For students at the cusp of their careers, professional development opportunities are a major draw when considering potential employers. While company culture and job security are important factors, structured pathways for career advancement can be incredibly beneficial – and graduates understand the immense value of these growth opportunities.
Fortunately, numerous employers recognize this demand and offer exceptional professional development programs tailored for new graduates. From dynamic rotational programs to dedicated mentorship initiatives and comprehensive online learning platforms, leading companies are committed to equipping their new hires with the essential tools and frameworks for long-term career success. While a vast number of companies provide worthwhile professional development programs, the following 30 organizations stand out as truly remarkable in their commitment to post graduate career growth.
Abbott
As a leading manufacturer of healthcare products, Abbott provides new employees with a robust two to three-year development program spanning six key areas: finance, IT, manufacturing, quality assurance, engineering, and environmental health. A distinctive feature of Abbott’s post graduate career program is its personalized approach. Participants can tailor their experience based on their individual strengths and interests within these six focus areas. The program offers diverse learning paths and disciplines within each field, enabling participants to customize their learning journey for optimal fit and growth.
Adobe
Donna Morris, Executive Vice President of Customer and Employee Experience at Adobe, emphasized to Forbes the critical importance of career progression for early career professionals. A 2018 survey by Forbes and Statista ranked Adobe as the top employer for recent graduates. Adobe’s commitment to Post Graduate Career Programs starts early, even before graduates officially join the workforce. Their extensive and inclusive internship program actively recruits from college campuses and organizations like Girls Who Code. In 2018 alone, Adobe offered over 800 internships, providing invaluable insights into the workings of this leading computer software company.
However, career development at Adobe extends far beyond internships. The “Accelerate Adobe Life” program offers a wealth of educational resources on company practices for all new college graduates and individuals entering the workforce. This program includes regular check-ins, performance evaluations, and targeted training programs before new hires even begin their roles. Furthermore, employees benefit from educational reimbursement and leadership development courses, empowering entry-level employees to pursue continuous growth and advancement within the company.
Allstate
Allstate provides a range of rotational development programs, with a standout being their Technology Leadership Development Program (TLDP). The primary objective of TLDP is to cultivate “versatile technology leaders” through cross-functional experiences across three rotations. These rotations expose participants to technology operations while simultaneously building business acumen and leadership capabilities. The diverse perspectives gained from three distinct rotations enable members to build stronger professional networks and develop a comprehensive understanding of the company’s overall operations. Assignments within TLDP encompass people management, financial management, project management, client-facing roles, operations, strategy, change management, and technical skill enhancement. These assignments can range from “developing architecture and infrastructure to support digital transformation” to “leading projects and managing teams”.
Allstate’s portfolio of post graduate career programs also includes a Leadership Development Program, Investments Development Program, and a Finance Risk Development Program. Detailed information about TLDP and other opportunities can be found on their Rotational Development Programs page.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps views professional development not merely as an employee benefit but as an integral job requirement. Their 80/20 rule mandates that 20 percent of AmeriCorps fellows’ time should be dedicated to personal and professional growth. Participating in their renowned VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program is an excellent way to fulfill this requirement. VISTA is focused on strengthening organizations that combat poverty.
As VISTA members, fellows receive both in-person and online professional development trainings designed to “build capacity, strengthen communities, and develop [your] career.” AmeriCorps aims to equip VISTA participants with enduring leadership, collaboration, and project management expertise, valuable assets for any post graduate career path.
Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes offers a compelling early-career development program aimed at innovative graduates passionate about shaping the future of energy. Baker Hughes’ post graduate career program involves rotations across various business functions, where participants tackle critical business challenges while honing their technical skills in collaborative, cross-functional teams. Throughout the program, graduates benefit from mentorship from senior leadership and targeted training to foster their development as future company leaders. Furthermore, the inclusive company culture ensures a supportive environment where new employees feel empowered to ask questions and grow within the organization. One finance employee participating in the development program shared: “My coworkers and assignment leaders in all my rotations have been amazing – kind, caring, approachable. I’ve learned immensely because I am always encouraged to ask questions and learn as much as possible.”
Boston Consulting Group
At Boston Consulting Group, the company ethos is that every employee “is hired with the belief that he or she will be a long-term employee, capable of substantial professional and personal growth within the firm”. This commitment is reflected in their LAB Learning Portal, a globally accessible on-demand platform providing employees with training and content from over 20 areas of expertise. The portal includes virtual classrooms offered almost daily, providing access to BCG’s “global experience and latest thinking”. To further personalize professional development, BCG offers individualized training recommendations to help employees “develop problem solving, analytical, communication, leadership, and client service skills, helping you to learn more and continuously expand your potential through your on-the-job experiences”. BCG genuinely “recognizes and values each individual’s desire for career development and works to create world-class opportunities and programming in order to enable that growth,” making it a top choice for post graduate career programs.
