Pearson, the world's leading learning company, presents an exciting and challenging 24-month rotational program designed to create a pipeline for future Pearson leaders.

Through the Pearson Leadership Development Program, participants progress through two twelve-month rotations across Pearson businesses, functions, and locations. All Pearson Leadership Development Program Associates will be challenged with key responsibilities, given opportunities for advancement, and work closely with senior executives. Pearson aspires to be "always learning" in everything we do, and we invite you to join us in our mission.

Show All

How to Apply

Applications for the Pearson Leadership Development Program will be available in Fall 2013.

About the Program

The Pearson Leadership Development Program (PLDP) offers Associates a full-time, salaried position. The program combines on-the-job experience with leadership workshops, additional training, senior leader mentorship and support from all areas within Pearson. Each rotation provides program members with deep functional and industry knowledge to help them develop their careers with Pearson and become future company leaders.

Read more about Pearson

The Pearson Leadership Development Program involves:

• Two rotations
• Four leadership development workshops
• Four performance appraisals from Program Champions and Rotation Managers
• Strategic Business Project with other PLDP Class of 2015 Associates
• Personal Legacy Project
• Professional Development Plan

Responsibilities

Rotations include responsibilities in roles such as (but not limited to):

• Business Development
• Communication
• Data Analytics
• Engineering
• Industrial Design
• Marketing
• Product Development
• Product Management
• Research
• Social Media Community Management
• Software Development
• Web Analytics

Pearson is invested in your potential in becoming a leader and building your skills and abilities in a holistic way. Due to our broad range in businesses, products, and services, we want to welcome applicants with diverse strengths. All majors are encouraged to apply.

During each of the two twelve-month rotations, Associates focus on:

• Leadership Development
  Our goal is to help Associates grow professionally and personally. To this end, Associates are exposed to cross-functional, cross-business, and cross-geographic areas to establish a broad knowledge base of Pearson and how our businesses work together. The experience includes key developmental immersion assignments that challenge the individual to deal, adapt, and succeed in a team environment.
• Innovative Thinking
  Associates join a team and inject fresh ideas to tackle the issues facing Pearson and the education industry.
• Building a Track Record of Success
  Associates have the opportunity to make meaningful contribution to three different rotations in a short span of time, making for an impressive and extensive repertoire of experience, which Associates can leverage throughout their careers with Pearson.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree obtained between January 2010 – June 2014
• GPA 3.2 or above
• Geographically mobile
• Proper authorization to work in the U.S.
• Internship, entrepreneurship, or work experience is required

Candidate Preferred Qualities

• Prior experience in software development, engineering, quality assurance, data analytics, web analytics, social media, business, consulting, program management, education, non-profits, or social entrepreneurship
• Proven leadership and analytical skills
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Team player
• Inquisitive
• Adaptable to change
• Passion for making a difference in education and impacting the future of global minds

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTIONS

• Is the Pearson Leadership Development Program an internship?
• I've submitted my online application form and my résumé via the online Pearson careers page. Do I get a confirmation that you've received them?
• When do I hear back after submitting my online application form and résumé?
• What are the responsibilities of a PLDP Associate? What does the day-to-day job look like?
• Is there any travel involved?
• What is the training for PLDP Associates?
• How many PLDP Associates will be hired?
• When will hiring decisions be made?
• What is the compensation for the Pearson Leadership Development Program?
• How many times would a program member need to relocate? Are relocation expenses reimbursed?
• What are the exact dates of the two rotations?
• What happens after the Pearson Leadership Development Program?
• What are the locations of post-placement roles?

ANSWERS

• Is the Pearson Leadership Development Program an internship?

  This is not an internship. The Pearson Leadership Development Program (PLDP) is a full-time position with full employee benefits designed specifically for college graduates with a GPA of 3.2 or above with a Bachelor's and/or Master's degree completed before July 2014.

• I've submitted my online application form and my résumé via the online Pearson careers page. Do I get a confirmation that you've received them?

  All applicants receive an email confirmation upon submitting their résumé and cover letter and are directed to a confirmation page once their application form is submitted. Due to the number of applicants we are unable to confirm receipt of individual applications.

• When do I hear back after submitting my online application form and résumé?

  Applications will be accepted beginning in September 2013. Qualified candidates will be contacted for phone interviews. Due to the number of applicants, we are unable to respond to phone calls and emails regarding application status.

• What are the responsibilities of a PLDP Associate? What does the day-to-day job look like?

  The Pearson Leadership Development Program is designed to give each Associate two unique rotations. Rotations will vary based on business, function, and location. Please see our Rotation Responsibilities section for examples.

• Is there any travel involved?

  All Pearson Leadership Development Program Associates will be on a rotation course that involves travel to work and experience Pearson. Candidates are required to be geographically mobile. In addition, all program members will participate in bi-annual leadership workshops and may have to travel for other purposes, such as business meetings and/or customer site visits.

• What is the training like for PLDP Associates?

  This select program combines on-the-job experience with leadership workshops, online curriculum, and senior level mentorship and support from all areas within Pearson to give each Associate the training they need to succeed in their rotation and beyond. Each rotation will provide Associates deep functional and industry knowledge, creating a solid foundation to become future Pearson leaders.

• How many PLDP Associates will be hired?

  We expect to hire 15 PLDP Associates in the class starting rotations in June 2014.

• When will hiring decisions be made?

  Our hiring target is to extend all offers for the Pearson Leadership Development Program by December 2013.

• What is the compensation for the Pearson Leadership Development Program?

  The salary for the Pearson Leadership Development Program is industry competitive and will be discussed at the time of offer.

• How many times would a program member need to relocate? Are relocation expenses reimbursed?

  PLDP Associates may need to relocate twice during their time in the program. All PLDP Associates are required to be geographically mobile. Relocation expenses are reimbursed according to the relocation policy.

