Next Generation Program – Finding Future Leaders
Intrum’s Next Generation Program offers graduates a unique opportunity to build an international network and start their career. Group Learning and Culture Lead Kim Rosseel explains how the program benefits candidates and the business.
Our mission is to attract, develop and retain young talent to become the company’s future leaders.Kim Rosseel, Group Learning and Culture Lead
What is the Next Generation Program?
"The Next Generation Program is Intrum’s talent development initiative. Our mission is to attract, develop and retain young talent to become the company’s future leaders. We offer training and challenges that are designed to expand their knowledge and skills, as well as the chance to work abroad and build a network. The program lasts a year, but the candidates are offered permanent roles with Intrum and are able to start an exciting international career."
When did it start and where does it operate?
"The program began in 2017 and since then 35 graduates have enrolled. So far we have had candidates from France, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Belgium, Poland and Greece. Not every country participates every year – it depends on their need for new talent. However we are constantly expanding and adding new countries."
Who are you looking for?
"We are looking for graduates with a maximum of one year’s work experience who fit our Analyst and Management profiles. The people we need are analytical, relationship builders, dedicated and action-oriented. They are also self-aware, ethical, innovative and fluent in English. We accept internal as well as external candidates."
How are the candidates selected?
"Initially, the countries participating recruit locally and then put forward their candidates to a central selection board. The candidates do interviews and presentations and the best are chosen from this pool."
How does the program work?
"The program is a full-time job for 12 months, rotating between departments and projects. We start in September in Stockholm with a high-paced training week. Candidates learn about the business, as well as leadership and skills building. Our general management team, program sponsors, subject matter specialists and best teachers are all involved in this process, which aims to immerse the trainees in Intrum’s culture.
From September to January, the trainees work in their home countries, gaining understanding of the business and building a network in the local organization. During this time they also get together with their peers in one of the participating countries.
The second module, running from February to March, gives the trainees the chance to work abroad in another Intrum country, developing their international network and learning about the business from another angle. Candidates describe this as a life-changing experience, opening their eyes to an international way of working.
When they have finished this module, they return to their home countries for the final segment of the program and are able to share best practice from the country they have visited.
It is common for them to stay in contact with their previous team – we find the network persists beyond the program and this is a great thing for both the candidate and Intrum."
What happens after the 12 months?
"At the end of August, the trainees graduate and are selected for a role in the business. The international nature of the organization means some will work in their home countries, others take up global roles. We organize career coaching after graduation and support monthly meet-ups with the graduates. All graduates are part of the NGP community in which we set up information exchanges and an annual Alumni Event."
By creating a global multi-talented community, constantly sharing local best practices, we are unifying our company and working towards a sustainable future for Intrum.Kim Rosseel, Group Learning and Culture Lead
What are the benefits of the program for Intrum?
"The inflow of next-generation talent is critical for our organization. The trainees stimulate innovation, are ambitious, flexible, inquisitive and eager to learn. The Next Generation Program infuses the business with talented people who become ambassadors for Intrum.
The program is an important element of our employer brand and reinforces our position as the undisputed market leader in our industry. By creating a global multi-talented community, constantly sharing local best practices, we are unifying our company and working towards a sustainable future for Intrum."
Our ambition is for the program to shape Intrum long into the future as the graduates of today become the leaders of tomorrow.Kim Rosseel, Group Learning and Culture Lead
What does the future hold?
"In the immediate future we have involved more countries than ever and are expanding the number of trainees as well as introducing new speakers, trainers and managers.
By listening and working with feedback from all stakeholders we are constantly improving the quality of the program. For example, this year we started with a personal reflective workbook and new development sessions. Next year we will have a central coach to support the design of the development plans and create a global career mobility plan.
However, the program’s influence extends further than the immediate horizon. Our ambition is for the program to shape Intrum long into the future as the graduates of today become the leaders of tomorrow."