Box
Box, a leading cloud computing company serving clients like Morgan Stanley and Allstate, provides an excellent Sales Development Representative program tailored for 2020 & 2021 graduates. What sets this opportunity apart is Box’s dedicated investment in entry-level talent. The company’s ‘Work as One’ mentality fosters a collaborative environment across teams and with senior leadership. This provides early career professionals with consistent networking and mentorship opportunities. Another notable Box initiative is Project Elevate, an internal mobility program designed to facilitate the transition of sales professionals into management and leadership roles. Box proudly highlights the number of its current leaders who began their careers in SDR roles. Graduates seeking a sales-focused post graduate career program with a clear upward mobility roadmap should strongly consider Box.
Chubb
Chubb offers an Associate Program designed to “help them develop expertise and technical acumen as an insurance professional” for early career professionals. This comprehensive post graduate career program provides numerous benefits, including training sessions with peers and leadership, and mentorship from program alumni to guide new professionals within the organization. A key program highlight is the Early Career Workshop, where associates gain direct insights into the insurance industry from Chubb executives. The workshop culminates in group projects where early career colleagues apply their learning. Chubb’s commitment is to ensure their early career professionals “have the chance to hone [their] skills and talents and ultimately reach [their] career goals and contribute to the future success of the company.”
Cigna
Cigna features a Leadership Development Program with recruitment across nine diverse areas, including marketing, finance, technology, operations, and sales. Program members, known as associates, not only gain experience in varied roles but also benefit from mentorship and dedicated program managers who oversee their career growth throughout the program. Associates in full-time rotational programs participate in the biennial Cross Program Summit. Summit attendees expand their professional networks, interact with Cigna’s leadership team (including the CEO), and engage in sessions and seminars to deepen their business understanding. Cigna’s LDP is a robust offering in post graduate career programs.
Cushman & Wakefield
Selecting a specific role immediately after graduation can be challenging. Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate firm, addresses this with area-specific programs designed to help graduates discover their ideal positions through hands-on experience. These two-year post graduate career programs cover a wide range of specializations: Commercial Property, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Residential, Planning, Development, Interior Design, Building Services Engineering, and Real Estate Consultant. Each program provides thorough training from experienced colleagues and senior staff within their respective fields. The flexibility to develop expertise before committing to a specific role makes these programs excellent options for graduates eager to explore different career paths.
Deloitte
During a recession, former Deloitte CEO Barry Salzberg made a significant investment in his company’s future by creating Deloitte University. This 300 million dollar learning center in Texas is dedicated to providing employees with the opportunities, training, and resources needed for a thriving company. Salzberg emphasized the importance of intelligent risk-taking and employee investment, as discussed in the Deloitte Resilient podcast. Deloitte University was built to demonstrate the company’s long-term commitment to employee development and advancement, a cornerstone of strong post graduate career programs. Deloitte University offers continuous education for all employee levels, with specialized training for interns and new hires. To facilitate smooth onboarding, each intern and graduate is assigned a mentorship team, including a counselor and onboarding advisor. The counselor, typically a manager or senior manager, provides career guidance and feedback throughout the internship or initial employment period.
Goldman Sachs
Undergraduate and graduate students in their final years can apply to Goldman Sachs’ New Analyst Program, designed to equip students with limited business experience with the networks, resources, and skills for success. Goldman Sachs’ commitment to employee potential extends to all levels through Goldman Sachs University.
GSU provides junior employees with specialized classes focused on “building foundational professional and technical skills.” Continuing education is a priority at Goldman Sachs, with employees at all career stages encouraged to participate in annual classroom or online training programs. Senior employees receive specialized training in “manage people and projects effectively, exhibit strong leadership and exemplify the firm’s culture.” This holistic approach makes Goldman Sachs a leader in post graduate career programs.
Honeywell
Honeywell offers an Early Career Engineer Rotational Program (ECERP) designed to provide recent chemical and mechanical engineering graduates with exposure and training across multiple businesses and functions. Through project-based assignments and problem-solving, ECERP introduces graduates to various Honeywell segments over 36 months. This allows participants to expand their network across Honeywell’s diverse fields, gain valuable work experience, and build relationships. Upon program completion, graduates have the opportunity to be placed at a key Honeywell site.
