Friends, Colleagues and a Support Network
Friday, September 9, 2011 | 6 Comments When I went through recruiting, one comment I consistently heard was, “Your ECLP class becomes your friends, your colleagues and your support network.” I never thought too much about this statement, but now, eight weeks after beginning the program, I can’t stop thinking about it.
I came to ECLP from the part-time MBA program at NYU Stern and a full-time job as a Project Manager for a real estate company. When I met my ECLP classmates for the first time during Capital training, I was amazed at how different we were. We all had diverse work experiences – a General from the Army, a lawyer from a big NYC law firm, a Marketing Manager for a TV network, just to name a few. We all went to different business schools, some full-time, some part-time and some through Executive programs. And, we all had unique backgrounds – from the west coast, from the eastern hemisphere, recently married, a new parent, or totally single.
But despite all of our differences, we had no trouble getting to know each other. Over the first two weeks of training and Global Conference, we were lucky to have many new experiences (take a look at Paul’s post for more information on what we did at Conference), and with each one, we learned more about each other (from who spent time abroad as a journalist to who taught 4th grade bilingual education in Texas). By the time I left, I not only had a new set of colleagues, but also a new group of friends.
This sounds great (and maybe even a little cheesy), but why does this matter? First, while we are all in different locations working in a variety of rotations, we still work together on a daily basis. From writing this blog post to launching an iPad app that will be used during on-campus presentations, there are a series of ECLP and GE Capital projects that keep us working together across time zones. Second, despite all the preparation, it’s not easy to start a new job, particularly at GE. There are so many details to learn from how to find someone in a 300,000 employee directory, to working new computer programs, to knowing whether or not it’s normal to not understand the many GE acronyms thrown out during meetings. I know I am already asking my boss a million questions specific to my rotation, so I turn to my ECLP classmates (on a daily, if not more frequent basis) to ask them all of my other questions. It’s nice to know I have strong connections to a class of ECLPs that are always willing to listen, lend a hand, and help make what could be uncomfortable questions comfortable.
This support network is yet another reason I’m so happy to be a part of ECLP. While the ECLP program affords you amazing opportunities to learn and engage in your GE business, I am finding that there is an equally amazing opportunity to work with such a tremendous group of people. And it’s only just the beginning!
Posted by Becky
Reader Comments (6)
Your words bring an exciting perspective. Above all, they come straight from the heart.
Thank you for sharing,
Rgds,
Ciro
Thank you for the nice comment! We always appreciate feedback and comments from people who read the ECLP Blog. What brings you to the site?
Thanks Ciro!
Becky
Jean
Your blog was very inspirational! I am currently an applicant for the GE ECLP program. I have my first phone interview scheduled for Friday (9/30) afternoon so I am very excited and a little nervous. I am hoping for the best and be able to participate in such an incredible program. Your words just gave me even more encouragement - thank you and good luck with the rest of the program.
Thanks for your comment, and good luck during the recruiting process! Keep a look out for more ECLP Blog posts that will continue to give you more insight to what it’s like to be in ECLP.
Becky
-Susan