The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is sending staff from five divisions to university career fairs this fall to connect students with state jobs and internships across Michigan
Students at Michigan's public universities will see a surge of state recruiters on campus this fall as the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) launches a statewide push to fill jobs and internships in environmental fields. The department is deploying 28 staff members from five divisions to career fairs and campus events across the state, aiming to connect directly with students whose studies align with Michigan's environmental priorities.
EGLE's presence is not limited to a single campus or event. Instead, the department is targeting a broad range of institutions, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Oakland University, Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Albion College, Grand Valley State University, Northern Michigan University, Michigan Technological University, and the University of Detroit Mercy. The schedule begins with the Michigan Sustainability Conference on September 9 and 10 and continues through early November, with events nearly every week.
Statewide recruitment effort
The initiative is part of a new approach coordinated by the Statewide Recruitment Committee, which is working to demystify state job titles, clarify the application process, and help students understand how to interpret and leverage information in state job postings. EGLE's divisions represented at these events include Air Quality, Drinking Water and Environmental Health, Materials Management, Remediation and Redevelopment, and Water Resources. The department's goal is to reach students in fields such as environmental science, engineering, public health, and related disciplines.
For students, these events offer a rare chance to speak directly with state employees about career paths, day-to-day responsibilities, and the realities of working in public service. According to EGLE, the format is designed to allow for in-depth questions and real-time feedback, rather than the brief exchanges typical of traditional job fairs. Colleges are actively marketing these events to students whose majors align with the participating state departments, increasing the likelihood of meaningful connections.
Event schedule and contact information
The fall schedule includes the following dates and locations: Michigan Sustainability Conference (September 9-10), University of Michigan Fall Job and Internship Fair (September 14), Albion College All Majors Career Fair (September 16), Central Michigan STEM Career Fair (September 18), Michigan Technological University Fall Career Fair and Oakland University Fall All Majors Career Fair (both September 29), Wayne State University State of Michigan Panel Discussion and Career Fair (September 30), Michigan State University Student Success and Access Career Fair (October 6), Western Michigan University State of Michigan Panel Discussion and Career Fair and Eastern Michigan University STEM Career Fair (both October 7), University of Detroit Mercy Fall Career Fair (October 8), Grand Valley State University State of Michigan Panel Discussion and Career Fair (October 28), Northern Michigan University All Major Fall Career Fair (November 3), and Michigan Technological University Natural and Physical Sciences Career Fair (November 5).
Students interested in learning more about EGLE's job and internship opportunities can contact Cindy Whittum, the department's recruitment and internship specialist, at WhittumC@Michigan.gov or 517-914-6595. The department encourages students to prepare questions about job requirements, application timelines, and the skills most in demand for state environmental work.
Broader context for Michigan students
This recruitment drive comes as Michigan continues to invest in environmental infrastructure and workforce development. The state's need for skilled professionals in water quality, air monitoring, and environmental remediation has grown in recent years, especially as new regulations and sustainability initiatives take effect. As previously reported earlier, state-led projects in areas like electric vehicle infrastructure have highlighted the importance of a well-trained public workforce to implement and manage new programs.
EGLE's campus outreach reflects a broader trend among state agencies to compete for top talent in a tight labor market. By meeting students where they are and providing direct access to hiring staff, the department is betting that early engagement will translate into stronger applicant pools and a more diverse workforce. For Michigan students considering careers in public service, this fall's career fairs offer a direct line to the agencies shaping the state's environmental future.