Honeywell’s commitment to post graduate career programs extends to other opportunities such as the UOP Career Development Program and the Supply Chain Professional Accelerated Career Entry Program (ISC PACE), ensuring graduates have multiple avenues for learning and career advancement.
The ICSC Foundation
The ICSC Foundation, the non-profit arm of ICSC, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant retail real estate industry by developing a pipeline of talented and diverse individuals. To achieve this, the ICSC Foundation offers a comprehensive suite of professional development resources, including internships, scholarships, and mentorship programs for emerging talent. Among their key initiatives is the Launch Academy, an experiential learning and internship program specifically designed to recruit and prepare students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, for successful careers in retail real estate. Launch Academy participants receive paid summer internships at leading real estate companies, industry-specific skill training, mentorship from industry professionals, and relocation assistance. The ICSC Foundation also supports students pursuing retail real estate careers through various scholarship programs, promoting academic achievement and industry connections, making it a valuable resource for post graduate career programs in this sector. To explore ICSC Foundation’s professional development opportunities, click here.
Macy’s
Macy’s Executive Development Program offers recent graduates a comprehensive introduction to the retail industry and business operations before placement in a specific role. Program participants benefit from mentorship throughout the program and unparalleled access to leadership, providing opportunities for questions, advice, and networking with industry leaders. The program also fosters a dynamic learning environment to ensure new employees are well-prepared for their roles. EDP members themselves attest to the program’s effectiveness in preparing them for success at Macy’s, highlighting its strengths as a post graduate career program.
Mastercard
Mastercard offers a diverse range of programs and initiatives designed to provide employees with robust professional development opportunities. Their ‘MasterCard Launch’ program offers recent graduates opportunities to learn about Mastercard’s business and customers while engaging in networking, mentorship, and skill enhancement.
Similarly, their MBA program, an 18-month rotational leadership program, allows MBA graduates to undertake three six-month placements across various business units. These placement rotations can include projects like developing new economic models for European business development, creating cybersecurity strategies for North America, implementing global marketing strategies for new products, and innovating solutions for underbanked populations in Africa. These programs provide valuable professional experiences and connections, essential for a successful post graduate career at Mastercard.
McMaster-Carr
At McMaster-Carr, a B2B e-commerce company, learning and development are deeply ingrained in the company’s culture and its programs for new graduates. McMaster-Carr offers two standout post graduate career programs designed to develop skills and launch professional careers.
McMaster-Carr’s Management Development track provides a pathway for graduates to refine their leadership skills, take ownership of high-impact projects, and gain exposure to multiple business areas. Employees have shared the significant benefits of Management Development for their career trajectories, emphasizing opportunities to manage teams early in their careers and tackle complex projects with leadership support and mentorship.
McMaster-Carr also offers a Development and Design track, a training program teaching the fundamentals of programming and system design. Uniquely, this entry-level program welcomes problem solvers from diverse academic backgrounds, not just Computer Science majors, to join their Systems department. Through immersive training and a strong development culture, graduates can embark on rewarding tech careers. More information about this program is available here.
Beyond entry-level programs, McMaster-Carr invests in long-term employee career growth through formal mentorship programs, regular coaching meetings with managers, and tuition benefits for any college program, including MBAs, reinforcing their commitment to post graduate career programs.
M&T Bank
M&T Bank offers several professional development programs, notably their Technology Development Program. This rotational program is designed to “help you plan your unique path” and allows participants to actively contribute to M&T Tech’s transformation journey over two years, while interacting with Senior Technology leaders. By program completion, members gain insight into tech opportunities and begin selecting their permanent roles.
M&T Bank’s post graduate career programs also include the Executive Associate Program, Management Development Program, and Technology Internship Program, among others. Details are available on their Student, Graduate, and Professional Training Programs page.
NBCUniversal
Established in 1933, the NBCUniversal Page Program is a renowned early career development program in the media industry. This 12-month program provides Pages with exposure to various aspects of NBCUniversal through 3-4 rotational assignments. During rotations across ambassadorship, business, consumer, and content areas, Pages gain hands-on experience and develop transferable skills. Upon program graduation, Pages receive a three-month paid transition period, during which they can apply for roles across NBCUniversal, with guidance from the Page Program team. This program is a strong entry in post graduate career programs within media.
Owens Corning
Owens Corning, a global leader in building and construction materials, is dedicated to sustainable solutions and material innovation. Their leadership development and co-op/intern programs offer highly motivated participants opportunities to learn in a dynamic environment and contribute to the company’s strategic goals. Owens Corning’s post graduate career programs encompass internships/co-ops and leadership development programs across diverse fields from engineering to sales. Owens Corning interns are challenged with impactful assignments that emphasize collaboration, exposure, and connections, developing capabilities for future leadership. The Leadership Development Programs are rotational, providing participants with challenging assignments and encouraging innovative problem-solving to drive professional growth and acquire in-demand skills. Learn more about Owens Corning here.
