ECLP takes it further!

This post has been selected as a one of the “Best of 2011.”  It was originally posted on October 19, 2011.

When I first learned about ECLP, I realized that it would provide the best opportunity to develop myself on a professional level and achieve my mid-term career plans. The structure of the program and the chance to travel and work abroad was very attractive. What I have discovered on top of this is the GE culture and the quality of people involved in this program, which is far more than I expected! To my surprise, it was not all about professional challenges in my new work environment – ECLP took it far beyond that! I found myself facing greater challenges in my personal life, as stepping into the ECLP world means you must become a time master capable of planning, organizing and accomplishing within a short period of time! 

Energy 2013 ECLPs in Stamford, US From the left; Yousef (me),Ricky, Zach, Ashish, GabI have an amazing ECLP Business Program Manager (BPM) within GE’s Energy business. She made everything run as smoothly as possible. To be candid, the on-boarding procedures take time, especially for international ELCPs like me. In my case, I had to issue my Iqama (work permit in Saudi Arabia) and obtain multiple entry visas in order to travel to US to attend ECLP conference and power plant training. Normally, such procedures require from four-six weeks, while I had to get them within two weeks! It was all about cooperation between the Global Business Services team: HR Administrator, public relations, and finance. On the day of my flight to the US, I opened a bank account, enacted my health insurance plan, obtained a driver’s license, and was issued multiple visas all before getting on the plane! 

 

While this experience was stressful, it taught me to prioritize, work across functions and deal with uncertainty – all of which are traits required of 21st Century leaders. ECLP takes the challenge further – ECLPS are truly developed to be global professionals who know how to set up their lives within weeks, while an ordinary person would need months to do so. 

Khobar, Saudi ArabiaOf course, support from loved ones and co-workers is also important. My wife helped me conduct market research about Khobar (where I’m located in Saudi Arabia). She researched where to live, and even found the best deals for home furniture! When I asked a friend about the place that she had found on the internet, he told me he had never heard of it, despite living in Khobar for more than five years.

Being in ECLP has improved my capabilities to balance between my personal life and my career and taught me to take a more organized approach in everything I do. ECLP has pushed me further, to develop as a global leader with high personal and professional competencies.

 

Tips for my ECLPs fellows who are looking for rotation in Middle East: You can find great information here, here, here & here.

More importantly, ask the GE people in your office, as they are a great reference and are more than happy to support you.

Posted by Yousef