• What are the exact dates of the two rotations?
  • Rotation #1: June 2014 – end of June 2015
  • Rotation #2: July 2015 – end of June 2016
• What happens after the Pearson Leadership Development Program?

  Once the PLDP Associate has accomplished a track record of success, he/she will be placed in a post-placement role in line with individual career interests and goals. If an appropriate position is not found or performance is not successful or outstanding, the PLDP will no longer be an employee of Pearson.

• What are the locations of post-placement roles?

  The locations of post-placement jobs will vary depending on the availability of open positions at the time of PLDP graduation and the nature of the position. It could include any of the Pearson office locations.

Meet the Pearson Leadership Development Team

We're pleased to introduce you to some of the Pearson Leadership Development Program Associates and the Pearson Executives. Read about their motivation for working at Pearson and perspectives on why the Pearson Leadership Development Program is an important part of our future.

Pearson Executives

Associates

Tim

CEO, Higher Education

"Pearson is an exceptional place. We are proven market leaders with a clear and important purpose — to help people reach their full potential through learning. That's a big ambition, and, it involves tackling the pressing issues in education related to achievement, access and affordability. It also requires people who not only share a commitment to learning, but who have the drive, curiosity, and creativity to break new ground. If that sounds like you, I encourage you to consider the Pearson Leadership Development Program. You would find yourself surrounded by talented and engaging colleagues — I know that I do every day."

Peter

CEO, School

"The need for change in America's public education system has never been greater, and, right now, the converging forces of public policy, advancing technology, and poor economic conditions provide the perfect backdrop for transformation. Pearson School is poised to tackle this critical issue with the help of forward-thinking, innovative, curious, smart, creative and passionate new colleagues such as those who entered last year's PLDP. I hope this year's candidates are equally as excited about joining Pearson, as I know we are excited to have them."

Paul

President, Science

"The state of education, the environment, health care and global economies rank among the country and the world's most pressing problems. As the world's leading educational services provider, Pearson is in a unique position to contribute to solutions. Future teachers, scientists, nurses, doctors, lawmakers and economists are using many of our programs as they prepare for their professions. So are future business leaders, whose supply can never be great enough. Among other objectives, the Pearson Leadership Development Program aims to contribute to this supply; we hope you are interested in participating."

Doug

CEO/President, Assessment & Information Group

"Pearson is a dynamic, global business, focused on making a difference in education — where highly motivated and self-directed people who share this social purpose can make a real impact."

Yolanda

President, Social Sciences & the Arts

"Alyssa [PLDP Associate] has already accomplished a great deal in her first six weeks. She is tenacious, insightful, enthusiastic and smart. She does not hesitate to express her ideas, and is a ready learner. We put Alyssa 'to the test' at the Pearson national sales meeting where she assumed a leadership role with much success. What I appreciate the most about Alyssa is her composure and her competence."

Julie

Major: Computer Engineering

Title: Associate Project Manager

Location: Upper Saddle River, NJ

"On a day to day, I analyze the market, research the best pedagogy and technologies, discover our in-house capabilities, and finally, influence our team to make the best decisions on our future strategy."

Lindsey

PLDP Associate

Location: Boston, MA

"The PLDP provides an opportunity to have an impact at Pearson Education by working on valuable projects, networking with corporate executives, and mentoring from knowledgeable experts. My favorite part is that people look to me for input and value my perspective on groundbreaking concepts."

Felipe

Major: Civil Engineering and Physics

Title: Associate Product Manager, Associate Data Analyst

Location: Boston, MA

"I perform data analysis and data mining, generate product consumption reports, and interact with the Product Management team to find ways to enhance their work through the use of big data and efficacy research."

Alyssa

Major: Finance/Marketing, Business Economics

Title: Associate Product Manager

"My main focus is collaborating with Pearson Digital Learning colleagues in software development, product management, marketing, finance, and sales to reposition Zeos for its second product launch."

Douglas

Major: Economics and History

Title: Associate Product Manager, Media Delivery Services

Location: Washington, D.C.

"My role demands precise coordination and execution between our internal business units and vendors through­out the education market space. My projects allow me to collaborate with executives and receive insightful feedback every step of the way."

Samuel

Major: Philosophy, Politics, and Law

Title: Associate Online Marketing Analyst

Location: New York, NY

"My current role is focused on helping Pearson develop a strong, consistent social media and online presence enterprise wide. In this rapidly evolving field, I utilize data analytics, build online communities, and lend my social media expertise to diverse marketing efforts."

Ashley

Major: Education Studies: Human Development

Title: Associate Research Assistant

Location: Austin, TX

"My rotation has given me the opportunity to engage in discussions around some of the most pressing issues in education. I work with passionate colleagues who are eager to contribute to academic literature and participate in the surrounding dialogue to ensure that students are ready for college and careers."

Jacqueline

Major: Political Science & History

Title: Associate Content Specialist

Location: Austin, TX

"I evaluate assessment questions for validity, give specific feedback and draft passages for K-12 assessments. Currently, I am collaborating with teachers to create assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards."

Megan

Major: Psychology and Religious Studies

Title: Associate Community Engagement Marketing Manager

Location: Boston, MA

"“I blog, facebook, tweet, pin and youtube on behalf of our Customer Experience team. Specifically, I manage multiple social media platforms where I create content, interview authors, run promotional campaigns and build robust discussions. Our team uses different online mediums to bring together higher education instructors so they have a common space where they can collaborate and share best practices."

Sarah

Major: Religion

Title: Associate Communication Analyst

Location: Glenview, IL

"My project is at the heart of Pearson's transition from analog to digital. I work on an initiative that will help Pearson make the products our K-12 customers need and deliver them on the most engaging platforms for students and teachers."