1.  Many of the jobs that will require writers in the next decade have yet to be created, and this means that the writers themselves will need to create these opportunities.  This report, comprised of five sections, will include the development of an analytical tool (similar to the journalistic “5-W’s”) that delves into the topic of job creation opportunity in Michigan. Specifically pertaining to writers, and asking the following questions:  Where (what regions) in Michigan is the greatest potential for job creation?  What type of writing is most lacking in Michigan?  Who benefits from job creation, the writer or the employer?  When is it appropriate for writers to push the agenda of job creation? Before or after hire?  Why should writers, as members of the creative class, view job creation as essential?  For example: Is the availability of job creation opportunity linked to Michigan’s urban centers? Or is this something that might catch on elsewhere?  The Spin: through digital mediums, even small rural towns now have global connections!

2. So, what’s the relevance?  As writers, we have an important role to play in virtually every area of society. Whether we are reporting, communicating ideas through education, or bridging the divide between thought and action, we help to connect the cultural dots, and really give form to the conceptually formless. In doing so, we provide a service that is vital to Michigan’s future.  Author Robert Fogel observes that ‘growing segments of the population work for challenge, enjoyment, to do good, to make a contribution, and to learn. – Such motivations will eventually eclipse compensation’ (Florida).  And yet, there’s no guarantee that there will be jobs available to us after graduation that will allow us to express our individual brand(s) of creativity in a productive and beneficial way.  Richard Florida suggests that in the absence of opportunity, it becomes our responsibility to address those needs by carving out our own niche.

3. Strategic Research Approach:  We can achieve this goal by examining job markets, and analyzing their needs through job-postings, but also through recognizing the “implied gaps.”  Sometimes omissions can actually prove to be more valuable than anything stated directly! Esp. when looking at organizations that aren’t fully aware of their own need for writing professionals.  As writer’s we are familiar with gaps (implied & necessary) and the role they play in story- telling. Just as we cannot include every last detail of info in our resumes, neither can employers present a complete overview of the position being advertised.  Just because a writer isn’t requested, doesn’t mean they aren’t needed!  By focusing on sites like http://www.michiganjobs.com/ and http://www.milmi.org/ to name a couple, we can gather statistics that will help to answer questions re: current and potential opportunity in the Michigan job market, and from there begin collating our findings in an attempt to reveal prime locations, employers, and career fields through which to filter our “5-W’s” while addressing the panel.http://www.michiganjobs.com/ http://www.milmi.org/