Born and raised in Detroit, Victor Mgbeafulu’s journey to workforce development began before he joined Detroit at Work’s Data Team.
As a high school student preparing for his senior year, Victor was looking for opportunities to gain experience beyond the classroom. While participating in Math Corps, a summer academic enrichment program, he learned about Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) through a school counselor who encouraged students to explore workforce opportunities.
At the time, Victor was beginning to think seriously about life after high school but had limited professional experience.
“It gave me kind of an idea of what it may be entering the workforce,” Victor said. “Life after high school was one of those things, and I hadn’t really had any real work experience or anything I could say was kind of a real job.”
Through GDYT, he gained early professional experience and exposure to workplace culture while he worked as a car porter at a local Ford dealership. He gained valuable skills that would later guide his professional and educational journeys. That experience helped spark a deeper interest in professional growth, education, and community impact.
“I think it served as a foundational piece,” he shared. “What I learned from there is some of the building blocks that I use today.”
While the work itself taught him responsibility, Victor says some of the most important lessons came from the people around him.
“I worked with a bunch of older guys, so they had a lot of game to kind of kick to me as far as life and work. I was able to pick up on that.” He said.
The experience helped him develop skills such as teamwork, organization, punctuality, and diligence. Skills that continue to support him in his career today.
Since participating in GDYT, Victor attended Wayne State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He later continued his education while balancing work and school, eventually earning his master’s degree.
Following graduation, Victor worked with the State of Michigan’s Labor Market Information team before eventually joining the Data Team at Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation’s (DESC) Detroit at Work. Victor has the opportunity to help support the same type of initiative that once helped him.
“I would say Detroit has served me in more ways than one, being able to give back to Detroit by way of DESC, Detroit at Work, that is an accomplishment in itself, an accomplishment to me.” Victor shared.
For Victor, the opportunity to work within an organization focused on workforce development and community impact represents more than career growth.
Programs like GDYT helped provide Victor with exposure, experience, and confidence early on, reinforcing the importance of access to career pathways and supportive professional environments for Detroit youth.
Today, Victor continues using his experiences, education, and passion for service to contribute to initiatives that help connect Detroiters to opportunities and resources that support long-term success.
His journey serves as a reminder that career paths are not always linear, but with the right opportunities, mentorship, and determination, those experiences can come full circle.
For young people considering programs like GDYT, Victor offers simple advice:
"Be intentional. Walk with open ears, be willing to learn, and take all those things in. You're there for a reason."