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The Pillars of an Award-Winning Program
Kohl's 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.
Overarching Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Kohl’s takes a number of steps to recruit and retain underrepresented talent at the entry level, in addition to further improving the understanding, awareness, support and engagement in DEI for its current associates. In addition, Kohl’s has eight BRGs with more than 9,500 members focused on driving the business by recognizing and championing DEI. Kohl’s has expanded its talent attraction practices to make more meaningful connections with Black and Hispanic professionals. This includes broadening reach at diverse colleges and universities as well as building relationships with Black and Hispanic professional associations. Kohl’s utilizes diverse-centric talent sourcing tools and external partnerships with organizations such as All-In Milwaukee, Harbor Institute, National Association of Black Accountants, National Society of Black Engineers, AnitaB.Org and Prospanica.
Impactful Internship Program
Kohl’s strives to attract and engage with more diverse, early career talent while giving equitable opportunities for career growth. Interns work 40 hours a week and are paid competitive wages for 8 to 10 weeks over the summer. All interns work on real projects that make a true impact on the business. For example, interns help create new programs, styles and artwork for Kohl's proprietary brands. More than 70% of interns accept a full-time offer following their internship. Interns have the opportunity to hear from Leadership through the Kohl’s Executive Speaker Series which is available to all Interns across Stores, logistics locations, and Corporate offices. Additionally, all interns can join Kohl’s eight BRGs, as well as formal development sessions, social activities and volunteer events.
Growth and Development of the Next Generation of Talent
Kohl’s provides live and on-demand learning opportunities for new hires. Most early career associates participate in classes of 7 to 12 weeks of dedicated training. Entry-level associates have a manager and a “coach” – another associate who is currently doing the role – that the new hire can leverage as a partner for questions and learning. There are department-specific classes, trainings facilitated by Talent Development, and computer-based learnings. Kohl’s also leverages LinkedIn Learning to provide a library of training videos for all associates. BRGs provide mentorship opportunities and host presentations to help members learn about various topics and participate in development opportunities. Through development plans and annual performance goals, new hires partner with their manager to identify strengths and areas of personal improvement opportunities.