Rotational programs and externships are fantastic pathways for new college graduates to dive into the professional world, especially within the technology sector. These programs, typically lasting from a few days to a couple of years, offer invaluable opportunities to explore different roles, gain diverse technical skills, and build a strong foundation for a successful career. Rotational programs, in particular, are structured by companies to cultivate future leaders by exposing them to various departments and challenges. For those specifically interested in technology leadership, an Early Career Digital Leadership Program can be the ideal launchpad. These programs are designed to groom young talent for leadership roles in the digital landscape, providing a blend of technical and soft skills development. Application windows for these programs usually open in late summer and continue through winter. Here’s a look at some notable rotational and externship opportunities, including programs that exemplify the early career digital leadership program model.
Rotational Development Programs: Explore Diverse Tech Roles
Rotational development programs are structured initiatives, often lasting 1 to 2 years, created by companies to onboard recent graduates. Participants rotate through different teams, gaining hands-on technical experience across various business functions. These programs are excellent for individuals who are eager to explore different career paths within technology before specializing.
United Airlines Early Career Digital Leadership Program
The United Airlines Early Career Digital Leadership Program (ECDLP) is a standout example of a program focused on developing future digital leaders. This 2-year rotational experience consists of four 6-month rotations across diverse portfolios within United Airlines’ technology division. Participants gain exposure to both technical and process-oriented roles, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the digital operations of a major airline. This program is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive early career digital leadership program that combines technology and business strategy within a dynamic industry.
GapTech Rotational Program
The GapTech Rotational Program (GRP) is an 18-month program designed to cultivate the next generation of software engineers for Gap Inc.’s global retail brands. This program offers three 6-month rotations, providing entry-level software engineers with the opportunity to develop cutting-edge retail technology. Participants gain experience in coding and development, contributing to best-in-class solutions for Gap brands, employees, and customers worldwide.
Northern Trust Rotational Development Program
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Northern Trust offers a variety of rotational development tracks, each lasting one to two years. These tracks include Technology, Credit, Corporate Finance, Investments, and Global Fund Services. These programs are open to recent graduates and individuals with 0-3 years of work experience, providing structured career development across different financial domains.
Capital One Development Programs
Capital One provides a wide array of two-year rotational programs tailored for recent graduates. These programs span various fields, including software engineering, finance, product management, and more. Capital One’s development programs are designed to build well-rounded professionals with deep expertise in their chosen domain through diverse rotations and challenging projects.
PNC Technology Development Program
PNC offers technology development programs ranging from 12 to 36 months for recent graduates. These programs cover fields such as software engineering, product innovation, and banking. PNC’s programs are structured to provide a robust foundation in technology and financial services, preparing graduates for impactful roles within the organization.
Google Associate Product Management Program
The Google Associate Product Management (APM) Program is a prestigious two-year rotational program for recent graduates and early-career professionals. APMs work alongside experienced product managers at Google, learning the intricacies of product development and strategy in one of the world’s leading technology companies. This program is highly competitive and offers unparalleled learning and networking opportunities in product management.
Externship Programs: Short-Term Tech Industry Exposure
Externship programs are shorter, often 2-3 days to a week, and provide students with a glimpse into the tech industry and company culture. These informal programs are excellent for gaining initial exposure to technical skills and understanding what it’s like to work at a specific company. Externships can also serve as a recruitment tool for companies, often leading to internship opportunities and expedited interview processes.
Microsoft New Technologists
Microsoft New Technologists is a 7-week innovation academy held at Microsoft HQ in Redmond, WA. Participants learn about the product lifecycle and collaborate to create prototype solutions, mentored by Senior Staff Engineers at Microsoft. This intensive program offers a deep dive into Microsoft’s innovation culture and provides valuable project experience.
CodePath SITE
CodePath SITE (Summer Internship for Tech Excellence) is a 10-week program focused on providing underrepresented minorities in tech with hands-on experience in web development. Participants gain technical work experience with partner companies like Workday and CourseHero and receive mentorship from industry professionals.
Synchrony BLP Externship
The Synchrony Business Leadership Program (BLP) Externship is a 4-day program hosted at Synchrony’s HQ in Stamford, CT. Participants engage with Synchrony’s business and the credit services and payment industry through networking events with leadership, case studies, and interactive sessions.
Accenture Elevate To Innovate
Accenture Elevate To Innovate is a virtual 2-day professional development experience. Participants explore technology innovation and professional services, gaining insights into Accenture’s work and the broader consulting industry.
BCG Bridge to Consulting Workshop
The BCG Bridge to Consulting Workshop is designed for first and second-year undergraduates interested in exploring a career as an Associate at Boston Consulting Group. This workshop provides an overview of consulting and life at BCG.
Bain & Company Building Entrepreneurial Leaders (BEL)
Bain & Company’s Building Entrepreneurial Leaders (BEL) program is a week-long externship for second-year minority students. Participants gain hands-on experience in consulting, receive a stipend upon completion, and have the opportunity to interview for consulting intern roles.
Bain & Company CREW
Bain & Company CREW is a 1.5-day program for second-year female undergraduates. It offers hands-on experience and mentorship in consulting, encouraging women to explore careers in this field.
Pinterest Apprenticeship Programs
Pinterest Apprenticeship Programs are year-long programs for individuals from non-traditional technology backgrounds. Successful completion of the program can lead to a full-time offer at Pinterest, providing a pathway into tech for diverse talent.
Uber Career Prep SWE Fellowship
The Uber Career Prep SWE Fellowship is a mentorship and technical interview preparation program for students interested in Software Engineering careers at Uber. It offers valuable guidance and support for navigating the tech interview process.
IBM Accelerate Summer Program
IBM Accelerate Summer Program offers professional development tracks in software and hardware engineering, marketing, consulting, sales, and UX Design. This program provides a broad range of options for students to explore different career paths within IBM.
Paragon One
Paragon One is a crowdsource platform offering remote externships from various companies, including PwC and hp Tech Ventures. It provides accessible externship opportunities for students to gain experience remotely.
Rotational and externship programs are stepping stones for launching a successful career. For those aiming for leadership roles in the digital world, an early career digital leadership program like the United Airlines ECDLP offers a structured and comprehensive path to achieve their goals. These programs are not just about gaining experience; they are about building the future leaders of the tech industry.
