Mentoring @ GE

http://www.flickr.com/photos/llawliet/ / CC BY 2.0

One of the things I've loved about working at GE for the past 18 months has been how friendly and helpful everyone around me has been. I've heard that the culture at some companies is very competitive and employees are encouraged to be very independent... at GE, I feel like we're all on the same team.

Throughout IMLP, I've encountered numerous sources of advice and support. First, there are multiple IMLP program managers within GE who focus on making the program (and its members) a success. We hold feedback/review sessions with these managers at "midterm" time and at the end of each rotation to discuss how things are going.

Second, my fellow program members. Rather than competing against everyone else in the program, there is a lot of cooperation and support that goes on in IMLP. Chances are good that we'll work with fellow IMLP members throughout our careers, so the program is a great way to start building that network early.

Finally, every six months we start working for a new assignment leader, who really wants to see us succeed with our rotation. But even after we move on to the next rotation, that person can still be a valuable mentor. I'm halfway through my 3rd rotation, but just starting a formal mentor relationship with my assignment leader from 1st rotation. It'll be nice to catch up over lunch - and get some useful career advice too!