Why Learn German in Michigan?

According to the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest and the Office of Michigan's Governor Jennifer Granholm, the State of Michigan is home to 250 German-owned companies. In addition, there are 360 companies in Michigan with at least 50 percent German ownership, and 75 Michigan-based companies with operations in Germany - the State's largest European trade partner.

In other words, there are 685 companies in Michigan alone in need of employees who can speak German, have first-hand experience of living in Germany, know about German history and culture, and who are in position to understand or easily learn about German business practices. (see Jobs with German in Michigan)

A 2006 report entitled Are They Really Ready to Work? Employers' Perspectives on the Basic Knowledge And Applied Skills of New Entrants to the 21st Century Workforce underscores the need for graduates with global competency skills. Based on a survey of 431 human resource professionals, knowledge of foreign languages, cultures and global markets are cited as becoming increasingly important for graduates entering the U.S. workforce. 63 percent of survey participants cited foreign languages as increasing in importance over the course of the next five years - more than any other basic knowledge area or skill.

by Mark Ferguson
Wayne State University

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