Now is the time to start looking for summer internship opportunities in Metro Detroit and beyond. I Am Young Detroit has scoured the web to create this one-stop guide to finding your dream internship.

Regional

DetroitIntern.com

DetroitIntern.com President James Wahls describes the website as “a response to the young professional brain drain that is affecting Metro Detroit”.  The website includes free registration, free resume filing, and the opportunity to apply for internships and jobs online. (Source)

Intern In Michigan

Like DetroitIntern.com, at InternInMichigan.com students can search for an internship in their chosen field, post a profile, and apply. Partners include Detroit Regional Chamber, West Michigan Strategic Alliance, Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, and Mid-Michigan Innovation Team.

MI Internships

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s initiative to help students find internships in the State of Michigan. The website links to internship postings on the Michigan Talent Bank website. Users can search for internships, upload their resume and cover letter, and apply directly from the site.

Craig’s List

Craig’s List can be pretty hit or miss in their job category. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on. You never know, you mind fight your dream internship amongst the scams, freelance opportunities, and “RE:” complaints.

National

FastWeb.com

Fastweb lists national internship opportunities along with their massive scholarship database. Complete your free profile and get automated internship matches and notifications.

Don’t take the trusted, tried, and true Monster.com, Monster College and CareerBuilder for granted.

Career Specific

The Louis Carr Foundation

The Louis Carr Internship Foundation (LCIF) is a registered nonprofit that provides 10 paid internships in communications to undergraduate students of color during the summer immediately following their freshman, sophomore or junior year of college. LCIF has a partnership with locally based advertising firm, Global Hue.

Michigan Cool Cities Internship

Through a partnership with the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University, the MSHDA’s Cool Cities initiative hosts an annual program placing students in internships and fellowships. The 2010 program kicks off with 39 undergraduate internships available through the three universities and the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, as well as seven summer fellowships for seniors and graduate students.

Other Ideas:

If there is a particular company you have in mind, don’t hesitate to contact their HR department directly to inquire about internship opportunities.  If the company doesn’t have an internship program in place, why not volunteer yourself as the company’s guinea pig to help them develop one?

If you know of other local internship opportunities and resources available, feel free to mention them in the comments section below. IAYD would like to eventually create a regularly updated comprehensive internship resource guide page in the future.

Happy Hunting!

Sydney Turner, City of Detroit Labor and Employment Attorney

Age: 33

High School: Renaissance High School

College: University of Michigan–BMA Music Theory, Wayne State University Law School, J.D. and LL.M Labor and Employment Law

Neighborhood/City: Rochester Hills

How she’s making her mark on the city of Detroit:

“I am currently a Labor and Employment attorney for the City of Detroit.  I LOVE IT!  It is truly my dream job, and I work hard every single day to ensure that I gain the respect of my clients, co-workers, and the local legal community.  My motto is ‘I’m taking back the City one case at a time!’

Since the City workers have been forced to take unpaid furlough days I have taken full advantage of the movie industry.  I have worked on seven films since last summer and have been a stand-in for Toni Braxton and Thandie Newton.  I just signed to a local agency and am looking forward to more opportunities”.

On how she accomplished her goals:

“Although I came from a single parent household in Detroit, which included all the stereotypes–divorced parents, dirt poor, welfare, etc.  I made it!  The key is to set small goals that get you to your dreams, and follow that path.  No matter how hard it is, you just keep going. After I graduated from UM, which was the most amazing experience of my life, I knew I could do anything.”

On why she chooses to stay in Metro Detroit:

“I grew up here and since I’m in a position where I can eventually become a leader, I owe it to the community.”

On her favorite things about Detroit:

“The people!”

On what she wishes you knew about Detroit:

“People who work at the City of Detroit work hard.  It’s just the plain truth.”

On future plans:

“To work in the Administration for the City of Detroit, and become an actress.  Future celebrity status to be used to help Detroit! Move to the City–once my husband gets a job outside of Auburn Hills!”

