10 Of The Coolest Jobs In Michigan You Never Considered... Until Now
By Serena Maria Daniels|Published June 09, 2015
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Serena Maria Daniels
Author
Serena Maria Daniels is an award-winning freelance journalist in Detroit, by way of Chicago, by way of the West Coast. She writes about Michigan for OIYS. Serena enjoys learning about language and culture and taking road trips with her beagle Ralph.
Traditionally, when we think of jobs in Michigan, we think: A) about the lack of jobs nowadays and, B) about toiling away long hours in an automotive plant, where the union has cut wages and positions have been shipped off overseas. Well, we’re here to tell you that Michigan’s changing economy and landscape has resulted in some really cool jobs that you may never have heard of. And, there are actually some really interesting jobs still to be had in the auto-industry, that are maybe not on everyone’s radar. We’ve identified of few of those to spark your interest, should you be looking to switch gears.
Michigan is a state of doers, a people who are not afraid to work with their hands. So in the spirit of the DIY movement, it's no surprise that the farm-to-table craze has really taken off here. Why not be a part of it? Who knows, maybe your produce will wind up in the next popular upscale restaurant?
If you ever watched that wildly popular series Mad Men you may recall a Detroit story line, where the advertising execs traveled to Michigan to win automotive business. Well, that's because the state's advertising industry is booming, thanks to its ties to the Big 3. Who says you have to live in New York or LA to live out your Madison Avenue fantasies?
Technically not a paying gig, Michigan's many lighthouses rely on the work of volunteer keepers to ensure they are in tip-top shape. Bet you didn't think you would be giving back to the community in this cool, unusual way, did you? Pictured here, Saint Helena Lighthouse.
Say what? Yes, goats are fast being looked at as useful, green methods for trimming grass and other pesky, overgrown vegetation. Heck, even Amazon has een started renting these animals out to customers, as part of a practice that has made headlines in cities like Detroit. Why not get yourself a flock and make those hungry little guys useful?
Believe it or not, travelers come to Detroit from all over the world to witness urban decline in a great American city firsthand. We can complain about it, or like some enterprising business people, we can take full advantage of it and show our visiting globetrotters the hidden secrets of Detroit's past.
The job of a car critic is just about as cool as it seems. You get to drive brand-new cars and trucks that haven't even made it to the dealer lot, test out all their bells and whistles, and then give the general public your opinion... A car lover's dream.
The unpredictability of Michigan's climate means there will never be a shortage of weather-related news that needs reporting to the masses.
3) Bicycle Mechanic
Michiganders are increasingly adopting lifestyles that include more bicycle usage, not just for recreation, but for daily commuting around the city. All these new cyclists are going to need someone they can trust to tune up their bikes. Could that person be you?
The future is here, people. And the driver-less car is said to become a reality to the general public in only a few short years. While this idea is still in its concept phase though, automakers need test "drivers" to sit behind the wheels of these things, to make sure they're operating properly. And Michigan's Ann Arbor is one place where they're being tested out.
What are some of the exciting career moves that you see on the horizon for Michigan? Maybe you or a family member are already getting in on the action? Tell us in the comments below!
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