Partnering with Grand Valley to help build a talent pipeline was a no-brainer for Josh Hulst '09, co-founder and managing partner of Michigan Software Labs (MichiganLabs), who reports that the Laker Accelerated Talent Link embodies some of his company's core values. 

"We value growth through constant curiosity, which directly intersects with higher education," he explained. "Students are stepping in and really figuring out what it looks like to become a professional. Plus," he added, "we think we're better together. It's really exciting for us to be able to have local students interacting directly with our company; it helps build relationships – for them, but also for us as we continue to strengthen community ties."

Laker Accelerated Talent Link
Committed to solving the talent needs of West Michigan, the Talent Link connects Grand Valley students to employer partners. The program provides students with an employer-sponsored scholarship, access to career-specific certificates, internships, networking opportunities, and potential employment opportunities post graduation. At the same time, the employer partners can connect with and develop the future workforce in West Michigan. 

Inaugural Year
MichiganLabs – a custom software development company – was one of five businesses in the inaugural year of the partnership. In 2023, they welcomed Grand Valley senior Mary Jo Buechler to their team. Buechler primarily focuses on project management, and she gets to work directly with clients. 

"Students are getting the opportunity to interact with our clients in real time," said Andrea Kusmierz, head of people operations for MichiganLabs. "It's a different kind of learning than in the classroom. They get to understand what it's like to be put on the spot and how to talk themselves through problems by asking good questions and figuring out what's needed."

Kusmierz is encouraged about the caliber of students who are seeking out the Talent Link. "They are joining for those challenging opportunities," she said, "which I think is really telling about the students themselves." Hulst agreed, adding that "one of the things we've liked about GVSU students is there is a noticeable blend of solid academics with a career or industry focus. They're ready to step into working as a team, and we get to help them grow."

Getting to Give Back
For MichiganLabs, the Talent Link offers a unique opportunity to expand their talent base while simultaneously giving back to the West Michigan community. 

"It's really a cool chance to see benefits on both sides," Hulst said. "We have this opportunity to really pour into students and help them start their careers, but it's also an opportunity for us to learn from those students and make our business better by experiencing the world through different perspectives." Kusmierz added that, "It is another way to elevate our internal team," noting that she has seen employees heighten their own skills through coaching and teaching. 

Just the Beginning 
MichiganLabs started small by accepting one student through the Talent Link this year, but they see potential for the program to continue to grow alongside West Michigan. 

"The technology industry in Grand Rapids is in such a cool space right now with the size of the city, the talent we already have and are growing, the livability, and the amenities... We have a lot of the tools to be able to do some really meaningful work," Hulst said.

For Kusmierz, it's exciting to be a part of emerging solutions. "We're seeing the community come together and partnering to elevate the whole... It's pretty cool that we've been able to be involved in some of those things," she said. 

As a founding partner of the Talent Link, MichiganLabs is not only providing opportunities for their current students – they are investing in the talent pipeline for the entire region. And that's the goal. This year's cohort of 21 students will expand with even more employer partners investing. 

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