I don't generally write about automotive because I'm not a "car girl," I'm simply a PR girl who fell into working in the automotive industry. But last week after attending the 2013 Michigan Automotive Summit (MAS) sponsored by MichAuto I was inspired to share my experience with as many people as possible.

This was the first of what will be a yearly, all day summit featuring high level speakers from industry, academia, and government agencies. This year's theme among speakers was a resurgence in the automotive industry in Detroit, how to get the younger generation excited about automotive, and the technological advancements in automotive's near future.

The day was filled with top notch presenters that came together to form a really big sales pitch for the automotive industry and all I kept thinking was: I want to share this with all my friends. No. I HAVE to share this with everyone.

The automotive industry is ideal for new grads. 

So many of my friends, family, and online connections who recently graduated and are still trying to figure out where they belong. When I suggest automotive, I always hear comments like "I don't know anything about cars," or just a plain "No thanks."

If you live in Metro Detroit, like me, then chances are at least one of your parents worked in the industry and at least half of your neighbors did too. The automotive industry in Detroit was huge and booming and then it wasn't anymore and then it laid off nearly its entire workforce. At the time, most of us were in college and family fiances got tough and things didn't go as planned so we swore off automotive. It turned our lives upside down in a bad way. We insisted we wouldn't fall victim like our parents.

Yes, the automotive industry did take away your parents and all these other peoples' jobs but the automotive industry is one of our country's oldest and largest manufacturing sectors in U.S. history -- always has been and always will be. And now, it's growing again! Here's some soundbites for you:

• There is a potential for growth of 100,000 jobs in Michigan for mobility technology by 2025. That's a lot of jobs! 
• Right now, 8 million private sector jobs can be traced back to the automotive industry. 
• An undisclosed Asian OEM Executive said, "We go to Michigan because that's where the engineers are." That means Detroit is still known for automotive, globally, despite everything that has happened. 
• Of the $29 billion in automotive investments made in the U.S., $21.5 billion were made here. Everyone is investing in Detroit.

I never would have seen myself working in the automotive industry. Sure my mom works in the industry, my dad is a life-long, die hard Ford guy, and I grew up at Detroit Dragway watching my him race but I wanted to be in the tech industry. Maybe a start up. I wanted to be part of a high tech world. I wanted to be a part of something that made a difference in the world. I wanted to make a difference! Sound like you're kind of career? Think about this:

• The automobile is one of the most high-tech consumer products on the market combining not only the obvious engineering but also new media digital applications including web and mobile phone connectivity and other smart technologies. 
• Michigan is the leader in automotive research and development in the U.S. with $12 billion spent last year. Michigan ranks second globally behind Japan. And we are the leader in tooling with 1 in 3 U.S. tooling centers calling Michigan home. How's that for innovation?!
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) has a goal of zero fatalities from traffic crashes and right now, thanks to the innovative people in auto, this isn't so far fetched and might be achieved in my lifetime therefor making the roads safer for me, my kids, and millions of people around the world. 
• Then there are autonomous vehicles. Cars that drive themselves. Can you even believe it? Mind blown. And Snyder says the standards for these vehicles have to be established in Michigan first... we are the Motor City, of course!

MAS is the TEDx of the automotive industry.

As a young professional working in the automotive industry nothing excited me more than listening to these influential people speak and being surrounded by such passionate individuals. And this event couldn't have been at a better time and place. Automotive is the heart of Detroit and right now automotive and Detroit are in the middle of a rebirth. We need more of these types of people and these types of events to keep the city and the industry moving forward.



Below is a review of this year's speakers and panelists:

• Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan
  Automotive Michigan's Foundation - Persevering through the Great Recession, the automotive industry demonstrated unparalleled resiliency and adaptability. As a result, automotive innovation, investment and job creation are leading factors in the revitalization of Michigan’s economy. One of the fastest growing economies in the U.S., Michigan’s automotive future is bright and the state is supporting its foundational industry by developing an aggressive strategy to enhance its place as the epicenter of the growing global automotive industry.
  
• Jay Baron, President and CEO, Center for Automotive Research
  Paving the Way: Automotive Economic Growth - From tax revenue and investment to job creation and spin-off development, no state has stronger ties to the automotive industry than Michigan. With global demand for automobiles increasing, researchers are forecasting production and employment growth for the foreseeable future. Michigan is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. Hear from a leading automotive expert on the economic impact of the automotive industry in Michigan and the opportunities that exist to expand the state’s supply chain footprint.
  
• Competitive Advantage: Research and Development
  Panel: Thomas Apostolos, President, Ricardo, Inc. - Osamu “Simon” Nagata, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing N.A., Inc. - Jeffrey Owens, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President, Delphi - John Rakolta, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Walbridge
  Moderator: John McElroy, Host, “Autoline”
  Innovation has always been the backbone of the automotive industry. As the automobile continues to evolve into the most technically advanced consumer product on the market, Michigan’s automotive research and development capabilities provide the state an inherent competitive advantage. This panel discussion will highlight Michigan companies involved in cutting-edge automotive R&D and explore the advantages of undertaking such projects in Michigan.
  
• The Next Generation: Workforce of the Future
  Panel: Soha Kadry, Engineering Supervisor, Yazaki North America - Brandy Goolsby, Global Commercial Vehicle Business and Product Strategy Analyst, Ford Motor Company - Brian Hunt, Embedded Software Engineer, American Axle & Manufacturing - Sarah Verner, Restraints Design Engineer, Nissan Technical Center North America
  Moderator: Rob Luce, Program Manager, MICHauto, Detroit Regional Chamber
  Michigan’s automotive talent is second to none. Career opportunities for young professionals are endless, ranging from engineering and design to software development and marketing. Hear from a group of recent college graduates who play an integral role in the automotive industry, elaborating on what attracted them to the field and why more young professionals should consider an automotive career.