Whirlpool named one of best places to launch career

With more than 70 million Generation Y employees entering the global workplace, smart companies are paying attention and providing these future leaders with a workplace that responds to the unique wants and needs of this generation.

Among the best of these companies is the world's leading home appliance manufacturer, Whirlpool Corporation, which on September 5 was named one of the "Best Places to Launch a Career" by BusinessWeek magazine. The company ranked 46 on the list, ahead of companies like Accenture and Kraft Foods.

"At Whirlpool Corporation, recent graduates have the opportunity to contribute directly to the company's success by immediately tackling challenging projects and assignments," said David A. Binkley, senior vice president, Global Human Resources, Whirlpool Corporation. "In addition, our leadership development programs provide incredible career advancement opportunities and unmatched experience that help young professionals develop and manage their own successful career paths."

Helping New Employees Launch Great Careers

Many recent college grads and other entry-level employees come to Whirlpool through the company's Leadership Development Programs, which are three-year programs that rotate new employees through several different positions in the areas of marketing, information technology, finance/accounting, engineering, human resources and supply chain. These programs provide graduates with high-level projects that have a direct impact on the success of the company, as well as opportunities to try different challenging assignments and further develop their skills.

"My experience at Whirlpool Corporation has been very positive. I've had the opportunity to work on monthly financial closing assignments, forecasting and other financial reporting assignments, as well as give presentations to senior leaders within the company," said Lindsey Hathaway, who joined Whirlpool Corporation's Finance Leadership Development Program in 2007 after she graduated from Michigan State University. She is now an associate financial analyst at Whirlpool. "The managers I have worked with while in the program have been supportive and given me meaningful work, providing training and assigning me to projects that continue to help me build my skills."

Whirlpool also provides a work environment and programs that enable entry- level employees to succeed in their careers and maintain a healthy work/life balance, a combination that Gen Y employees say are important to them. Whirlpool offers new employees:

·        A new "onboarding boot camp" designed specifically for Leadership Development Program participants. The "boot camp" encompasses three days of orientation and functional training, with exposure to senior leaders, an understanding of the company's business strategy and networking sessions.

·        Opportunities to gain global experience either through a global rotation or by working on a global project team or assignment.

·        The Whirlpool mentoring program provides one-on-one support for young employees, empowering them to reach out to potential role models throughout the company. In addition, employee networks such as the Women's Network, African American Network, Asian Network, Hispanic Network, Pride Network (for GLBT employees and supporters) and the Young Professionals Network provide informal networking opportunities.