Sydney’s words of wisdom:

“Don’t be afraid.  People who try to hold you back are only living out their own insecurities through you.  Most older people are afraid of change, and this is why the City has been stuck in its ways for years.  The next time someone says, “but we’ve been doing it this way for years,” you should ask, ‘Why?‘”.

Related Websites:

• Sydney’s Facebook
• Sydney’s acting profile

If you haven’t heard today, 3/13 has been unofficially declared Detroit Day! You don’t have to let today’s dreary weather keep you from celebrating. Here’s (Three)13 ways that you can show some Motor City Love today without even leaving the comforts of your couch…

#1. Buy something local and send it to your out-of-state friend. Like this sweet Michigan tee from 323 East.

#2 Comment on a Home Grown Blog! Show some love on a Detroit-centric blog that you often visit by commenting on a recent blog post. Don’t have one? Check out our blogroll at  the bottom right.

#3 Tweet this blog post!

Click on the green tweet button to the right and we’ll do all of the work for you.

#4 Get your Detroit Etsy on. Discover new local indie artists by searching locally on Etsy.

#5 Nominate yourself or someone you know for I Am Young Detroit! Submit their email address at the bottom right of the blog.

#6 Follow up with a featured Young Detroiter. Choose one or a few of our profiled Young Detroiters, scroll down to their related websites and drop them a line to show your love, collaborate, or send them ideas.

#7 Be a Facebook Fan All-Star. Visit the facebook fan page of a few of your favorite (little known) Detroit businesses, blogs, causes, or websites and send a “Suggest to  friends” request to all of your facebook friends.

#8 Tweet Detroit Day Love! Much like a #FollowFriday #FF Tweet, Send a #DetroitDayLove tweet to all of your favorite Detroiters and Detroit businesses. Don’t forget to use hashtags #DetroitDay and #DetroitDayLove!

#9 Subscribe to Detroit media. Help sustain our local  independent media. Purchase affordable or free subscriptions to:  Critical Moment, La Famiglia Magazine, B.L.A.C. Magazine, and discover others on our blogroll/links section.

#10 Join a Local Online Community. There’s something on the interwebs for everyone. Creative: DetroitMakeItHere, Deep Canvas; Technology: ConnecTech Detroit; Business: Detroit Young Professionals, Fusion; Fun: DetroitCity.com.

#11 Sign the Detroit Declaration! If you haven’t signed it yet, what are you waiting for? Find out more info here.

#12 Submit news, ideas, and feedback to IAYD! Got a cool project, event, or idea we should know about? Submit your news here. You can also click on the feedback tab to the left to submit your feedback or ideas!

#13 “_____________________________ !” Did we miss something? Fill in the blank for #13 in the comments section below. You can now comment using your Facebook, Twitter, and OpenID logins!

Magi, Wayne State University School of Law Juris Doctor Candidate & Musician

Former Hood: “Actually, I’m quite the nomad. I’m from the other side of the planet. As an infant and an early adolescent, I lived in Kaiserslautern, Germany. By the age of five my family and I made an exodus to Rochester, N.Y, where I lived until mid puberty. And in the summer of 1995 I moved to North Carolina, the tar-heel state and then moved to Detroit in August 2009”.

Current Hood: Midtown, Detroit

How long he’s been in the D: 8 months

Magi on his experiences as a Detroit Transplant:

“I moved to Detroit from North Carolina to get my juris doctorate degree at Wayne State University School of Law. My mom was excited about my move; she was all about trying to see David Ruffin at Hitsville. Her favorite movie is the Temptations.

The biggest difference between Detroit and North Carolina is the weather and North Carolina’s access to mountains and aggregate farmland.

In Detroit I enjoy dancing with the locals, being an open box and grooving to the beat with a smile on my face to an array of people”.

