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The Pillars of an Award-Winning Program
IPG Health was selected as a 2023 Campus Forward Award Winner for their unwavering commitment to seeking out and hiring early career talent, their emphasis on diversity & inclusion, and investments in nurturing and retaining the next generation of talent. Please see below for the highlights of their approach to early career recruitment.
Demonstrated Investment in Early Career Hiring
IPG Health’s people are the heart of its business and the company has a healthy obsession with creating an inclusive working environment so that everyone in its interconnected family can thrive. In 2021, IPGH welcomed 1,895 new hires – most of whom are just starting their careers. IPGH values diverse perspectives, and the next generation of talent provides a wealth of novel, creative ideas that contribute to award-winning, life-changing work. A wide array of entry-level programs and opportunities are offered across various departments that encourage proactive career management and growth. By providing ample opportunities for early talent to develop new skills and apply their strengths to new experiences, IPGH accomplishes its goal of empowering the voices of the next generation of healthcare advertisers.
Innovative and Multi-Faceted Approach to University Recruitment
IPGH understands that flexibility and employee involvement are key to engaging early career talent. Using a hybrid mix of in-person and virtual events, the talent acquisition team hosts career fairs, visits universities near the New York office, and creates partnerships with industry associations to identify diverse, young talent. Events feature a healthy mix of recruiters and hiring managers so students can benefit from eclectic perspectives about the industry and company culture. IPGH also sponsors diversity-centric early career talent organizations like The One Club, MAIP, Jopwell, 3%, Brave,n and Generation Hope to meet diverse talent and non-traditional candidates who are interested in healthcare advertising. The network launched Write It Forward, an initiative that recruits, trains, and mentors diverse writing talent from all walks of life for entry-level, science-focused copywriting positions. As a result of the fall cohort, 20 people have gone through the program with 18 accepting full-time positions.
Overarching Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
IPGH’s people have a shared obsession with doing what’s right for its people, its clients, and their brands. Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are central to this commitment. IPGH believes EDI isn’t the responsibility of any one person or department – everyone is responsible, and it’s ingrained in everything the network does. That’s why IPGH recently launched EDI+You, a strategic evolution of the network’s longstanding commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. The talent acquisition team is passionate about engaging with early career talent from diverse backgrounds and experiences. They ensure entry-level job descriptions utilize inclusive language and place emphasis on transferable skillsets and a passion for healthcare. IPGH focuses not only on attracting the right talent, but also investing to set them up for success, and by interrogating their tried-and-true ways of doing things across the board, that’s how IPGH will make real, lasting change.
Impactful Internship Program
Bold Beginners is an immersive nine-week internship program dedicated to the proactive growth of students and recent graduates. Interns complete the program hybrid or fully remote, emphasizing work flexibility. Throughout the summer, each intern is provided 1:1 mentorship in their discipline, working with real client assignments daily. Interns also attend weekly Lunch & Learns to network with leadership across IPGH’s brands and departments. A final component is the Pitch Project, in which interns work together weekly on an ask from a client and present their final ideas to the CEO at the end of the program and receive real-time feedback. Peer networking is also essential to career development and emphasized through various virtual and in-person mingling events (ex: Yankees Game, Virtual Trivia). The program’s clear dedication to early talent leads to a yearly full-time retention average rate of 68% immediately following the program, increasing on a semesterly basis as younger participants graduate.
Growth and Development of the Next Generation of Talent
IPGH has a healthy obsession with the growth and success of early career talent — which is essential to its commitment of delivering the best talent and expertise for clients. Leadership’s support is important to the success of entry-level talent. New hires participate in a proactive first-year onboarding process, which includes a network overview with HR, on-the-job training, skills workshops, and a “buddy” to provide ongoing peer mentorship. Individuals also have regularly scheduled 1:1s with managers to discuss development milestones, success measures, and personal career-mapping. IPGH prioritizes the wellbeing of entry-level talent through a flexible time off policy, no-cost counseling services, education assistance, and outstanding health benefits. Additionally, the network emphasizes a Proactive Career Management philosophy, meaning if an employee no longer feels passionate about their current role, they're welcome to explore opportunities across different teams and departments to ensure they are always engaged and growing.