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 will provide program members with deep functional and industry knowledge to help them develop their careers with Pearson and become future company leaders.

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Rotation Overview

During each of the three eight-month rotations, Associates will 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. Associates select their rotational preferences from the following functional areas: product development, product management, marketing, finance, technology, sales, or operations.
• 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.

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Rotation Responsibilities

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

• Conduct market research and analyze the competition
• Partner with stakeholders and customers to build and enhance new products
• Coordinate with a team to design and execute product features
• Develop marketing strategies
• Create training portals for internal staff

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Geographic Rotation Locations

• Chandler, AZ
• Rancho Cordova, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Denver, CO
• Iowa City, IA
• Glenview, IL
• Boston, MA
• Bloomington, MN
• Upper Saddle River, NJ
• New York City, NY
• Columbus, OH
• Austin, TX
• San Antonio, TX

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Program Benefits

• Accelerate your professional growth and experience
• Increase your leadership skills
• Grow your career with the world's leading learning company
• Build a network of senior-level mentors and colleagues
• Meet with and learn from Pearson executives
• Acquire deep knowledge of the education industry
• Discover career opportunities across all businesses
• Receive performance feedback during and after each rotation
• Collaborate with high achieving peers

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Candidate Requirements

• GPA 3.2 or above
• BA required, advanced degree a plus
• Graduating between January 2008-June 2012
• Internship experience in business, consulting, program management, education, non-profits, or social entrepreneurship
• Proven leadership and analytical skills
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
• Curiosity and humor
• Strong computer skills
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Self-motivated team player
• Passion for making a difference in education and impacting the future of global minds
• Eagerness for learning and helping others learn
• Adaptable to change
• Geographically mobile
• Have permission to work in the U.S.

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Candidate Preferred Qualities

• Proven project management skills
• Intense curiosity about digital learning
• Reputation for being a creative thinker and problem solver

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How to Apply

Applications are closed for the 2012-2013 term for the Pearson Leadership development program. Check back for updated application information for next term.

 

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Hiring Process

 

Applicants are encouraged to submit their resume as soon as possible.  Candidates will be reviewed in the order materials are received, and invitations to interview will be handed out in the same order.  Qualified candidates will be invited to the Pearson Leadership Development Program Hiring Summit.

• Resume / cover letter screen
• Phone interview
• In-person interview
• Video cover letter
• PLDP Hiring Summit

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pearson Leadership Development Program (PLDP)?

The Pearson Leadership Development Program (PLDP) is an exciting and challenging full-time, 24-month rotational opportunity designed to create a pipeline of future leaders at Pearson. To accelerate the learning and experience of eah candidate, this select program combines on-the-job experience with leadership workshops, additional training, senior leader mentorship and support from all areas within Pearson.

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 BA / BS, MBA, or MA / MS from a 4-year university or college completed before July 2012.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Please see our Candidate Requirements.

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 2011 through November 2011. 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.

I've applied. Now what do I do?

Thank you for applying. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. Join our Pearson Students Facebook page and follow @Pearson_Student on Twitter for the most current updates. And feel free to browse this website for other Pearson opportunities that may interest you.

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 three 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 at various businesses, functions, and locations. Candidates are required to be geographically mobile. In addition, all program members will participate in leadership workshops and may have to travel for other purposes, such as business meetings or customer site visits.

What is the training for PLDP Associates?

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

When will the next class for the Pearson Leadership Development Program start?

The next class of the Pearson Leadership Development Program officially launch in July 2012 at the leadership workshop. Individual rotations start in June 2012.

How many PLDP Associates will be hired?

We expect to hire between 6-10 PLDP Associates in the class starting rotations in June 2012. We will continue to hire on annual basis, starting each additional class in following years in June.

When will hiring decisions be made?

Our hiring target is to extend all offers for the Pearson Leadership Development Program by December 2011.

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.

What is the hiring process?

Please see our Hiring Process.

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

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

What are the graduation requirements of the Pearson Leadership Development Program?

To be considered a graduate of PLDP there are several requirements to successfully complete over the 24-month program:

• Three eight-month rotations
• Four leadership workshops
• Six performance appraisals
• Online curriculum
• Legacy project with other PLDP Associates

What is the timing of each of the rotations?

• Rotation #1 = June 2012-February 2013
• Rotation #2 = February 2013-October 2013
• Rotation #3 = October 2013-June 2014

What happens after the Pearson Leadership Development Program?

At the time of successful completion of all the PLDP graduation requirements, each PLDP Associate will search for an off-program position within Pearson. This job search will be accomplished with the help and support of the PLDP Program Champions, PLDP Rotation Managers, a PLDP Mentor, HR, and various others within Pearson. We will help each PLDP Associate match an off-program position with their career interests and goals. This job search period will be 60 days after the date of PLDP graduation. 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 off-program roles?

The locations of off-program jobs will vary depending on the availability of be open positions at the time of PLDP graduation and the nature of the position. It could include all of the Pearson office locations.

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