For ambitious students and recent graduates, the launchpad to a successful career often begins with the right early career program. While factors such as company culture and job security are undeniably important, the presence of structured professional development opportunities can significantly elevate a company in the eyes of aspiring professionals. These programs signal a company’s investment in its employees’ future, offering pathways for growth and skill enhancement that are highly valued by those starting their careers.
Fortunately, numerous employers recognize the importance of nurturing young talent and offer exceptional early career programs. From immersive rotational experiences to dedicated mentorship initiatives and comprehensive online learning platforms, leading companies are equipping their newest team members with the essential tools and frameworks needed to thrive professionally. While a vast landscape of companies provides valuable development opportunities, the following 30 stand out for their commitment to fostering early career growth. Let’s explore these top Companies With Early Career Programs that can truly kickstart your journey.
Abbott
As a leading name in healthcare manufacturing, Abbott stands out by offering new hires a personalized career journey through its robust two to three-year development program. This program encompasses six key areas: finance, IT, manufacturing, quality assurance, engineering, and environmental health. What sets Abbott’s program apart is its emphasis on individualization. Participants are empowered to tailor their experience within these areas, choosing from diverse learning paths and disciplines that align with their unique strengths and interests. This personalized approach ensures that each participant’s learning experience is optimally aligned with their individual career aspirations.
Alt text: Abbott employees collaborate in a modern office, highlighting teamwork and professional environment within Abbott’s early career program.
Adobe
Adobe, a frontrunner in computer software, firmly believes in nurturing talent from the ground up. Donna Morris, Executive Vice President at Adobe, emphasizes the critical importance of clear career progression for early career professionals. This philosophy is validated by a Forbes and Statista survey, which recognized Adobe as the number one employer for recent graduates in 2018. Adobe’s commitment starts early with a substantial and inclusive internship program, actively recruiting from college campuses and organizations like Girls Who Code. In 2018 alone, over 800 interns gained invaluable insights into the company.
Alt text: Creative meeting at Adobe, showcasing collaborative environment and career growth focus for early career professionals at Adobe.
Adobe’s dedication extends beyond internships with ‘Accelerate Adobe Life,’ an onboarding program providing new graduates with check-ins, performance reviews, and targeted training. Further empowering entry-level employees, Adobe offers benefits like educational reimbursement and leadership development courses, fostering continuous growth and advancement within the company.
Allstate
Allstate, a prominent insurance company, is dedicated to cultivating future technology leaders through its Technology Leadership Development Program (TLDP). This rotational program is designed to provide diverse experiences across three rotations, fostering versatile technology leadership. TLDP participants gain exposure to technology operations while simultaneously honing business acumen and leadership capabilities. The rotational structure allows for a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations and the development of strong internal networks. Assignments within the program cover areas such as people and financial management, project leadership, client engagement, strategy, and technical skill enhancement, ranging from infrastructure development for digital transformation to leading projects and managing teams.
Alt text: Allstate employees engaged in work on laptops, illustrating the technology-focused environment and early career development programs at Allstate.
Beyond TLDP, Allstate offers other rotational programs including Leadership Development, Investments Development, and Finance Risk Development Programs, providing a spectrum of early career pathways.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps distinguishes itself by embedding professional development as a core job requirement. Guided by their “80/20 rule,” AmeriCorps encourages fellows to dedicate 20% of their time to personal and professional growth. Their VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program exemplifies this commitment, aiming to strengthen organizations combating poverty. VISTA members receive both in-person and online training, designed to build capacity, strengthen communities, and propel individual careers. AmeriCorps’ focus is on equipping VISTA participants with enduring leadership, collaboration, and project management skills, fostering long-term professional development.
Alt text: AmeriCorps VISTA members engaged in a community project, representing hands-on experience and professional development in community service through AmeriCorps programs.
Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, offers an impactful early-career development program designed for innovative graduates eager to shape the future of energy. Participants in Baker Hughes’ program rotate across diverse business functions, tackling critical challenges while strengthening technical skills and collaborating in cross-functional teams. The program further enhances development through mentorship from senior leadership and targeted training to cultivate future leaders. Baker Hughes fosters an inclusive culture where new employees are encouraged to ask questions and actively grow. An employee testimonial highlights the supportive environment, emphasizing the encouragement to learn and the approachability of colleagues and leaders.
Alt text: Baker Hughes engineers collaborating on a project, showcasing teamwork and technical skill development within Baker Hughes’ early career programs in energy technology.
Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) emphasizes long-term employee growth, reflected in their LAB Learning Portal. This global platform provides on-demand access to training and content spanning over 20 areas of expertise. BCG offers virtual classrooms daily, connecting employees to global insights and current thinking. Personalized training recommendations further support individual development in problem-solving, analytical, communication, leadership, and client service skills. BCG’s commitment to career development is evident in its comprehensive resources designed to enable continuous learning and expanded potential.
Alt text: BCG consultants collaborating in a modern office, representing professional development and growth opportunities at Boston Consulting Group.
Box
Box, a cloud computing company, demonstrates its commitment to early career talent through its Sales Development Representative program. Box cultivates a ‘Work as One’ mentality, fostering collaboration and mentorship opportunities between teams and senior leaders. Project Elevate, an internal mobility program, further supports career advancement for sales professionals into management and leadership roles. Box takes pride in the number of leaders who began in SDR roles, highlighting the company’s roadmap for upward mobility for graduates seeking sales careers.
Alt text: Box employees in a team meeting, illustrating collaborative environment and sales career development opportunities at Box.
Chubb
Chubb, an insurance company, offers an Associate Program focused on developing expertise for early career insurance professionals. The program features training sessions with peers and leaders, and mentorship from program alumni. A key event is the Early Career Workshop, where Chubb executives provide insights into the insurance industry, culminating in group projects based on workshop learnings. Chubb’s program is designed to hone skills and talents, enabling early career professionals to achieve their career goals and contribute to the company’s future success.
Alt text: Chubb early career professionals in a workshop, demonstrating industry learning and skill development within Chubb’s Associate Program.
Cigna
Cigna features a Leadership Development Program across nine areas, including marketing, finance, technology, operations, and sales. Program associates benefit from mentorship, dedicated program managers, and rotational positions. A highlight is the biennial Cross Program Summit, offering networking with Cigna leadership, including the CEO, and sessions to deepen business understanding. Cigna’s program emphasizes comprehensive career growth through diverse experiences and leadership engagement.
Alt text: Cigna employees collaborating in an office, representing leadership development and diverse career paths within Cigna’s early career program.
Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield, a global real estate firm, offers area-specific programs to guide graduates in discovering suitable roles. These two-year programs cover Commercial Property, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, and other real estate disciplines. Strong training from colleagues and senior experts is a core component. This program flexibility allows young professionals to explore different fields within real estate before committing to a specific path, making it ideal for those seeking diverse experiences.
Alt text: Cushman & Wakefield employees in a real estate environment, highlighting diverse area-specific programs for early career professionals in real estate.
Deloitte
Deloitte demonstrates its commitment to employee development through Deloitte University, a $300 million learning center in Texas. This center provides continuous education resources for all employee levels, with specialized training for interns and new hires. Each intern and new graduate is assigned a mentorship team, including a counselor for career guidance and an onboarding advisor. Deloitte University underscores the company’s long-term investment in employee advancement and a strong company future.
Alt text: Deloitte University campus building at night, symbolizing Deloitte’s investment in employee learning and development through its dedicated university.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs provides the New Analyst Program for students in their final years of study, designed to equip individuals with essential skills and networks. Goldman Sachs University further expands learning opportunities for all employees, offering specialized classes for junior employees focused on foundational professional and technical skills. Continuous education is emphasized, with annual training programs for all employees and specialized leadership training for senior employees. Goldman Sachs prioritizes a culture of learning and leadership development for all career stages.
Alt text: Goldman Sachs employees collaborating in a meeting, reflecting the firm’s emphasis on professional development and learning resources through Goldman Sachs University.
Honeywell
Honeywell offers the Early Career Engineer Rotational Program (ECERP) for recent chemical and mechanical engineering graduates. This 36-month program provides exposure to multiple Honeywell businesses and functions through project-based assignments. ECERP facilitates network growth, diverse work experience, and relationship building across Honeywell. Upon program completion, graduates are placed in key Honeywell sites. Honeywell’s commitment to early career growth extends to other programs like the UOP Career Development Program and the Supply Chain Professional Accelerated Career Entry Program (ISC PACE), ensuring diverse learning pathways for new graduates.
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Alt text: Honeywell engineers working in a lab, showcasing technical skill development and rotational opportunities in Honeywell’s early career engineering programs.
The ICSC Foundation
The ICSC Foundation, the non-profit arm of ICSC, focuses on fostering talent in the retail real estate industry. Their Launch Academy provides an experiential learning internship program designed to recruit and prepare students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds. Participants gain paid summer internships at top real estate firms, industry-specific training, mentorship, and relocation assistance. ICSC Foundation also offers scholarships, further supporting students pursuing retail real estate careers and connecting them with industry professionals.
