Start with the Best

The 2011 recruiting season is starting to heat up and it’s time to ask, ‘what am I looking for in a job or internship?’ There are many factors to be considered, and each one has differing importance depending on your individual priorities. GE and the Information Management Leadership Program (IMLP) provide a great choice if you put high priority on opportunities to develop into a leader and seek long term career growth. Need more than a statement from an IMLP? The Hay Group just put out the 6th annual ranking of the ‘Best Companies for Leadership’ and GE is ranked #1 for the fourth time in the six year history of the ranking (the other two years GE was in the Top 5). Below is an IMLP perspective of why GE really is #1 in leadership.

Global: The ‘elite’ companies that made the top of the list were described as being “a global neural network... These are the firms that are ready to compete in a complex, global, multicultural marketplace.”  As an IMLP, you will have multiple opportunities to work with groups around the globe and to experience being part of the ‘global neural network’. For example, on your first day at Junior Bootcamp, you are introduced to—and have the opportunity to work with—a diverse and international group of motivated and inspirational people.

“Our study reveals a powerful focus on global and cultural issues, coupled with recognition that different generations in the workforce have different motivations.”  GE is also aware of the international and generational differences. You will learn and understand different cultures, a skill any leader will need in the global economy. A perfect example for IMLPs is Senior Bootcamp, which usually happens in an international setting. This year we will be in China.

Aware: “Overall, the top 10 Best Companies for Leadership…appreciate their evolving global workforce and its demands. They value cultural diversity and they recognize that a new generation of employees prizes ethics, inspiration and work/life balance alongside pay and promotion.”

GE is constantly aware of what is happening and going on around the world. For a big company, they are incredibly agile. Many people will tell you that while working at GE, you should get used to change because things are constantly being mixed up in order to make the company more competitive. This extends to how it treats its employees. There are many initiatives to accommodate new perspectives, better the work place, and inspire, while offering competitive compensation.

Balance: “100% [of the Top Companies] promote work/life balance vs. 63.3% of global peers.” I have worked and interned at several companies, but GE has been the only company to proactively promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle. With their ‘health ahead’ initiative, GE offers workout facilities, often with fitness classes included, at or near most offices. The cafeteria even promotes and incentivizes healthy choices. Since starting work at GE, I have actually lost weight. This year I will start doing triathlons again after a five year ‘break.’ Being married with a young child, I feel I can testify to the fact that if you are working hard and getting your work done, there are plenty of opportunities and ways to get out and have a life beyond the workplace.

Fair: “100% [of Top Companies] give everyone, at every level, the chance to develop and practice leadership vs. 69.2% of respondents globally.” As young college graduates with little experience in the world, IMLPs are given opportunities to lead: from a small team of peers in a committee to a large team on a mission critical project. Additionally, GE provides excellent leadership training and people skills in both Junior and Senior Bootcamp.

“100% of the best pay male and female employees the same rate.” GE is a diverse and fair workplace, which is one of my favorite parts of working here. Not only is pay equal, but the leadership is also diverse and includes several minority and female leaders in top positions. As an IMLP, you have the chance to meet and learn from many of them.

Lead: “GE maintains its top-notch reputation for leadership excellence.” This excellence is reflected in GE’s performance in competitive markets and industries as well as in the quality people who guide and manage at every level. As an IMLP, you receive some of that excellence from training, networking, and associating with all levels of upper management.

The results of the Hay Group are not just employees talking it up. “The companies that make it into this elite ranking are the ones that combine praise from outsiders with plenty of admiration from within” and “include factual information like a company’s ‘bench strength’ for key positions or how many other people are trying to hire its top people.”

Leadership and the other factors listed here a few factors to consider as you look for a job or internship this year. What other factors are you looking for in your potential employer? Leave a comment with your thoughts.

To see more on the Hay Group's "Best Companies for Leadership," be sure to check out http://www.haygroup.com/BestCompaniesForLeadership/research-and-findings/about-the-research.aspx and http://www.haygroup.com/BestCompaniesForLeadership/research-and-findings/north-america.aspx.