing classes called Written Rhetoric. My job is to get students excited about writing, and prepare them for the rest of their college education. We focus on writing essays, but really, it's all about telling a good story.

Why Did You Choose This Job? I taught as an adjunct for a few years five years ago. Recently I contacted Kendall letting them know I wanted to teach again. They didn't have anything available... but two months later (and two days before class started) they needed someone to teach three writing courses. I have an MFA in writing and will have my book published in July 2010; it's a natural fit.

What's the Best Thing That Has Happened to You So Far at Kendall? I get to create the class I want. I've had students e-mail me saying that they love the course and look forward to attending my class.

What's the Best Thing About Working at Kendall? Kendall College of Art and Design is a natural fit for me and my philosophy as a writer. I love that the students are artists and are open to doing exercises in writing that are a little unconventional. I also love that Kendall is right downtown in Grand Rapids. There's a lot of energy here.

Why Did You Choose to Work in Michigan? I'm from Michigan originally, but spent a year in Florida and moved to New York City in 2001. I've had a pretty exciting life... including working at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, but Michigan has this pull on me. For me, Michigan has the vibrancy of an artistic community balanced with a high quality of life. I think it's important for artists to commit to doing their work locally; you don't have to move to a big city to have an exciting life. I'm very happy with my choice to remain in Grand Rapids and am doing a lot of interesting things including narrating, teaching, writing and performing in local theaters.

Hired By: Pulse Architecture and Design

Why Did You Choose This Job? Architecture unveiled my natural talent in delivering fresh perspectives to visualization and presentation needs. As a designer, I constantly evolve, share my ideas and am unique in order to stay on top. I see these key elements as a must in this creative field and how things get done successfully.

What Are Your Duties & Responsibilities? I am principal and designer for the architectural visualization services Pulse provides. I work with you from the beginning to end of a project which I believe is integral when delivering 'a service'.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened to You so Far at Pulse? The best is meeting all the new people, clients and networks that have been established from being a part of Pulse. There is so much positive energy that I receive from people who surround me and their connection to me has been invaluable in terms of their support and professional guidance.

What's the Best Thing About Pulse? Being a principal allows me to control the overall vision of the company and how it should operate as well as the quality for the services that need to be delivered. I am very happy with the progress of the company and have received many positive reviews.

Why Did You Choose Michigan? This has always been my home and my roots belong here. Despite the obvious, it is actually a great time to be in Michigan. So many exciting and new ventures are being established right now, especially in the 'artistic' fields. I am proud to be a part of it with Pulse.

Hired By: Arthritis Foundation
School: Oakland University

Why Did You Choose This Job? The position was exactly what I was looking for. I've always wanted to be involved with non-profit work and the Arthritis Foundation has given me the opportunity to give back to a community while still using the skills I feel are my strengths: people skills and organization.

What are Your Duties and Responsibilities: I help the Arthritis Foundation plan and organize events and fudraisers to raise money for research of the prevention, control and cure of arthritis, as well as supplement the cost of tuition to our one-week residential camp for children with Juvenile Arthritis, Camp Dakota.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened to You so Far in this Job? It's been a challenge. I have never taken the easy route and this has definitely been something that has required me to step up and reach down into myself. I enjoy everyday because of the new and exciting experiences I come across day after day.

What's the Best Thing About Working for this Company: Working for the Arthritis Foundation has opened me up to a world I never acknowledged before. A lot of people think arthritis is for 'old people' but more than 10,000 kids in Michigan live with it. It's a real cause that I definitely get behind and I'm grateful for that every day.

Why Did You Choose Michigan? This is home. This is where I've grown up adn this is where I intend to live out my life. I love Detroit, I love the suburbs and I love the seasons. I would be lost anywhere else without family and loved ones. Michigan is as good as you make it, so it isn't a bad place for me.

Hired By: The Wisley Law Firm
School: Wayne State University

Why Did You Choose This Job? After having worked for commercial law firms for the past 8 years, I realized that what I wanted most of all was to make my own decisions about which cases to take (and, of course. which cases not to take). I wanted to offer flexible payment options to clients whos cases I thought were worth taking but who didn't have the means to hire a blue-blood firm, but at the same time offer the 'blue-blood' firm service. I realized that the only way to do that was to start my own firm.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? I own and manage my own firm, and am the lead attorney on every case I accept.

What's the Best Thing That's Happened to You So Far Since Opening Your Firm? The excitement of existing clients who have chosen to come with me on this venture! I think one of the best days I've had to far was when one of my clients (from my former firm) called me up and asked me if it would be okay if he could come with me! I was thrilled!

What's the Best Thing About Owning Your Own Company? Well so far, it's a pretty small enterprise but what I definitely can say is that it's worth every oune of effort to build my own firm. I think that the rough economic times that Michigan, especially, is experiencing right now are fertile soil for someone who is brave enough- and clever enough- to not only stick it out, but to realize that the need for whatever service you might offer still exists in some form and figure out some way to offer that service in a way that might not only be useful in difficult times, but also has a potential to grow when the economy rebounds.

Why Did You Choose Michigan? That's easy- I love it here! Where else can you find salt-of-the-earth people mixed with an urban environment and gorgeous rural landscapes less than an hour away?

