There’s no shortage of early-career opportunities at Capital Group. Interested in Tech? There’s a program for that. Want to be an accredited investor? Capital Group can work with you to achieve your goal. Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to propel your career or interested in experiencing a multitude of roles to help determine where your interests lie, this is possible in Capital Group’s rotational programs.
Capital Group is one of the world’s largest and oldest investment management organizations. That’s why it’s no surprise that they’re also heavily invested in their associates’ growth and long-term success. To learn more about how Capital Group is setting up early-career candidates for career longevity, we spoke to three associates about their experiences in different rotational programs.
In his first year in the Sales Learning Agility and Training Experience (SLATE) program, Jaylen Jones has already reached a career milestone.
Jaylen is a 2020 Morehouse Alum with a B.A. in Business Administration and Management and a concentration in Finance. Shortly after graduating Jaylen joined Capital Group’s SLATE program. Capital Group’s SLATE program is a one-year development opportunity in sales. In this year-long program, associates are provided resources, support, and opportunities to take licensing exams to advance their careers.
When we spoke with Jaylen, he shared that his ultimate goal is to become an accredited investor and entrepreneur. He also wants to mentor people in low-income communities. One of the requirements to become an accredited investor is the Series 7 licensing exam. With the help of Capital Group and the SLATE program, Jaylen was able to take this exam, bringing him closer to his goal.
While discussing the culture at Capital Group, Jaylen explained that the company encourages associates to be their authentic selves at work. He emphasized that the company has a focus on, “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” which is something he strongly aligns with.
When asked why students should apply to the SLATE program, Jaylen said, “There are so many reasons why! One of the main reasons someone should apply to this program is the support that Capital Group provides associates. This foundational program can give you the resources you need to make the most out of your career.”
Grace Karanja is in her final year in the three-year Capital Associates Program (CAP), which took her across the nation (before the pandemic).
In 2018, Grace graduated from Amherst College with a dual degree in Mathematics and Film and Media Studies. Nearly three years later she reflected on her time in the program, “I’m almost at the finish line, and once I have my review they’ll determine if I go into the investing unit.”
The CAP program was created to develop great investors and future leaders within key operational roles at Capital Group. The program provides extensive structured training opportunities to learn from experienced investors and associates. One of the things Grace likes the most about her time in CAP is her mentors. “It’s easy to find mentors at Capital Group. People are always looking to help and support the associates in the CAP program.”
Over the years Grace has had several managers, and many have become her mentors. She explained that one of her mentors encouraged her to investigate a group of chemicals, which resulted in travelling across the country to meet with lawyers, scientists, and policymakers. Grace had the opportunity to travel to D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina, and San Diego (all within a four-month time frame). At the time she thought to herself, “Wow, I can’t believe they’re allowing me to do this!”
When asked to describe what a typical day looks like in the CAP program, Grace shared that it includes meetings, attending presentations and doing research to find new ways to analyze and present her findings.
Grace described her favorite part about the program, “I feel like I get paid to learn—In every rotation people have been willing to teach me, and they don’t expect me to just land in and have the skill set. They provide me with resources I need.”
One and half years into the Information Technology Rotational Program and it’s everything Hannah Wainwright thought it would be, and more.
Hannah graduated from the University of Alabama in 2019 with a B.S. in Management Information Systems and a minor in Public Relations and Computer Technology & Applications. With a diverse skill set, Hannah wasn’t quite sure which direction she wanted to take her career, and by chance, Capital Group invited her to apply to the IT Rotational Program.
“Someone from Capital Group reached out to me and asked me to apply. Once I learned more about the rotational program, I realized it was exactly what I was looking for,” said Hannah. The Tech Rotational program is an early-career opportunity that allows participants to network, upskill, collaborate and innovate in a variety of roles.
Hannah explained that on day one of the IT Rotational Program she became a part of a community with the other members of her program. Her group consisted of members in various stages of the program and she was assigned a mentor to help her along the way. She explained that she benefited from her peer mentor, and also the mentorship from her managers.
“In my first rotation my manager met with me on a weekly basis. We spent a lot of time carving out my personal development objectives, and each week he gave me a deep dive into the different departments at Capital Group.”
When asked what her favorite thing about Capital Group is, Hannah shared, “Capital Group does a good job at investing and valuing their associates. Whenever I want to try something new, I have access to the resources I need.”
At the end of each interview, we asked these early-career candidates what advice they have for those interested in applying, and here’s what they had to say.
“Be yourself! Understand your weaknesses and hone in on what you’re good at,” said Jaylen.
“The way they hire here is so different from other companies because they’re not looking for a specific skill set. They’re looking for people who can continue the collaborative process that we have here,” said Grace.
“It’s important to be open to the opportunities they give you. I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to be, so I would encourage anyone who feels unsure to apply,” said Hannah.
If you’re interested in learning more about Capital Group and the early-career opportunities that are available, click here.
