Walmart touts career paths for people at all stages of life
The retailer is spreading the word that career opportunities abound at Walmart for people at every stage of life.
Sharing the retailer's philosophy on access to employment and advancement, on its website, Amy Goldfinger, senior vice president, global talent & workforce strategy, and Lorraine Stomski, senior vice president, of learning & leadership, stated, “We believe hiring and promotions should be based on a collection of skills, experiences and attributes, whether acquired on the job, through military and volunteer service, or degrees and certificates.”
The executives also noted that working at Walmart provides a path for everyone to unlock their potential, drive their purpose-driven career and enjoy the great benefits and wages that come with the job. "We offer opportunity at any stage of your career. Whether it’s your first job, next step or second career, there is a place for you here," they said.
[Read more: Pharmacy Innovator of the Year 2021: Walmart connects with communities]
Walmart associates can gain critical, future-oriented capabilities while they work at Walmart. Students in high school have access to jobs and part-time roles that can serve as a first step to a long, rewarding career at Walmart. "Approximately 75% of our U.S. salaried store, club and supply chain management started their careers in hourly positions," the pair stated.
Walmart's Home Office (corporate) internship program is set to grow by almost 30% year-over-year. College undergraduates and master’s degree students come from across the country to learn and grow a career in areas such as supply chain, finance, tech, merchandise and HR.
"Projects are designed to align to specific skill sets and interests, allowing interns to make an impact on the company, our customers, members and associates. Interns can also connect with senior leaders and build relationships. The goal is to have the majority of these interns transition to full-time roles at Walmart after they graduate," the executives stated.
Additionally, this summer, Walmart is piloting a new College2Career program that gives young professionals the opportunity to jump-start their careers by helping to run a multimillion-dollar business at one of its Walmart stores. The program is for recent college graduates and current college students within 12 months of graduating, including Walmart associates.
[Read more: Walmart raises full year earnings amid positive Q3 results]
Participants go through a comprehensive mix of classroom training, hands-on experience and one-on-one mentoring with company leaders as they learn the ins and outs of Walmart and train to be a salaried member of management at a local store. At the end of the program, top performers are offered the newly created management job of emerging coach — with a starting wage of at least $65,000 a year. College students will be able to step into the role after they graduate, while recent grads will start immediately.
"That’s just the beginning. We see the emerging coach role as an additional pipeline to develop high-potential talent into future store managers, the latter role with an average wage of approximately $210,000 in 2021. With College2Career, we are aiming to move emerging coaches to store managers within two years."
Moreover, in March, Walmart launched Home Office Pathway Experience program, which connects frontline associates currently pursuing a college degree with in-demand roles, in areas such as cybersecurity or merchandising, at the retailer's campus offices. The eight-week program helps associates build their networks, develop new or enhance existing skill sets and better understand the company’s corporate support functions. Participants are eligible for a full-time office role after completing and performing well in the program and following the completion of their four-year degree, the executives said.