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity leader, prioritizes employee career growth. They offer ‘FLEXLearn’, a personalized development platform tailored to individual learning needs, interests, and career stages. Employees also have access to professional development through Coursera, offering a wide range of courses in areas like AI, AWS, and Leadership Development.
Additionally, both the Palo Alto Networks global internship program and LEAP Program for new graduates include professional development events and opportunities to gain skills in consulting, product management, sales, and systems engineering. Palo Alto Networks stands out with its commitment to continuous learning in its post graduate career programs. Learn more about Palo Alto Networks here.
Plenty
Plenty, an ag-tech startup focused on vertical farming, offers exceptional summer internships for students and new graduates. These internships provide hands-on experience and meaningful contributions to Plenty’s mission of revolutionizing global agriculture. With mentorship from senior leaders and work on cutting-edge technology, early career candidates receive tools for personal and professional growth, including career coaching, workshops, and networking opportunities with the Plenty team. Plenty’s programs provide a deep understanding of agtech’s transformative impact on agriculture while honing technical and communication skills, making it a unique offering in post graduate career programs.
Polaris
Polaris, a global leader in powersports, is committed to employee learning, growth, and development. They offer development programs for recent graduates ranging from 24-36 months, providing industry experience and valuable knowledge to excel in future Polaris careers. These programs are available for graduates interested in sales, marketing, engineering, finance, HR, and more. With a focus on real-world experience, coaching, and mentorship, Polaris’ programs foster a supportive and inclusive work environment, making them strong contenders for post graduate career programs in the powersports industry. Learn more about Polaris’ development programs here.
Roivant Sciences
Roivant Sciences, a global healthcare company focused on rapid drug development, invests heavily in its early-career employees.
Roivant’s analyst program trains graduates to become future leaders. The program includes general, tech, and accounting tracks, allowing analysts to contribute to Roivant’s health and pharmaceutical companies (“Vants”) in their early stages. Analysts undertake meaningful work, collaborating with experienced professionals and senior management on critical decisions. The two-year program involves rotations across four departments, providing diverse responsibilities before settling into long-term roles within the Vant Family, a structured and valuable post graduate career program.
One Roivant analyst described the company’s unique environment: “The combination of our small, entrepreneurial size and our vast vision for transforming healthcare makes Roivant an all hands on deck environment. This enables young employees looking for an intense challenge to contribute at the highest levels of the company.”
Stryker
Stryker, a leading medical technology company, offers strong internships and entry-level positions. Key post graduate career programs include the Business Rotational Program and the Engineering Rotational Program. The Business program features the Finance & Accounting Program (FAR) and the Operations Leadership Program (OLP). The Engineering program includes the Rotational Intensive Specialized Experience Program (RISE) and the Advanced Operations Global Engineering Development Program (AOGEDP). These 2-3 year programs provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional certifications across Stryker’s diverse fields. Stryker’s Rotational programs are ideal for graduates seeking structured and timely professional advancement.
Success Academy
At Success Academy, a large public charter school network in New York, a teaching background isn’t required for first-year teachers. Success Academy provides extensive support, including 20 weeks of annual training. New teachers begin with a summer intensive, followed by weekly half-day trainings and daily coaching. Regular team meetings ensure continuous support.
Teachers receive training in educational best practices and develop skills like data analysis, public speaking, and project management for classroom leadership and career progression. After one year, teachers are eligible to pursue a free master’s degree in education, making Success Academy a unique offering in post graduate career programs for educators.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments, a global semiconductor company, invests heavily in employee development, including recent graduates. Texas Instruments’ “Make an Impact” program is a one-year program designed to build on graduates’ education and enable immediate impact at TI. The program includes engineering and professional courses, hands-on sessions with internal experts, and networking opportunities with peers and senior leaders.
TI also offers a robust suite of rotational programs with varying lengths and focuses, including nine engineering and five business tracks, showcasing their commitment to diverse post graduate career programs.
Triage Consulting
Triage Consulting provides extensive resources and benefits for new hires, recognized by Modern Healthcare, Glassdoor, and the Great Place to Work Institute for their professional development program. Entry-level employees benefit greatly from continuous support and confidence-building opportunities. New Associates and Analysts participate in a formal training program led by experienced Triage staff. This two-year program focuses on enhancing technical capabilities, communication, and project management skills.