Hired By: SimuQuest

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? I lead the effort to design and evolve SimuQuest's growing product line.  I am responsible for turning customer needs into new products and new features within existing products, delivering them to market on time, and aiding in designing a pricing, sales, and marketing strategy to promote these new capabilities.

What Makes SimuQuest a Cool Company? SimuQuest is a small, fast-moving embedded systems company full of fun and interesting engineers that are the best at what they do.  Our office is right on Main Street and close to the Washtenaw Dairy.  This means ready access to great lunches and even better donuts!  Ultimately, our goal is to support the design of embedded systems in a whole new way using graphical models instead of implementing them by hand.  It's a powerful technology that we truly believe will revolutionize the way this type of software is designed and implemented for automotive, robotics, aerospace, medical devices, and beyond.

What's the Best Thing About Your Job? The best thing about my job is the wide range of responsibilities that constantly challenges me to keep growing as a professional.  I spend time on the road and at home in front of prospective customers and leading training sessions.  Some days, however, the team and I are all in front of whiteboards figuring out what is going to be developed, by whom, by when, and what it's going to look like.  Occasionally, you might even find me working on new artwork for our products.  I also participate in sales and marketing activities and am involved in developing new business

Hired By: After5Detroit.com
School: Wayne State University

Why Did You Choose This Job? After interning for After 5 for almost a year, and gradually becoming more involved in the company, I realized that I was falling in love with my responsibilities. I we able to get hands on experience om the area of PR that I really loved.

What Are Your Duties and Responsibilities? I maintain all content on the website, including but not limited to writing feature articles, putting events on the main calendar, sending out a bi-weekly newsletter and adding photos to galleries each week. Additionally, I oversee all projects that the interns are working on.

What is the Best Thing that has Happened to You So Far in this Job? The best things since starting my job are numerous but I'd say the incredible things I've learned about Metro Detroit stand out. I have been exposed to many new places, people and things in the last two months and I couldn't ask for a better job to learn about them through.

What's the Best Thing About Working for After 5 Detroit? The best thing about working for After 5 Detroit is the constant gratification of doing something really special for Detroit. I am always discovering new things in and around the city and feel as though I am part of a world that wants to change the negative connotation of Detroit.

Why Did You Choose Michigan? Growing up in Michigan, I have always been exposed to the beauties this state has to offer. While attending Wayne State University, I developed a strong sense of loyalty to Detroit and was interested in being a part of rejeuvenation of the city.

Hired By: Karlsberger Healthcare Consulting

What is the Best Thing About Working for KHC? KHC does strategic and operational planning for hospitals, on both the business and facilities side. KHC helps clients define their vision, outline performance criteria, establish targets, and create an action plan for improved operational performance.

At the strategic level, we work with organization leadership to evaluate the alignment of the entire organization, identify opportunities to balance the operational model and discuss strategies that drive brand positioning – community perceptions, physician attraction, and staff recruitment and retention. At a department or service level, we help clinical leadership identify ‘gaps’ within their current operations that impact efficiency, satisfaction, and financial performance. Our exploration and solutions are based on current best practices within the industry - and beyond, where appropriate - and are balanced to address our clients’ unique culture, context and community expectations.

Hired By: DP and Company
Title: Account Executive
School: Oakland University

What Do You Do? I am a Public Relations Account Executive for DP+Company, an integrated PR and Advertising firm located in Farmington Hills. My job varies from day to day but my role includes everything from attending commercial shoots with top celebrities to promoting the excitement of living and working in Michigan to fellow young professionals via the MiPerfectJob.com website. My role is very diverse and I love the variety.

Why Did You Choose DP+ Company? I knew this was a great opportunity to take the plunge into the advertising and PR world when I walked in the door for my first interview. Employees here are fortunate in that we are all able to get a taste of a variety of aspects of the industry and aren't limited to just the day to day standards of our roles. It's a creative environment with a totally diverse group of personalities and backgrounds and best of all there's a ton of snacks and food around at all times!

Why Did You Choose Michigan? I am a Detroit girl at heart. I grew up here as well as England and Australia and although I loved my time abroad, I've always come back to my roots. Michigan is a one of a kind place with endless opportunities. I love the sense of pride Detroiters have in the city no matter how crazy the times get. I'm excited to see what the future holds for our city and state!

Hired By: Pure Visibility
School: Yale University

I work with clients from around Michigan and the world to help them achieve their business goals online. A lot of my clients have extremely niche products, so helping them connect to their target prospect can be a big challenge. It's very rewarding to know that I have a measurable affect on these businesses, helping them bring in new clients for I work to improve their search rankings, to set up and manage paid search advertising, and to start new social media campaigns.

Pure Visibility is a relatively new, growing company with great people and great culture. I've worked on both the east and west coasts, but I love the vibe in Ann Arbor and expect to stick around.

Hired By: MyBuys Inc.
School: Chamber of Commerce, , Nuremberg, German

My main activities are finding new likely prospects for MyBuys on the internet, and then contacting them and getting them interested in our service. It's mostly phone calls, and the goal is to schedule a time for one of our account executives to talk with the person and present them our solution.