Leadership Development Programs (or LDPs) are fast-track programs within companies designed to develop participants for future leadership roles. These programs vary significantly from one company to the next, as each organization tailors its program to meet specific needs, including structure, duration, experiential experiences, functional focus, rotations, mentorship and coaching, on-the-job and formal training.
Benefits of LDPs:
- Many LDPs are rotational, allowing you to work in one function for a specific duration, before rotating to a new function. This is a great way to explore a variety of functions, build a variety of skills, and learn about different parts of an organization.
- Most LDPs have structured development and mentorship programming.
- Being part of an LDP cohort provides a built-in network as you re-enter the workforce. The extended network will be invaluable as you navigate through the rotations.
Advice from those who have participated in LDPs:
“You must do some soul-searching regarding your career goals. LDPs average about two years; make sure you understand what this commitment aligns with your career interests and goals.” – former LDP participant
Where and when to find LDPs?
Leadership Development Program opportunities can be found across industries, including Consumer Banking, Energy, Healthcare, Insurance, Manufacturing, and Transportation. In recent years, organizations that have recruited for LDPs include Barclays, Baxter, BB&T, BP, GE, InBev, Johnson & Johnson Liberty Mutual, Owen Corning, Shell, Siemens (and many more)!
These organizations tend to follow a structured recruiting process that starts in Fall. Some organizations will recruit interns, treating the summer internship as the first portion of the rotation program, with a full-time offer to follow at the end of summer. Other organizations only recruit full-time candidates for their LDP.
In addition to exploring CMS and the career sites from your target list of employers, consider utilizing MBAExchange, which posts a number of LDP opportunities each year.