On his opportunities:

“Aside from Wayne, my other options were to study law in North Carolina or Florida, continue teaching, or pursue a PHD in History. In weighing my options, I chose Wayne State because I was impressed by their awesome law program. Besides Wayne State’s convenience, it’s also a great source of revenue for the city. Unfortunately it’s a commuter school; the vast majority of my classmates live outside of Detroit. There are some great professors at WSU Law, and some of them really have your back. Law School is difficult: life as a 1L is very robotic, that is, read, eat, sleep, read, eat, sleep—please repeat process every day. My social life exists in the realm of R.E.M. I’m a dreamer”.

On his other passion:

“I live music. I’m a psychic landscaper. I craft tunes using a multitude of soundscapes. My sound is best described as mind travel. The style varies depending on my mood. I make down-tempo, broken beat, lounge, hip-hop, trip hop, new bossa, and liquid jazz. I use a custom made MPC 1000 sampler/drum machine, SP-202 sampler, Roland 61 key synthesizer and keyboard, an m-audio midi synth keyboard, classical guitar, and countless crates of records. My music is featured in several skate videos. You can hear my music on my Afro Punk profile and my blog. I’m working on my 4th album now, “Lifeless Mythology”.

Detroit Discoveries:

“Great skate spots, great food, great dance scene, great art scene, talented people… Detroit’s soulful. I’ve discovered a plethora of art, music, and museums in Detroit. Detroit also has a vibrant dance scene, especially jitting. I get “loose” in a variety of styles. Recently, I’ve been focusing on “rocking”, a dance born in Brooklyn during the 1960s. Additionally, I dance funk styles, b-boy, salsa, and house. Since I’ve been here, I’ve danced at Motor City Funk Night, Afro Punk Tour, several break-dance battles, Dally in the Alley, drum circle, and several practice spots in areas surrounding campus. I’m always trying to get on a good foot.

When I’m not studying: My favorite place to go in Detroit is the DIA. My favorite things to do besides checking out art at the museums are skating ledges and handrails in midtown, searching for the unthinkable…whatever that may be, searching for new restaurants, going to shows at the Magic Stick/Majestic, and dancing at random spots. I’m always looking for something new”.

Most interesting person he’s met in The D: “Marvhe from Robotops. That kid has mad potential”.

Magi’s Future Plans: “Practice law, make music, spread love, travel the world, and debunk myths…”

Inspiration for others thinking of moving to the D:

“It’s not ghetto. Don’t believe the hype and keep an open mind. Just follow your dreams. Ignore the dissent!”

Related Websites:

• Magi’ Blog
• Magi’ Afro Punk Profile

Do you have an innovative idea that would positively impact the state of Michigan? Would you like a scholarship or internship in exchange for that idea? The Motivate Michigan Competition is offering college students just that!

“Motivate Michigan wants to take that future and make it the present. You can help do this by submitting your innovative ideas to help better Michigan and enter for the opportunity to compete for scholarships and internships! Lets do something positive for Michigan!”

Once you submit your idea, the top 10 entrants will receive scholarships and be voted on by the general public. The top 5 votes will go on the last phase which includes presenting in front of a judging panel.

Click here to see if your school is participating, hurry the deadline is March 12, 2010!

Source:  Time Detroit Blog

My-Ishia Cason-Brown, Actress, Dancer, Model, & Blogger

Age: 29

High School: Thurston High School

College: Oakland University

Neighborhood/City: Detroit

How she’s making her mark on the city of Detroit:

“I am a part of the emerging film industry that’s here in Michigan  I’ve worked on many movies sets  as an actress, PA and as a stand-in. I created MIbookedit.com because I was getting really frustrated with people jumping out of the woodwork ready to take advantage of Michigan actors who are excited about the new film industry here.  ‘Give me $400 dollars and I’ll teach you everything you want to know about acting in two days’. It was like every weekend there was some new over-priced workshop  making false promises to people”.

