News

Southwestern  Michigan College’s career-exploration Futures Fest Sept. 30 was designed to help SMC students choose or explore a major, discover career pathways and find opportunities to volunteer, job shadow or intern.

The theme was a retro arcade game with the slogan, “Level up,” according to Career Development Manager Melinda Stockwell.

“We partnered with Michigan Works and they sponsored the taco truck and event-themed T-shirts,” Stockwell said.

Futures Fest featured representatives of industries arrayed at tables throughout the Student Activity Center to provide insight into skills and qualifications needed to enter various fields.

One of the representatives of Edgewater Automation in Buchanan was Brenna Maxwell, a 2021 SMC Commencement speaker.

Maxwell, from Edwardsburg, earned a welding certificate and a robotics associate degree from SMC.

Benjamin M. Damschroder, from St. Joseph, studied engineering at Michigan Technological University, turning an internship with Niles Precision Co. Inc. into a job in 2013. He is still employed there 13 years later. Niles Precision has been manufacturing aerospace components and assemblies since 1950.

Riveer of South Haven produces engineered wash water recovery systems. Its comprehensive solutions include wash racks, wash water filtration systems, cleaning solution reclamation systems, rainwater testing and advanced aircraft wash and rinse technology, serving everything from municipal fleets and semi-trucks to military equipment.

Riveer’s human resources manager, Sarah Paro, majored in history and served in the Army.

Talent Placement Strategist Taylor Lewandowsky and Business Development Strategist Paul Brohman, a college communications major, visited campus on behalf of HR Collaborative, Grand Rapids.

HR Collaborative helps businesses grow their most valuable asset — their people — by transforming organizations through HR consulting, staffing and recruiting services.

Morgan Adams, a 2016 SMC  graphic design graduate, represented Midwest Energy and Communications (MEC) of Cassopolis.

Niles’ Alex Severinghaus, a 2016 automotive graduate, and his wife, Tiaira, greeted visitors on behalf of Zolman’s Best One Tire and Auto Care, for which he became regional store manager for Michigan retail locations in Niles, Kalamazoo and Portage.

Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber sent Jenni Leich, its central Berrien County director, based in Berrien Springs.

The Chamber could be an entry point to careers in economic development, community development and non-profit work. Possibilities include community planners, grant writers and economic development specialists who work with town leaders to recruit and support businesses.

Paw Paw-based Flowers Early Learning, formerly known as Tri-County Head Start, has locations across the area, including Dowagiac, Niles, Mattawan, South Haven, Bangor, Millburg, Watervliet, Benton Harbor and New Buffalo.

Flowers Early Learning hires not only preschool teachers, but also classroom support staff, bus monitors, family advocates, financial services specialists and maintenance specialists.