For students in the Western Michigan area, Tech Week Grand Rapids offers a glimpse into what their future career in the region could look like and the opportunity to get one step closer to making that a reality.
Tech Week Grand Rapids, happening from September 16-21, 2024, brings people from all over the community to showcase and support the tech industry in the city. With nearly 70 events planned across the week, it’s the perfect place for students to network with business leaders and experts in the community, learn more about tech and other topics, and discover what interests them.
Every event has the same overarching goals: education and connection. But events are created and hosted by individual hosts or organizations, so the content is relevant and resonates with the intended audience. Tech Week Grand Rapids is an unconference, so the community and participants are the ones driving the events of the week.
Tech Week Grand Rapids even has an informal track for students. While it’s designed for students going into a tech-related field, any student who knows tech is going to be a part of their work should attend, says Andria Romkema, Lead Organizer for Tech Week and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at The Right Place, the organization that puts together Tech Week Grand Rapids.
“It’s a great way to 1. Meet potential employers in the region. They are at these events. And 2. Prepare yourself for what a career will look like. In college, you haven’t had that exposure. Come network and learn about it,” she says.
Tips for Students Attending Tech Week Grand Rapids
“If you are a young student interested in going, just go,” Andria says. “Even if you’re the youngest person there, you’ll stand out — in a good way. It shows you’re a go-getter and interested in the field. It’s how you set yourself apart.”
The general atmosphere of the events is open and collaborative, fun and informal — they are not stuffy business events. There are no dress codes and everyone should come as they are.
Image credit: The Right Place
And students don’t need to worry about being a tech expert — they’re there to learn, Andria says. However, they should be prepared. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is updated and reflects your experience and interests, and create a digital business card.
Students should also be prepared to engage with other attendees, whether they’re fellow students, business owners, experts, etc.
“If you’re listening to a speaker, ask questions,” Andria says. “Or you can go to the speakers after and ask questions.”
Tech Week Grand Rapids Events for Students
All events at Tech Week Grand Rapids are open to students but here are a few that students may benefit from the most:
Tech Talks: AI & Data: This speaker series, hosted by and at Grand Valley State University, includes talks from technology industry experts on generative AI, software engineering, and data storage. There is also a networking event after.
Empowering Neurodiverse Students and Fostering Passion: The session is hosted by TedX presenter and Microsoft AI MVP, Charles Elwood, who will be sharing his vast knowledge of AI combined with his passion for using technology. It is part of Grand Rapids Community College's AI series.
It Started at State: Hear from Mark Rieth, a successful entrepreneur and Michigan State University alumnus. Following his talk, enjoy a Q&A session, panel discussion, and VC networking hour.
Tech Talks: Career Path: Learn how you can pursue and grow a career in tech. CertifID, a Series B-stage tech startup founded in Grand Rapids, will host a panel discussion and happy hour.
There are also several events being hosted by Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Montcalm Community College, and Western Michigan University’s Grand Rapids location.
Discover all of the events being hosted at 2024 Tech Week Grand Rapids and register now.
