Ask Gen Z: How Do I Find a Company That Will Support My Career Growth?
Choosing a company that supports your career growth can have an outsized impact on your professional trajectory.That’s why it’s no surprise that most Gen Z candidates today are looking for a company that not only offers competitive pay and benefits, but robust programs and initiatives to support career growth.
However, it’s not always clear which companies will be best for your career growth when you’re searching for an opportunity or interviewing with companies. So how can you do your due diligence before accepting an offer and starting with a company?
For some actionable advice, we turned to two Gen Z professionals who ended up at a company that heavily invests in their professional development and career growth.
Anthony Lorson and Kamla Arshad – who both graduated college in 2021 – knew it was important to them to find an organization that prioritizes long-term career development alongside other factors like company culture, work-life balance, and diversity and inclusion. Early on in their professional careers, they joined McMaster-Carr, an innovative industrial supplier that has growth and development embedded in their culture. To help their younger peers navigate their job search and end up at an organization as supportive as McMaster-Carr, Anthony and Kamla are sharing their top advice for seeking out a workplace that empowers you to thrive personally and professionally.
Tip No. 1: Use the interview process wisely
When you land an interview with a company, don’t forget that it’s a two-way street. The interview is a great opportunity to assess if a company is offering the kind of growth and development opportunities that are important to you.
Kamla advises job seekers not to shy away from asking direct questions about career advancement, professional development programs.
“Don't be afraid to ask questions during interviews,” she said. “I asked numerous questions about the interviewers' previous projects, their favorite and least favorite aspects of their roles, and why they chose to stay with the company for so long. I also inquired about their mentorship programs and support for employees from marginalized communities.”
Anthony, also emphasizes the importance of understanding the career journeys of those interviewing you. “A question I liked to ask was, ‘how did you land at the company and where were you previously?’. Asking this to each of my interviewers gave me a breadth of experiences to use to understand development opportunities at the company.” This strategy can uncover not just the formal career paths available but also the more nuanced, personal growth stories within the company.
Tip No. 2: Go beyond the interview to seek out information
Networking is an age-old strategy, yet its importance cannot be overstated—especially if you’re looking for authenticity and direct communication. Kamla and Anthony leveraged their networks to uncover the realities of working at potential employers, going beyond the surface to understand the essence of each company's culture and commitment to career development.
Anthony highlights the significance of engaging with both current and past employees to get a rounded view of the company. "The most valuable information you will get about a company’s culture and growth opportunities is from those that work at or have worked at the company," he remarks.
While researching McMaster-Carr, a mutual friend put Anthony in touch with someone who had worked for McMaster-Carr for 7+ years and was able to share his experience at the company. “Hearing the story of this individual and the opportunities that they had at McMaster-Carr over a long period of time was one of the most informative and eye-opening conversations I had,” said Anthony.
Kamla's strategy involved reaching out to alumni and professionals within her desired industry, seeking those crucial insider perspectives. This not only helped her assess a company's values and culture but also allowed her to gauge how her own aspirations would align with potential roles.
Hearing about a company’s approach to career growth firsthand can make a big difference in understanding how deep the commitment goes. Beyond the conversations, however, it can be helpful to gather specific information on the dedicated programs and initiatives surrounding professional development.
Tip No. 3: Get the specifics on the programs that foster career growth
A company's investment in specific programs for professional development can be a clear indicator of its commitment to employee growth. Kamla and Anthony found that McMaster-Carr stands out in this regard, offering structured programs that cater to various career paths and interests.
For Kamla, McMaster-Carr’s employee resource groups and mentorship program stood out in particular as invaluable assets for career growth. “Engaging with diverse colleagues through these initiatives enriches my perspective and skill set, while mentorship provides guidance for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities,” she shared.
McMaster-Carr’s management development program and the rotational elements within it were another big draw for Kamla. "It provides exposure to different departments and roles, allowing employees to gain diverse experiences and identify areas of interest for future career growth," Kamla explains, underscoring the value of such programs in facilitating informed career decisions.
Anthony shares a similar viewpoint. “The management development program at McMaster has been the most exciting professional development opportunity of my career,” he shared. “The program begins by exposing you to various aspects of the organization through shadowing and short projects that are aimed at making incremental improvements in the area you are learning about. Having that foundation before moving on to my first role as a supervisor in the operation was integral to my development.”
Anthony also shared how grateful he was for the unique opportunity for the ability to transition between role types. He moved from an operational management role to a project-based role, which he says has been incredibly valuable for his professional development. This kind of internal mobility isn’t common at all companies, which is another reason it’s so beneficial to do your research on the programs available at a company before choosing which organization to join.
By prioritizing companies that offer clear pathways for growth, engage in transparent communication, and demonstrate a commitment to their employees' success, you can find a workplace where your career will not just grow but thrive. The journey to finding a company that genuinely supports your career growth is multi-faceted, requiring diligent research, strategic networking, and insightful questioning. Kamla and Anthony’s experiences at McMaster-Carr exemplify the proactive approach needed to find an employer that not only promises but delivers on its commitment to employee development.
McMaster-Carr is an innovative industrial supplier that uses technology to enhance customers’ buying experiences. For its employees, McMaster-Carr provides opportunities in general management that combine career-long learning, responsibility, and work-life balance. At McMaster-Carr, you will develop your management skills by leading teams across the business, developing others, challenging business assumptions, and designing and implementing new solutions. Learn more about McMaster-Carr and their great career opportunities here.
