The time to apply for what could be the most exciting year of your life is now! If you need one more reason to start or finish your 2017-2018 Challenge Detroit Fellowship application, well, let us give you TEN! Here is our list (written by current fellows, for future fellows) of the Top 10 Reasons why you should apply for Challenge Detroit.
1. Make 30 new best friends. Detroit is a big place. You’ll spend one year living, working, playing and giving with 30 like-minded individuals all in the city for the same reason you are. Think sports team – you’ll be working together, having a blast together, having new experiences together, and making Detroit your home together.
2. Detroit has quite the social scene. We’ve got the 2nd largest theater district in the country with over 13,000 seats in just two blocks. We’ve also got 130 bars and restaurants right downtown. What’s better than that? We’ll tell you, as a Challenge Detroit Fellow you have access to a variety of the city’s best events and will take a front row seat as you participate in monthly cultural outings.
3. Jumpstart your career. Monday through Thursday you’ll work for your fabulous host company as an integral part of their team. What better way to gain new skills, increase your professional network and leverage mentors who will help guide you through the year and work toward your ultimate career goals?
4. Join the cool kids club. Detroit is one of the coolest cities in the world. News is quickly spreading around the globe, and this is your opportunity to get in on the secret before anyone else. As Jeannette Pierce, Executive Director at Detroit Experience Factory, and other leaders here frequently say, “Detroit is a city big enough to matter in the world, but small enough for you to matter in it.”
5. Don’t work for just one company. As a Challenge Detroit Fellow, you work for your host company, as well as for Challenge Detroit serving non-profits in a consulting-like capacity during the team challenges. The work with nonprofits gives you insight into the amazing people working to make Detroit better each and every day. Since each challenge has a different focus, you will be exposed to a wide variety of issues in the city. You will not only be contributing your own solutions, but you will also be gaining a comprehensive understanding of what’s going on in Detroit.
6. Be neighbors with Canada. Did you know that Detroit is the only place that you have to travel south to get to the country of Canada? Bet you didn’t. The Detroit Marathon is the only marathon in the world with an underwater mile (the Windsor Tunnel). Detroit is truly an international city.
7. A place at the top. You’ll be working with a leading company in one of many industries – business, healthcare, IT, education, automotive, design and more. Detroit has it all and you’ll be a valuable part of a company ranging from Quicken Loans to the United Way of Southeastern Michigan to Beaumont Health System.
8. Leave your personal mark. As a Fellow, you’ll have countless opportunities to make a difference as a group, but Detroit is also a place where you can make a difference as an individual. No matter your interest, there are endless opportunities to get involved, get your hands dirty and see the impact of your hard work. Our fellows do all kinds of hands-on volunteering, mentor Detroit youth, and even have their our start-ups on the side!
9. Be a part of history. Detroit is one of the most significant cities in the history of the United States. Challenge Detroit does not exist anywhere else in the world. It is a once in a lifetime experiences to LIVE, WORK, PLAY, GIVE, and LEAD.
10. What do you have to lose? Nothing. You only have an a-mazing Detroit experience to gain!
Contributed by Fellows Caroline Dobbins and Jackie Smith