I see that some large companies hire top grads into leadership development programs for engineering (and other areas). These entry level programs rotate the candidate to a few different jobs over 2-3 years, giving them exposure to various areas of the company and offering visibility and networking with key executives. Seems like a great opportunity for early career growth. Anyone have experience with these programs? Are they as worthwhile as they appear? Is the starting salary and growth potential any different than a typical entry level job in that field?
I’m in one right now. I’m not sure how they’re viewed from outside the company (I’d imagine pretty well), but it’s really a fast-track to management roles within the company. Along with technical responsibilities, you’re given management responsibilities that you’re unlikely have in any other entry-level role, and they tend to grow with each rotation. These programs will include a training budget, technical and leadership courses, conferences, networking opportunities, etc., all of which are great for career development. When people inside the company hear you’re in/from the program, you’re immediately highly regarded and it opens doors. Seems like graduates of the program move into roles that would otherwise be reserved for MBA students or employees who have been around many years.
I’ve seen graduates move onto roles with other companies but it’s clear that the greatest benefit comes from staying with the employer.
In my case, the starting salary was about average for an engineer in my industry (perhaps slightly below average), but the program includes large guaranteed raises and generous relocation stipends with each new rotation.
Really, for me, I think the biggest benefits are getting to move around the country, trying different technical/managerial roles, and working with different product lines/divisions. Rare opportunity to have within a single company.
Depends on where you want to end up. That kind of thing won’t fly at my employer – we value super technical people who own their field. But, if you want to do the corporate thing in a more bureaucratic environment, sure.
I have a relative who was Princeton EE who did a trad engineering internship one year, then the next year at TI. Went into such a rotation at TI and I would say the career growth was explosive. They also paid for his top level MBA. He is at another company now, in a specialized area…