The First Impressions Strategy Team, in collaborate with many others, is leading an initiative to connect college students with our regional community. Several initiatives are already in place to connect with local businesses for internships and mentorships; however, we need to do a better job “selling our community” as a great place to live and play, as well as work. Studies increasing point to the fact that college graduates are first choosing WHERE to live, then finding employment in that community. Unfortunately, we can each relate a story or two about graduates who barely left campus or the East Lansing bar scene during their four-year academic career. Most students simply have no knowledge of what the Greater Lansing region has to offer.
The First Impressions Strategy Team is currently connecting with folks who serve as “touch points” within the student body at Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, Cooley Law School, and elsewhere, at a time when they’re thinking about their future – admissions, career services, student life, etc. We don’t want to duplicate efforts, but rather are trying to enhance existing initiatives to connect students with the Greater Lansing community.