Starting your professional journey after college graduation is a pivotal time, filled with opportunities to shape your future. At Abbott, we understand the importance of these early career steps. Shaistha Abid, a Senior Specialist in Environmental Health and Safety, and Kaylynn Seludo, a Quality Assurance Specialist, both Abbott employees, share their experiences and insights on how they leveraged opportunities at Abbott to build fulfilling careers aligned with their aspirations. They focused on three key areas that form the cornerstone of career growth at Abbott:
Unlocking Diverse Experiences and Skills through Abbott’s Rotational Program
Abbott stands out for its vast global presence and diverse business sectors, offering a multitude of career paths across various functions. From day one, new hires are encouraged to explore this rich landscape and acquire a versatile skillset that enables them to navigate different teams and business areas.
Shaistha’s journey at Abbott began with a college internship, which paved the way for her to join Abbott’s esteemed Professional Development Program (PDP). This intensive two-to-three-year rotational program is a cornerstone of Abbott’s commitment to nurturing talent. PDP members embark on assignments lasting six to twelve months across different divisions, sometimes even gaining international exposure through rotations in other countries. This immersive experience provides a holistic view of Abbott’s operations and global impact.
“The PDP experience was truly transformative,” Shaistha recalls. “It broadened my understanding of the diverse work we undertake at Abbott and the wide range of customers we serve. I gained invaluable insights into the end-to-end product lifecycle, from the initial stages of Research & Development to manufacturing, quality assurance, and commercialization.”
Kaylynn’s path at Abbott showcases the breadth of internal mobility. She began as a lab technician in the Bioanalytical Quality Assurance (BAQA) testing lab within the diagnostics division. Seeking to expand her skillset, she pursued cross-training in the Analytical Quality Assurance (AQA) platform testing lab before transitioning to the Change Management Group. This team plays a vital role in facilitating technological advancements by providing training and updating crucial documentation for teams adopting new platforms.
“The foundational skills I acquired in both the BAQA and AQA labs were instrumental in my success in the change management role,” Kaylynn emphasizes. This seamless transition between roles highlights the value of diverse experiences gained at Abbott.
Shaistha encapsulates the Abbott employee value proposition: “A major draw for individuals joining Abbott is the understanding that they can forge multiple careers within the company. As employees expand their knowledge, fuel their curiosity, and build connections across teams, they continually discover new areas of interest and find teams that align with their evolving career goals. Our work environment is dynamic, constantly adapting to cutting-edge technology, evolving customer needs, and shifting healthcare priorities. We are committed to continuous training to equip our workforce with the relevant and necessary skills for the jobs of the future.” This commitment to continuous learning and internal mobility is a key differentiator of the Abbott career development program.
Mentorship and Networks: Guiding Your Path to Success at Abbott
Navigating the vast opportunities within a large organization like Abbott and identifying the right pathways for career progression can seem daunting, especially for those in the early stages of their careers. This is where mentorship and robust networking opportunities become invaluable assets, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and steer their careers towards growth. Abbott recognizes this and fosters a supportive ecosystem for employee development.
Kaylynn actively sought guidance from her mentor to explore different teams within Abbott. “My mentor went above and beyond by connecting me with various team leaders for informational interviews,” Kaylynn recounts. “These interviews opened doors for job shadowing experiences in areas that piqued my interest. Gaining firsthand exposure to these different roles was incredibly helpful in making informed decisions about my career exploration.” This proactive mentorship approach is a hallmark of the Abbott culture.
Abbott’s employee networks provide another crucial platform for exploration and connection. Both Shaistha and Kaylynn are active members of the Early Careers Employee Network, fostering connections with colleagues across different business units that they might not otherwise encounter in their daily work. “At Abbott, with its diverse business units and teams, the Early Careers Network is a fantastic platform to connect with colleagues who possess similar skillsets and collaborate informally,” Shaistha explains. “One of my most rewarding experiences was volunteering with the network to support local schools and engage in STEM outreach activities within the community.” These networks extend beyond professional development, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.
Kaylynn’s commitment to networking is further demonstrated by her role as co-chair for the Chicagoland chapter of the Early Careers Network, which she utilized to expand her professional circle. “Our Chicagoland chapter is unique because it draws members from all of Abbott’s diverse businesses located in the region,” Kaylynn notes. This cross-functional networking is a unique advantage offered by Abbott’s employee programs.
By providing the resources to develop a strong professional foundation, coupled with the support of mentors and networks, Abbott empowers its employees to confidently explore their full professional potential right from the start of their careers.
Impactful Benefits: Investing in Your Future at Abbott
Prioritizing employee benefits early in your career is a strategic move towards achieving financial security and fostering both professional and personal growth. Abbott understands this and offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support employees at every stage of their journey.
One of Abbott’s most sought-after benefits is the FreeU tuition assistance program. Launched in 2021, FreeU empowers eligible US-based employees to pursue undergraduate degrees on flexible schedules, eliminating the financial burden of tuition fees and student loans. Delivered through an online format that accommodates diverse schedules, FreeU provides Abbott team members with the means to enhance their skills and advance within their fields while earning a degree. This program directly invests in the long-term career development of Abbott employees.
Kaylynn directly benefited from FreeU, earning a certificate in leadership in data analytics from a local college, with Abbott covering the full tuition costs. Building upon this, she further enhanced her project management skills through a course offered by Abbott’s internal learning and development team. This blend of external and internal learning opportunities underscores Abbott’s commitment to holistic employee development.
Shaistha, aiming to strengthen her conflict resolution skills, identified a relevant course that aligned with her professional goals. The FreeU program is supporting her development in this area by covering the tuition. “I sometimes tend to avoid conflict,” Shaistha admits. Recognizing this as an area for professional growth, she enrolled in the course with the full support of her manager, highlighting Abbott’s culture of supporting employee development at all levels.
Freedom 2 Save is another groundbreaking benefit available to US-based Abbott employees. This innovative program is the first of its kind, helping employees tackle existing student loan debt while simultaneously saving for retirement. This dual-benefit program addresses two key financial priorities for young professionals, demonstrating Abbott’s commitment to employee well-being.
These impactful programs collectively make educational advancement and continuous professional development more accessible for Abbott employees. They empower employees to stay at the forefront of their fields and position themselves for future career advancements. The Abbott career development program, encompassing FreeU and Freedom 2 Save, reflects a deep investment in the long-term success of its employees.
Shaistha and Kaylynn’s experiences underscore the value of proactive engagement and commitment in leveraging Abbott’s diverse career paths and skill-building opportunities. By embracing these programs and resources early in their careers, they have successfully designed career trajectories that are not only fulfilling but also poised for continued growth and evolution within Abbott. The Abbott career development program is designed to empower employees to take control of their career paths and realize their full potential.