Alt text: ICSC Foundation event with students and professionals, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to early career development in retail real estate through programs like Launch Academy.
Macy’s
Macy’s Executive Development Program (EDP) offers recent graduates a comprehensive introduction to the retail industry before role placement. EDP participants benefit from mentorship and direct access to leadership, facilitating networking and advice. The program provides a dynamic learning environment to ensure new employees are well-prepared for their roles. Macy’s EDP emphasizes hands-on experience and leadership exposure to foster early career success in retail.
Alt text: Macy’s employees in a retail store, illustrating the hands-on retail experience and leadership development opportunities within Macy’s Executive Development Program.
Mastercard
Mastercard’s ‘MasterCard Launch’ program provides recent graduates with opportunities to learn about Mastercard’s business, network, and enhance professional skills. Their MBA program, an 18-month rotational leadership program, offers MBA graduates three six-month placements across business units. Rotations span areas like business development in Europe, cybersecurity strategy, global marketing, and solutions for underbanked populations in Africa. These programs provide valuable professional experiences and connections, setting participants up for success at Mastercard.
Alt text: Mastercard employees collaborating in a modern office, representing global career opportunities and professional development programs like MasterCard Launch.
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr, an e-commerce company, embeds learning and development into its culture, particularly in programs for new graduates. Their Management Development track allows new grads to hone leadership skills, manage impactful projects, and gain exposure to multiple business areas. The Development and Design track offers programming and system design training, welcoming problem solvers from diverse academic backgrounds. McMaster-Carr invests in long-term career growth through mentorship, regular manager coaching, and tuition benefits for further education, including MBAs.
Alt text: McMaster-Carr employees in a warehouse, illustrating hands-on experience and management development opportunities within McMaster-Carr’s early career programs.
M&T Bank
M&T Bank’s Technology Development Program is a rotational program designed to guide participants in planning their unique career paths. Over two years, program members contribute to M&T Tech’s transformation journey and interact with senior technology leaders. The program offers visibility across technology opportunities, enabling members to select their permanent roles. M&T Bank provides various other programs, including the Executive Associate Program and Management Development Program, offering diverse pathways for early career professionals in banking.
Alt text: M&T Bank employees in a technology workspace, highlighting technology-focused career development and rotational programs at M&T Bank.
NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal’s Page Program, established in 1933, is a renowned early career development program in media. This 12-month program provides rotations across NBCUniversal’s portfolio, including ambassadorship, business, consumer, and content roles. Pages gain hands-on experience and skills applicable to future careers in media. Program graduates receive a three-month paid transition period, eligible to apply for roles across NBCUniversal with support from the Page Program team.
Alt text: NBCUniversal Pages in a studio, representing early career development and media industry experience through the NBCUniversal Page Program.
Owens Corning
Owens Corning, a leader in building and construction materials, emphasizes sustainability and innovation. Their leadership development and co-op/intern programs offer opportunities for skilled participants to contribute to the company’s agenda. Interns and participants in Leadership Development Programs engage in impactful assignments, collaboration, and connections. Leadership Development Programs are rotational, encouraging innovation and professional growth, and developing in-demand skills for career progression at Owens Corning.
Alt text: Owens Corning employees in a manufacturing facility, illustrating hands-on experience and leadership development programs in building materials manufacturing at Owens Corning.
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks, a cybersecurity leader, is dedicated to employee career growth. Their FLEXLearn program offers a personalized learning platform tailored to individual needs and career stages. Employees also access professional development through Coursera, offering courses in AI, leadership, and more. The Palo Alto Networks global internship and LEAP Program for new grads provide professional development events and skill enhancement in consulting, product management, sales, and systems engineering, fostering cybersecurity career advancement.
Alt text: Palo Alto Networks employees collaborating on cybersecurity solutions, showcasing professional development and learning opportunities in cybersecurity at Palo Alto Networks.
Plenty
Plenty, an ag-tech startup, focuses on vertical farming and offers summer internships providing hands-on experience in revolutionizing agriculture. Interns and new grads gain mentorship from senior leaders, work on cutting-edge technology, and receive career coaching and workshops. Plenty’s programs offer a deep understanding of agtech’s impact on agriculture, while developing technical and communication skills for early career professionals in ag-tech.
Alt text: Plenty vertical farm interior with employees, representing hands-on experience and innovation in ag-tech early career programs at Plenty.
Polaris
Polaris, a powersports leader, provides development programs for recent graduates ranging from 24-36 months. These programs offer industry experience and knowledge in sales, marketing, engineering, finance, and HR. With a focus on real-world experience, coaching, and mentorship, Polaris fosters an inclusive work environment. Polaris’ programs are designed to support and accelerate early career development in the powersports industry.
