Management Associate Programmes, what are they all about? It has been the talk of the town especially among fresh graduates who are looking for a great career start. The whole idea for organizations to set up a Management Associate Programme (MAP) is to train and groom future leaders. It is a crucial part of succession planning. Most of the programmes are structured for the candidates to go through rotations of departments to understand the business nature and possess an overall grasp. The biggest reward for organizations to invest in them is that one day they will become leaders that see the business as a whole, therefore making better business decisions and strategies.
Nonetheless, do watch out as many would mistakenly assume all management trainee programmes to be the same. While it is actually more like an extended internship programme, providing more exposure, it does not lead to a fruitful long term career. Most MAPs will send the candidates to trainings and courses to further enhance their capabilities while a management trainee programme does not.
To be in a MAP is not an easy task at all. As the end objective is to train an all rounder to take over a managerial role, one must show that he or she has what it takes to be in the programme. Although requirements and skills might be different for different industries, the first barrier of entry is a first class honors degree or CGPA of 3.5 and above. Good academic results alone will only grant you a chance for an interview. They are looking for people who can articulate well, have good business acumen, possess critical thinking and have fantastic social skills.
Candidates must go through various assessments or tests during the interview process. These assessments are very difficult. Generally, the assessments will cover communication skills, people skills, team work, personality, analytical thinking, arithmetic abilities and technical knowledge. You should be prepared to sit for essay writing, presentations, group discussions and all kinds of tests. However, each organization will have their respective methods of assessing the candidates and may differ. Every stage will say farewell to a candidate or two who failed the assessment.
The best part of a MAP is it is a gateway to endless opportunities. By being in the programme you will be undergoing all sorts of prestigious trainings. These are only available to MAP candidates. The exposure itself will lead to a steep learning curve. Demanding managers and mentors will also be pushing your potentials further, hoping that you will be 'ready' as soon as possible. While ordinary working adults need years to climb the corporate ladder, a promising candidate will cut the period by half
Another great thing about MAP is the remuneration package. While normal fresh graduates are being paid around RM1800 to RM2400 nowadays, MAP is a notch higher. For instance the banking industry would start at RM3000 for the first year or two, plus other benefits. It is definitely a spectacular first employment for freshmen. Rewarding as it seems, one's career in a MAP will only be smooth if he or she outshines the rest
Since employers have started to take note on the importance of MAP, the number of such programme has increased as well. Nevertheless, only little local corporations are putting huge efforts in building future managers. CIMB's Complete Banker programme is one of the excellent programmes available out there. Successful candidates will go through a 2-year programme that will rotate you through different departments and an opportunity to be placed in certain business departments later on. High performers will then continue to be employed with them and is on the fast track to become a young manager.
Although it might be a long and tiring process to experience, but it is one of the best ways for you to start your career and it adds value to your resume. It is a great way to challenge your capabilities and allow them shine in your professional life. If you are an undergraduate who is very keen to be in MAP, then waste no time and start preparing yourself!
Nonetheless, do watch out as many would mistakenly assume all management trainee programmes to be the same. While it is actually more like an extended internship programme, providing more exposure, it does not lead to a fruitful long term career. Most MAPs will send the candidates to trainings and courses to further enhance their capabilities while a management trainee programme does not.
To be in a MAP is not an easy task at all. As the end objective is to train an all rounder to take over a managerial role, one must show that he or she has what it takes to be in the programme. Although requirements and skills might be different for different industries, the first barrier of entry is a first class honors degree or CGPA of 3.5 and above. Good academic results alone will only grant you a chance for an interview. They are looking for people who can articulate well, have good business acumen, possess critical thinking and have fantastic social skills.
Candidates must go through various assessments or tests during the interview process. These assessments are very difficult. Generally, the assessments will cover communication skills, people skills, team work, personality, analytical thinking, arithmetic abilities and technical knowledge. You should be prepared to sit for essay writing, presentations, group discussions and all kinds of tests. However, each organization will have their respective methods of assessing the candidates and may differ. Every stage will say farewell to a candidate or two who failed the assessment.
The best part of a MAP is it is a gateway to endless opportunities. By being in the programme you will be undergoing all sorts of prestigious trainings. These are only available to MAP candidates. The exposure itself will lead to a steep learning curve. Demanding managers and mentors will also be pushing your potentials further, hoping that you will be 'ready' as soon as possible. While ordinary working adults need years to climb the corporate ladder, a promising candidate will cut the period by half
Another great thing about MAP is the remuneration package. While normal fresh graduates are being paid around RM1800 to RM2400 nowadays, MAP is a notch higher. For instance the banking industry would start at RM3000 for the first year or two, plus other benefits. It is definitely a spectacular first employment for freshmen. Rewarding as it seems, one's career in a MAP will only be smooth if he or she outshines the rest
Since employers have started to take note on the importance of MAP, the number of such programme has increased as well. Nevertheless, only little local corporations are putting huge efforts in building future managers. CIMB's Complete Banker programme is one of the excellent programmes available out there. Successful candidates will go through a 2-year programme that will rotate you through different departments and an opportunity to be placed in certain business departments later on. High performers will then continue to be employed with them and is on the fast track to become a young manager.
Although it might be a long and tiring process to experience, but it is one of the best ways for you to start your career and it adds value to your resume. It is a great way to challenge your capabilities and allow them shine in your professional life. If you are an undergraduate who is very keen to be in MAP, then waste no time and start preparing yourself!
