Leadership Development and Rotational Programs are designed for those just entering the workforce, and offer opportunities to explore and get experience/training in an industry over a one to three year period. These programs can be non-rotational—you pick a career path and explore that one area with depth—or rotational, where you spend 6-8 months each in different facets of an industry, potentially in different offices, and get training and experience in multiple areas. The latter option is helpful for someone who knows what industry they might want to work in, but who has not yet determined which area is best for their skills and preferences.
These programs are offered in many different areas, such as engineering, human resources, finance, information technology, and sales/marketing. There are even programs which prep “rising leaders”, or people who aspire to hold leadership roles.
Early career programs offer a structured opportunity for training on-the-job, but also for personal/career development and skill building in areas like leadership development, communication, and networking. Through classes, social events with current employees and senior leadership, and mentorship programs, these jobs can really help to develop you as a person and an employee, outside of the traditional job training. Regardless of how the program is set up, they typically involve several beneficial aspects
• Mentoring
• Leadership development
• Technical training
• Networking opportunities
• Connection to senior leadership
• Feedback and coaching opportunities throughout the program
These positions are often hired directly from people who have completed a successful internship with the company, or through specific early career recruitment efforts. They often also have a diversity component, making opportunities more accessible to underrepresented populations.
Career Areas with Leadership Development and Rotational Programs
Accounting
Actuarial
Communication
Customer Service
Engineering
Environment / Sustainability
Finance
General Management
Government Affairs
Human Resources
Information Technology
Legal
Marketing / Sales
Operations Management
Project Management
Research and Development
Supply Chain and Logistics
Industries Offering Leadership Development and Rotational Programs
Accounting Services
Advertising / Public Relations
Aerospace / Defense
Agriculture / Agribusiness
Automotive
Chemical
Computer / Software
Construction
Consumer Packaged Goods
Consumer Services
Distribution
Diversified Holding
Education
Non-Profit
Energy / Oil and Gas / Mining
Entertainment
Financial Services / Investments / Banking
Food / Grocery
Health Care
Hospitality / Travel
Insurance
Social Media
Searching for Leadership Development/Rotational Program career opportunities
Leadership Development and Rotational Programs are often listed separately from other jobs. For example, entry level accounting positions might be listed separately from an Accounting Leadership Development Program.
These programs are often attractive to those with undergraduate degrees in Business, or MBA graduates, though some companies are seeking graduates with Liberal Arts degrees in addition.
A few of the companies with well developed Leadership Development/Rotational Programs Programs include
• Adobe
• Raytheon
• Allstate
• Honeywell
• Citizens Bank
• DuPont
• Boston Consulting Group
• Cigna
• Goldman Sachs
• Macys
