Company lifeINFOR’S EARLY TALENT PROGRAM: Your Questions Answered It really is amazing how early career experiences can influence your career path. I didn’t realize the impact I was about to have on Infor and vice versa, until I joined as a graduate on the Early Talent Program in September 2020. The plan for the academy training was organized, prepared and ready to go. The time and effort Infor put into creating an inclusive training environment for the early talents shows its benefit. The concept of mutual benefit, collaboration and self-actualization are embedded throughout the journey, from training to shadowing to eventually taking part in client project work. It really is a mission in the right direction, growing the business and welcoming vast numbers of early talents across the globe, enhancing the diverse culture, making our futures combined more sustainable and successful. So, as an experienced Early Talent Inforian and a recent graduate from the program, I’ve answered a few questions about the scheme. What are your thoughts about Early Talent Program? To put the answer simply, I think it is BRILLIANT! After graduating from university, people often fail to talk about or cater for the transition that occurs between that slower, chilled, student life to the busy, scheduled, work life. This is something that Infor take into consideration by gradually excelling early talents from a group based and trainer led training program to shadowing, before being lowered into the deep end of client projects. It is crucial to have this transition that has proven to be achievable. Infor’s Early Talent Program caters for this in a manner where new starters feel comfortable with their new working life and are able to learn and grow in their roles from day one at a suitable pace. Do you enjoy working at Infor? ABSOLUTELY! Even though we are ‘new starters’, ‘early talents’ or ‘graduates’ many of us have had the privilege of experiencing work placements and other part time jobs or internships. I can honestly say from experience that Infor has so far been my most enjoyable role! Working as a consultant at Infor comes with benefits, first and foremost an undeniably inclusive and team working culture where people are really at the heart of the company. The engagements we have at Infor aligns with the confidence new starters gain by simply asking questions and reaching out to anyone, and that anyone will get back and support wherever possible. Secondly, I enjoy the travel, obviously! The Early Talent’s recently returned from a Radical Collaboration trip to Paris which was amazing! The activities and training were intriguing and interesting. Meeting people in person, building great colleague relationships and being able to travel for training or to client sites discovering new cities and ways of working, forms a great part of our careers and Infor culture. It is also what makes the job enjoyable, interactive and fun! It’s a busy place to work and one that provides challenges followed by satisfaction and achievement. What advice would you give to future Early Talents? Acknowledge that learning takes time and ENJOY THE MOMENT. I say that because there is a lot of learning involved at Infor that is why we have the Early Talent Program. For many Early Talents, ERP systems are new to the vocabulary and it does take time for the penny to drop and for us to understand what exactly our job roles are and how to use the system. So, I’d advise new Early Talent’s to acknowledge that learning may take some time and to not put too much pressure on yourselves when it comes to trying to remember all the details of the course. Remember experience is a key part of learning and you’ll get that when you work on projects. Eventually everything will come together, and you’ll make great consultants! In the meantime, I encourage you to enjoy the moment, take an interest into the learning and make the most of the opportunities to collaborate and network. Building your network can help you throughout your career, so don’t be shy to talk to people and ask questions or provide feedback. In the moment of everything, enjoy the path you’re on and have fun! All in all, the Early Talent Program prepares graduates and new starters for an incredible career with a gradual transition from education to the working industry accompanied with hands on experience and real responsibility. Infor has not only helped me enhance my role, but I have also had the opportunity to get involved with business resource groups such as actively contributing to the Women in Infor Network, making a positive difference to communities and societies. Infor is a place where you can make optimistic impacts to the industry, company and yourself and what better place to start than Infor’s Early Talent Program. Author: Manisha Kaur