“MIbookedit.com is a great resource for actors here in Michigan.  I post tons of information and share links and articles about auditions, film festivals, contests, acting schools, and other industry information.  A lot of actors are still walking around with black and white head shots or some glamour shot that has been Gaussian-blurred the mess out of.  Big no-no, you have to look just like you plus everything is in color now. In order to compete with LA we need to step up our game!  So my blog’s purpose is to provide a guide to help out newer actors here in Michigan”.

On how she got her start:

“Years of training, auditioning and just keeping my eyes on the prize and moving forward. My mother has always kept me in the arts, at church events  I was on point with my Christmas and Easter speeches.  I  took dance classes, and performed in many plays and talent shows at the Northwest Activity Center.  I got great joy out of performing, I have always wanted to be an actress or some type of artist (laughs). I did a lot of research on talent agencies.  I would look in newspapers and online for auditions to go to.  My first professional role was a back up dancer in  Perilous Times at the Music Hall. ”

On her work:

Biggest role: “I played Veronica Yonker in “Valley Song” at Detroit Repertory Theatre.  I  have played a lot of lead roles in many independent films.  In Gran Torino I was the Muslim Receptionist, in Meet Monica Velour I played Jazelle and in the The Domino Effect directed by Paula van der Orest, I play the airline employee.  In 420, an independent movie that is currently filming here, I play the role of Tessa and I love this character because it is very mentally and physically challenging” .

On why she chooses to stay in Metro Detroit:

“Detroit is my home and it’s where my family is. I was inspired most by  my mother, she exposed me to museums, theaters, and opened me to appreciate life and everything in it. The city itself has so much potential with all of it’s jewels. I still believe in Detroit,  the work is coming here.  I like the challenge because as actors when we audition we’re going up against  LA , NY, and Chicago actors. To land a role is an amazing feeling.”

On her favorite things about Detroit:

“I love the Eastern Market, the Movement: Detroit Electronic Music Festival and the Detroit’s Winter Blast!”

On what she wishes you knew about Detroit:

“The historical importance.  Beautiful areas such as Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.  Famous shows that started off here such as Soul Train and the Scene.”

On future plans:

“I want to continue my success in the movie industry”.

My-Ishia’s words of wisdom:

“As far as trying to break into the Detroit Film Industry, if you are happy with just being on set as an extra it’s a piece of cake.  If you are more serious you’ll have to put a lot of work into it: taking classes, practicing monologues, auditioning for short films, plays and commercials.  Have a great talent agent that knows your strengths.  Self promotion is great. Self-produce your own work and have your tools together.  I know a lot of actors who have a talent for writing and they write, direct, and produce their own work.  If you are willing to put forth the effort you should do pretty well in the industry here.  Most importantly it’s about who you know, networking is very important!”

Related Websites:

• My-Ishia’s Website
• My-Ishia’s IMDB profile
• MIbookedit.com

-Margarita Barry

Check out this month’s upcoming events.

• Open City Detroit – Tues, March 16
• Detroit Green Drinks – Wed, March 17
• Tsotsi Film Viewing – Wed, March 17
• Crain’s M&A Awards in partnership with ACG -  Thurs, March 18
• Play Date Detroit – Sat, March 20
• Funk In The Trunk: Street Couture Fashion Show – Tues, March 23
• The 2nd Annual DYP Vanguard Awards – Thurs, March 25
• Black Women Rock! A Tribute to Betty Davis – Sat, March 27

*This post is updated regularly. Add your event in the comments below.

Detroit Young Professionals (DYP) is bringing together movers and shakers from across Southeast Michigan to honor 10 remarkable innovators and changemakers at our 2nd Annual Vanguard Awards. This event was established to recognize and celebrate outstanding Detroiters who have distinguished themselves through professional leadership and service to our community.

The Vanguard Awards will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm at Amnesia, Motor City Casino.
View the nominees and purchase your tickets here.