Alt text: Polaris employees working on powersports vehicles, highlighting industry experience and development programs in powersports at Polaris.
Roivant Sciences
Roivant Sciences, a healthcare company focused on innovative medicine development, invests in early-career employees through its analyst program. This program trains recent graduates to become future leaders, with tracks in general, tech, and accounting. Analysts contribute to Roivant’s health and pharmaceutical companies (“Vants”), rotating through four departments over two years. Roivant’s analyst program offers meaningful early career work and leadership development in the healthcare industry.
Alt text: Roivant Sciences employees in a biotech lab, illustrating innovation and leadership development opportunities in healthcare through Roivant’s early career analyst program.
Stryker
Stryker, a medical technology company, offers robust internships and entry-level positions, notably the Business Rotational Program and Engineering Rotational Program. The Business program includes Finance & Accounting (FAR) and Operations Leadership (OLP) tracks. The Engineering program features RISE and AOGEDP tracks. These 2-3 year rotational programs provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional certifications across diverse fields within Stryker, accelerating professional advancement in medical technology.
Alt text: Stryker employees working with medical technology, showcasing hands-on experience and rotational programs in medical technology at Stryker.
Success Academy
Success Academy, a charter school network, provides extensive support for new teachers, including 20 weeks of annual training. New teachers receive summer intensives, weekly half-day trainings, and daily coaching. Training encompasses educational best practices, data analysis, public speaking, and project management skills. Teachers can also pursue a free master’s degree in education after one year, emphasizing continuous professional development in education at Success Academy.
Alt text: Success Academy teachers in a training session, highlighting extensive training and professional development for educators at Success Academy.
Texas Instruments (TI)
Texas Instruments (TI), a semiconductor company, invests in employee development, including the “Make an Impact” program for new college graduates. This one-year program includes engineering and professional courses, hands-on sessions with experts, and networking opportunities. TI also offers diverse rotational programs in engineering and business, providing various tracks for early career development in semiconductor technology.
Alt text: Texas Instruments engineers in a semiconductor lab, illustrating technical training and rotational programs for early career engineers at Texas Instruments.
Triage Consulting
Triage Consulting offers an award-winning professional development program, recognized for its support for new hires. Entry-level employees participate in formal training programs focusing on technical capabilities, communication, and project management skills. A Professional Development Program further emphasizes leadership and skill enhancement, supported by formal mentorship and extensive training hours, fostering continuous professional growth at Triage Consulting.
Alt text: Triage Consulting employees in a collaborative office setting, representing professional development and supportive work environment at Triage Consulting.
Trimble
Trimble, a technology company in various industries, offers a robust Rotational Development Program for skilled graduates. Participants gain on-the-job training across disciplines, including Application Engineering, Software Engineering, Financial Analyst, and Operations Specialist roles. Rotations span divisions like Agriculture, Construction, and Transportation, providing diverse experiences and networking opportunities. Trimble also hosts an annual Hackathon, fostering innovation and skill development for all employees.
Alt text: Trimble employees at a Hackathon, showcasing innovation and skill development opportunities through Trimble’s Rotational Development Program and company events.
Veeva
Veeva, focused on cloud solutions for life sciences, is committed to university talent development. Their Engineering Development Program and Consultant Development Program offer opportunities to build expertise in software development and consulting. These programs provide pathways to roles in Services, Sales, or Product Management teams, facilitating career advancement in the life sciences industry at Veeva.
Alt text: Veeva employees in a team meeting, representing career development and program opportunities in cloud solutions for life sciences at Veeva.
Vitech
Vitech, a software solution provider for insurance and finance, is recognized for its commitment to early career talent. Their early career program includes real-life experience, special projects, mentorship, and extensive training on core products and technologies. Vitech prioritizes employee development, providing ongoing training and tools to drive professional growth in the software industry.
Alt text: Vitech employees collaborating in an office, illustrating early career program and commitment to employee development in software solutions at Vitech.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo offers numerous internship and development programs for undergraduates and post-graduates. Benefits include specialized training, mentorship, exclusive events, and access to senior leaders. Programs span finance, tech, investment management, and more. Wells Fargo’s programs are designed to equip early career professionals with the tools, network, and experience needed to achieve and surpass their career goals in financial services.
Alt text: Wells Fargo employees in a financial office setting, showcasing internship and development programs in financial services at Wells Fargo.
These companies exemplify the commitment to fostering a learning culture, particularly for recent graduates. Whether you are actively job searching or exploring career paths, these companies represent excellent options for those prioritizing career growth and professional development.
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