Following training, employees enter a Professional Development Program focused on leadership and both hard and soft skills. A formal mentorship program provides ongoing guidance and network expansion. Triage invests over 100 hours of training in each new employee’s first year, as highlighted in a video on their “Join Our Team” page, solidifying their position in post graduate career programs for consulting. One employee testimonial notes, “whether you’re technically-minded, clinically-minded or more interested in managing a team. Triage really gives you the opportunity to really develop those skills and excel.”
Trimble
Trimble, a technology company in industries like Agriculture and Construction, offers numerous professional development opportunities. A key offering is their robust Rotational Development Program for skilled graduates, providing extensive on-the-job training. Trimble’s Application Engineer, Software Engineering, Financial Analyst, and Operations Specialist programs enable graduates to gain diverse experience through rotations across different job functions over two years. Participants work across divisions like Agriculture, Civil Construction, and Geospatial, developing skills and a professional network valuable for diverse career paths. Trimble employees also participate in a yearly Hackathon that fosters collaboration and innovation, a unique element in their post graduate career programs.
Veeva
Veeva is dedicated to attracting and developing new university talent through various professional development programs. The Engineering Development Program allows graduates to build software development expertise across applications, platforms, and product teams. The Consultant Development Program offers experience in consulting, application knowledge, technical skills, and the life sciences industry. These programs “provide the gateway to taking your career to the next level in one of our Services, Sales, or Product Management teams,” according to Veeva. Success stories are available here, illustrating Veeva’s effective transition from university to career, a key aspect of their post graduate career programs.
Vitech
Vitech, a global provider of benefits administration software, was recently recognized as a 2023 Campus Forward Award Winner for its commitment to early career talent. Vitech prioritizes employee experience and training, believing employees are their most valued assets. Their early career program includes real-world experience, special projects, mentorship, and extensive training on core products and technologies, demonstrating a strong focus on post graduate career programs.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo offers a wide array of internship and development programs for undergraduates and post-graduates. These programs provide specialized training, mentorship, exclusive events, and access to senior leaders. Undergraduate programs cover finance, tech, investment management, and more, all designed to “give you the tools, network, and experience you need to achieve – and even surpass – your goals.” Wells Fargo’s diverse offerings make them a significant player in post graduate career programs across various sectors.
These companies exemplify a commitment to fostering a culture of learning, particularly for recent college graduates. Whether actively job searching or simply exploring options, these companies are excellent choices for graduates prioritizing career growth and robust post graduate career programs.
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Abbott’s personalized approach to post graduate career programs allows for tailored growth paths.
Adobe’s “Accelerate Adobe Life” program provides extensive resources for new graduates.
Allstate’s TLDP cultivates versatile technology leaders through diverse rotations.
AmeriCorps VISTA program focuses on building capacity and strengthening communities.
Baker Hughes’ early career program fosters innovation in the energy sector.
BCG’s LAB Learning Portal offers global on-demand training for continuous growth.
Box’s Project Elevate program supports internal mobility for sales professionals.
Chubb’s Associate Program develops insurance expertise through workshops and mentorship.
Cigna’s Leadership Development Program offers diverse tracks and mentorship.
Cushman & Wakefield provides area-specific programs for graduates to explore real estate careers.
Deloitte University is a dedicated learning center for employee development.
Goldman Sachs University offers foundational and leadership training for all employees.
Honeywell’s ECERP provides rotational experiences for engineering graduates.
ICSC Foundation’s Launch Academy cultivates talent in the retail real estate industry.
Macy’s EDP offers mentorship and leadership access in the retail sector.
Mastercard Launch and MBA programs provide diverse global experiences.
McMaster-Carr’s Management Development track fosters leadership and project ownership.
M&T Bank’s Technology Development Program guides unique tech career paths.
NBCUniversal Page Program offers media industry exposure through rotations.
Owens Corning’s leadership programs drive sustainable material innovation.
Palo Alto Networks’ FLEXLearn platform personalizes employee development.
Plenty’s internships offer hands-on experience in agtech innovation.
Polaris’ development programs provide real-world experience in the powersports industry.
Roivant Sciences’ analyst program trains future healthcare leaders.
Stryker’s Rotational Programs offer structured advancement in medical technology.
Success Academy provides extensive training and free master’s degrees for teachers.
Texas Instruments’ “Make an Impact” program and rotational programs foster employee growth.
Triage Consulting’s program offers continuous support and leadership development.
Trimble’s Rotational Development Program provides diverse industry experience.
Veeva’s development programs facilitate a seamless university-to-career transition.
Vitech’s early career program emphasizes real-world experience and mentorship.
Wells Fargo’s programs offer specialized training and access to senior leadership.
