Young Professional Career Development

How strong is your company in attracting, developing, and retaining young professionals? Business Week recently released their annual Best Places to Launch your Career survey, and profiled 119 companies. Many of these companies have taken intentional and deliberate steps to create an inspiring environment for YP's. After review, I think there are three major keys to success: (1) providing defined career development opportunities, (2) establishing a mentoring program to connect YP's with senior leaders, and (3) creating a remarkable employment brand through unique benefits and recruiting interactions.

In combination with the aging workforce and baby boomer retirement "boom", young professionals are positioned to have a rosy employment outlook. Smart companies will realize that YP's are imperative to their future success, and they will implement strategies that create an empowering atmosphere. Certainly, not all companies will place a high level of value on YP's, but the successful companies will be the ones who recognize the need to create a talent pipeline.