WHEN MOST OF US think of a management training programme, we generally picture the participants as ruddy-faced eager beavers fresh out of school. But one company is shedding the stereotype of what makes an ideal candidate for a new job.
Most corporations offer management trainee programmes to school leavers. It is rare to hear of a company which prefers to take on participants who have been in the workforce for several years.
Up until five years ago, the American International Group (AIG), like other companies, held a management associate programme for fresh graduates. Now, it only takes in young people who have been working for two to four years.
'People who have some working experience are more likely to be sure about their career objectives. Those who have not, tend to jump from one job to another because they have little idea of what the corporate world is like,' said Aiken Yuen, vice-president, regional training and development director, staff training and development at AIG Hong Kong.
Every year, the insurance and financial services provider receives 60 to 80 applications both internally and externally for its management associate programme. Only up to three candidates are selected. During the 24-month rotation training programme they learn the different aspects of the company's operations. Each programme differs slightly from one individual to the next, depending on each person's goals, experience and skills.
'In AIG, jobs are structured around a person and his or her experience and skills, not vice versa,' Mr Yuen explained.
