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The Pillars of an Award-Winning Program
Express, Inc. was selected as a 2024 Campus Forward Award Winner for their unwavering commitment to seeking out and hiring early career talent and investments in nurturing and retaining the next generation of diverse talent. Please see below for the highlights of their approach to early career recruitment.
Multi-Faceted and Thoughtful Approach to University Recruitment
The University & Community Engagement team at Express, Inc. welcomes future leaders through a multi-faceted, hybrid approach that includes in real life experiences through career fairs and speaking engagements, connecting with students virtually through LinkedIn and Handshake and building relationships with University Partners. The Express Inc. Early Talent team has connected with over 1,100 students in 2023 through this approach and in turn welcomed 30 interns out of 5,500 applicants. One 2023 intern shared, “The Express, Inc. experience is inclusive, diverse, and welcoming, and I feel right at home”. For the 2024 program, Express has already experienced a 222% increase in applications from the previous year demonstrating their brand presence and awareness among the industry and internship market.
Impactful Internship Program
The Express Inc. Internship Program starts with the Brand Purpose – Create Confidence and Inspire Self-Expression. Prior to the program, interns receive personalized packages filled with items for their experience and invited to a private group to connect with fellow interns, allowing them to meet peers and build community before Day 1. During the program, interns participate in weekly engagements including professional development workshops and networking sessions, giving visibility to the CEO and Senior Leaders. Interns participate in real-life cross-functional projects presented to associates across the business at the program conclusion. Lastly, Community is built outside the workplace with group outings and Express product rentals. One 2023 intern shared, “It’s incredible reflecting on the networking, friendships and invaluable learning experiences I gained at Express, Inc.”
Growth and Development of the Next Generation of Talent
Express, Inc. empowers and invests in their Early Talent community through cross-functional exposure, connectivity and education. In 2023, Express, Inc. launched an Intern Scholarship, awarded to one intern directly supporting their tuition. The recipient shared, “Receiving this scholarship validates Express, Inc.’s investment in development and represents that my experience has meaning. I’m proud to have worked for Express, Inc.”. Continued connection throughout the school year with events and career fairs has built brand ambassadors on campus, resulting in 37% interns re-engaging with Express, Inc. on campus showcasing how an intentional community strategy strengthened connection and future leaders. Express' investment in interns is evident with 100% of interns that received an offer to return to the Company for a second-year internship or full-time opportunity have accepted.