What is GE looking for in an ECLP candidate?

During the past few months, I have had the opportunity take a couple of recruiting trips and to meet many great MBA students who are interested in learning more about the ECLP program. One question that inevitably comes up in each conversation I have with prospective ECLPs is: “What is GE looking for in an ECLP candidate?” Here is my attempt to answer that question (from the perspective of a Capital ECLP):

The ECLP program is first and foremost a sales and marketing program. Thus, the program leaders in each of the businesses are seeking candidates who have experience in either (or both) of these functional areas. GE refers to this experience as “commercial” experience. The advice that I have given to each of my beloved Duke alums (UNC candidates can skip to the next article) is to connect your previous work experience to sales and/or marketing skills whenever possible. If you have worked in sales for five years, you will likely have an easier time demonstrating that you’re a good fit for ECLP. If you have not had direct sales or marketing experience, but have had significant customer interaction in previous roles, it is crucial that you communicate this relevant experience to us. GE is looking for you to articulate how your previous work experience prepares you to be successful in the sales and marketing roles that you will take while on program.

Along with sales and marketing experience, GE also wants to know that you have a background in the business for which you are applying. Today’s ECLP program still promotes diverse, generalist experiences, but a level of expertise and specialization also needs to be cultivated for you to be successful on and off program. For example, in GE Capital, a background in financial services, banking, or accounting may improve your candidacy. Likewise, if you are applying for a position with Aviation, a background in engineering or having airline experience could improve your candidacy. 

However, don’t despair if your previous work experience does not fit exactly into a GE business - ECLPs come from a range of backgrounds. Make sure you prove to the recruiter first in the cover letter, and later in the interviews, that you have the transferable skills and passion for the industry, which will enable you to thrive in a new business despite limited previous exposure to it. One good way to demonstrate your interest in the new business is by talking to as many current ECLPs in that business as possible to learn about their experiences and determine if your interests are truly aligned with the sort of work you would be doing on program. Armed with this understanding, you will have a much stronger answer when an interviewer inquires about your lack of industry experience. Of course, it goes without saying that you will also want to use your time at business school to take classes and/or work on projects focused on this new industry, so that you can hit the ground running once you’re on program.

Every ECLP candidate should also show that they are enthusiastic, personable, and able to step into leadership roles. The ability to be proactive and adapt to changing environments is also a necessary skill at GE.

Finally, regardless of business, GE employees share a common collegiate culture. The more time you take getting to know GE employees on campus or over the phone, the better your understanding of this culture will be. Fit is important to any company, but it is particularly important to GE recruiters. Do your homework and learn as much about GE, the business to which you are applying, and the people in that business as you possibly can and you will be a step ahead…

Posted by Jeff

Comments

[CHANDA MHANGO-ZAMBIA]

I find the article on ECLP GE candidate criteria selection spot on.Interesting article and very informative.

I am an admirer of GE especially GE Infrastracture , water and process technoligies/oil and gas .I am a zambian chemical engineer based in zambia with 8 yrs sales and commercial experience with multinational oil companies.I have had two unsucessful interviews with GE but this has not dettered me from seeking a GE career which i have been persuing for the last four years now .

The article has just re energised my inetrest

[Jeff LeDuc]

Chanda, Thanks for the comment. I am glad you have continued to have interest in GE and especially GE's infrastructure business. This will be an important part of GE's business in the coming years and places like Africa and the BRIC countries will be at the forefront of a lot of that growth.

Keep pushing and learning more about the ECLP program and GE itself. Hope to see you at an ECLP conference in the coming years!

[Kwabena]

Jeff, great post.

[Linda]

Thanks for taking the time to share your insight and advice about the ECLP program.
It definitely seems less daunting now that you've broken it down for us.
Wish GE would include California's top universities on their recruiting cycle.

[Victor]

I have been reading alot about GE since after i attended a career event in Lagos. The career event had a huge impact on me and changed the way i thought of business and career pursuit. I have been gathering information on GE recruitment and ECLP in anticipation of a chance to share my experience and how it would be relevant in making positive impact on individuals, businesses and governments as you all do. Your posts have been so informative and i know it would come handy as i am about to begin the journey that would lead me to achieve what seem to be my most coveted desire and accomplishment.

Yes! i have been invited for a phone interview. Thanks so much for your posts.Thanks for sharing!. I hope to post on this blog too someday and help someone maybe in the remotest part of the world know that their dreams are achieveable. That's exactly what all your posts on ECLP recruitment have done for me. God bless you all and may you all have great success in your choosen career paths.

Victor.

[Jackie Mecca]

Victor, Thank you for the comment. I am glad that you have found the ECLP Blog to be a useful resource. Please do reach out if you have any questions about the program. Best of luck on your phone interview!