As far as welcoming a new employee to a company, shipping them out to the US for five weeks of training was probably the best welcome! Junior Bootcamp (JRBC) is a right of passage for all new ITLP’s. It kick starts you into learning about GE’s history, products, leaders and culture. The most popular element of JRBC is how it propels you into a new network of peers and ultimately introduces you to a new group of friends. I have definitely made friends for life while away in JRBC.

The first week of JRBC was orientation. All ITLP’s go through this orientation, Energy ITLP’s travel to Atlanta, Healthcare to Milwaukee, Aviation to Cincinnati and Capital to Connectuit. Our program managers introduce us firstly to each other and then to the world of GE. As I am a Corporate ITLP, I began my JRBC journey at the Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center (near Detroit), a beautiful office set next to lake and surrounded by greenery. Our program manager Stephanie took the lead and introduced the new group of ITLPs.

The AMSTC near Detroit, Michigan, where several Junior Bootcamp events take place each yea

After becoming firm friends with the other ITLP’s, it was time to meet the other businesses. With 120 ITLP’s living in a hotel for 4 weeks, I can’t think of a better way to network with my peers. The days were structured the same mostly throughout our stay, mornings would start with a hearty American breakfast and lessons promptly begin at 8am. We would work hard throughout the day, learning a mixture of subjects; from finances and presentation skills, to programming languages such as java. Lunch and regular breaks in the break out room (a wonderful room with sofas, Wii, fully stocked fridge and a ping pong table) would ensure we stayed focused and energised. The day would usually round off with dinner and finishing off any ‘homework’.

After working hard throughout the week, weekends were our time to play hard. My personal highlight was a group of us taking an all-American yellow school bus to the lake and hiring a yacht for a day, then spent the evening watching an outside concert…Something the weather in England would never cater for as accommodatingly. 

Overall my biggest take away from JRBC is the excitement it installs in you to hit the ground running on your return to the office. I am very excited and looking forward to my next adventure in Senior Bootcamp 2012 in China!”