General Management & Leadership Development Programs

So you want to work in a Management Rotation Program? Learn more here!

Leadership Development Programs, also called rotational programs, are meant to provide entry-level hires with a cross-functional perspective of an organization. These programs can vary from a few months to a few years, where the employee spends several weeks or months in each of the key functional areas of the employer. The goal of these programs is to expose high potential employees to multiple aspects of the company with the hope that they will advance in the future to lead across those functions. Keep in mind that a number of these programs may have application timelines during the fall semester.

Leadership Development Programs should not be confused with Gap-Year opportunities, which are structured for an employee to stay with the organization for only a set term. In contrast, Leadership Development Programs are an investment the organization is making in their employees to prepare them for advanced leadership roles within that organization.

The Nuts & Bolts

Leadership development and rotational programs provide you with in-depth experiences, ongoing mentorship, and targeted training across a range of business areas within a company. Companies usually use these types of programs to hire interns or post-graduates and train them through rotational programs (i.e. rotating through different parts of a company) or specific, structured training programs. The goal is to recruit and develop leaders for their organization. Given the diversity of tasks and projects that candidates are exposed to Management Rotational Programs make a great option for advanced-degree candidates who are looking to establish a career in a more “corporate” organization but are unsure of where to do so. While programs are traditionally designed for undergrads or MBAs, some technical related programs are open for Masters/PhD students. Programs open to MBAs usually require 0-3 years of work experience. Programs open to masters or PhD require 0-2 years industry or related work experience. Sometimes PhD experience could be counted as work experience.

To help you explore these programs, we link to Leadership Development resources below. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list; we intend for you to use it as a starting point. You can also meet with an OCS advisor to further discuss your options.

When should I start?

One important thing to keep in mind when launching your job search is that many of these programs have special recruitment timelines (usually in the fall semester). Each program may have unique components, length of time, pre-selected rotating work assignments, optional rotating work assignments or specific, in-depth experience in one area – meaning start planning out your calendar now!

Management rotation programs are frequently found in large consumer packed goods (CPG), financial services firms, pharmaceutical companies, engineering companies, and technology companies.

What can I do now?

Start Studying! Start Networking! Start Practicing Your Case Studies!

Employers expect candidates to begin the program fully ready to dive into the work. To brush up or improve your skills, consider taking courses via Coursea or PreScouter on Project Management, Marketing, or Intro to Data Analysis. Additionally, take advantage of your time on campus by getting involved with the following organizations:

Remember employers want to see demonstrated interest and experience working within their industry/ realm of expertise.

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Career Resources

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TWO WAYS TO SEARCH:

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Raveesha Gupta (MA ’17, International and Development Economics)

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YC Career Outcomes

The Office of Career Strategy collects information about Yale College graduates. This tool allows users to search outcomes by year and major. Please visit Statistics & Reports for detailed reports.

Helpful Tips on using the Interactive Tool:

  • There is no Enter or Submit Button – Results will appear automatically with your selections
  • Choose ‘All Years’ or ‘All Majors’- For results across years and majors or check one for more granular results.
    • Default results will show the most recent Class Year.
    • Uncheck the selected major(s) to reset your search.
    • To ensure student confidentiality, results are only reported in the aggregate and more granular data is not available through this public tool.
    • The tool will return results with at least five responses. If you require additional information contact the Office of Career Strategy
    • First Destination Summaries are based on the knowledge rate of graduate outcomes six months after graduation under the guidelines set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Most Recent Class Overview

Knowledge Rate Success Rate Mean Starting Salary Top Five Industries
86.8% of those graduating between July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021 96.9% employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation $76,359 among graduates employed in the United States. Financial Services, Education, Technology, Consulting, and Healthcare

 

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First Destination

First Destination refers to the postgraduate plans of Yale College graduates six months after graduation. The pursuits of Yale graduates include employment, graduate school, independent research, military service, and more.

CONTACT & LOCATION

Phone
(203) 432-0803
Email
careerstrategy@yale.edu
Website
http://ocs.yale.edu
Address

55 Whitney Avenue, 3rd Fl.
New Haven, CT 06510

SERVICE HOURS

Academic Year Summer Hours
M 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
T 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
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TH 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
F 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm

The office is closed weekends, holidays, and recess days.