Andrew Wagner, the editor of our favorite DIY magazine ReadyMade, recently took a trip to Detroit and was so  inspired that he decided make future plans for the magazine’s involvement in the city.

He says:

“It’s hard to imagine a more ReadyMade city so please, keep an eye out over the next few months for our future involvement there. And while I saw A LOT over my three days there, I couldn’t capture everything that happened and I’m sure I missed some things so by all means, let us know what we need to see”.

Read more…

We can’t wait to see what ReadyMade has up their sleeves for the dirty mitten!

Source via Claire Nelson

Melinda Anderson, Event Designer & Producer at
MeMe Design & Events

Age: 34

High School: Cass Tech

College: University of Michigan, Architecture

Neighborhood/City: Oak Park (Coming back to The D Soon!)

How she’s making her mark on the city of Detroit:

“I design one-of-a kind events that highlight the great people, architecture, and music of the D.”

Photo by Myron Watkins

On how she got her start:

“I kind of stumbled upon it when I volunteered with Detroit Synergy for Linen on the Lawn years ago. I loved creating the event and working on the look and feel so much that I decided to do a career change. Initially I always wanted to move to New York or LA to pursue event design but decided to give it a go here. No one would hire me because I had no “real” experience…that is until I spoke to Todd Hardiek of Colonial Event Rental. He and his team were the first ones that gave me a shot and I have been designing ever since”.

On her work:

“I have done small and large, weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, SXBL 40, and fundraisers. Best Event: For five years I poured my heart into designing and producing Bravo Bravo at the Michigan Opera Theatre. Worst Event: The Mystique Masquerade at the Music Hall. I learned to under promise and over deliver.

Usually my events are hot and sexy with lots of hot music, flowing fabric, sleek furniture, and cabanas…LOTS of sexy people and a sexy look. For the  upcoming 80’s event, I am switching it up and will be making the vibe sexy, cheesy, and lots of fun. Think Animal House meets Sixteen Candles. I have break dancers, 3 DJ’s – Dj Surab Deb, Dj Dolce DeLuca, and DJ PhifeDog (Breakin/School Daze Rm), That 80’s Band will perform. I just found two Atari’s (flashback version) and TONS of 80’s style memorabilia. I have searched high and low through junk yards, and the Salvation Army for the perfect look. I will be joined by my talented partners Kia Chevon of Ke Event Productions, and Crystal Marie of C-My Style events producing and designing this event”.

On why she chooses to stay in Metro Detroit:

“I have always yearned to move back to Europe but my heart is here. I stay here because it is my desire and dream to build the impossible. I love Detroit and believe in the possibility of it becoming a truly great city. We need to start investing in this city with our time and talents. Right NOW!”

On her favorite things about Detroit:

“I love exploring Detroit with my family and friends. I have lived here for 33 years of my life however, I am always discovering more layers to this fascinating and underground city.”

Photo by Myron Watkins

On what she wishes you knew about Detroit:

“I wish people would not take Detroit for what they can see with their eyes, but for what they experience here. Detroit feels like a grown-up fraternity/sorority where many individuals are working hard to make great things happen.”

On future plans:

“I have bunch of GREAT events in the making for the summer and this fall. I plan to produce 6 big events and year and to continue to build my brands. Eventually, I would also like to get on the national circuit and to take a couple of the events on the road such as to the SuperBowl, Olympics, Grammy’s, or other big events such as that. That is my dream. But I plan to now build and establish my studio, and to make beautiful memories one event at a time”.

MeMe’s words of wisdom:

“You have to work your butt off. Although it is sometimes hard to to, you have to  believe in yourself and continue to make your dreams become a reality. My favorite quote is \”When one strives in the direction of his\her dreams, the outcome will be greater than anything every imagined…\” something like that, but I believe in this every day.”

Related Websites:

• MeMe Design & Events
• DetroitMe Blog