Building Community and Careers With Capital Group’s Early-Career Programming

What comes after college graduation? For many, the shift from college to the workplace is both exciting and challenging, and early-career programs can be vital resources for students and recent graduates looking to take the next step in their careers. Samantha Nelson, the Senior Program Manager and Vice President at Capital Group has firsthand experience developing programs that empower the next generation of talent. 

“Capital Group’s early-career programs offer a unique chance to develop skills, gain valuable experience, and be part of a supportive and dynamic community,” she tells Fairygodboss. “They also provide an enriching experience with mentorship and guidance, helping associates start their career on the right foot and build a strong foundation for long-term success.”

_{Samantha Nelson and the 2024 cohort. Photo courtesy of Capital Group.} 

Since 2021, Samantha has led the company’s early-career strategy for data and technology and is responsible for the program’s day-to-day operations. As Capital Group’s Education, Development, Growth, Excellence (EDGE) program lead, she oversees summer internship programs for undergraduate students, rotational programs where associates can develop their skills, and direct-placement opportunities for recent graduates. Over the past five years, the company has successfully hired over 250 new graduates. 

These programs not only benefit the candidates who participate—they play a crucial role in the company’s success. “Capital Group seeks to establish a strong brand in the marketplace, attracting top talent and fostering community among early-career associates,” she says.

Here, we catch up with Samantha to learn more about Capital Group’s exciting early-career opportunities, the advantages they give participants, and how students and recent graduates can get involved. 

Tell us a bit about your job. What’s your current role, how long have you been in this role, and what’s your day-to-day like? 

My day starts early with checking emails and LinkedIn, then getting my boys ready for school or their activities. I head into the office, often taking a call from the car or listening to a podcast.

My workday is filled with strategic discussions about the program, meetings with associates and leaders to shape the early-career experience, and partnering with HR to advance our recruiting efforts. I’m also active on LinkedIn, maintaining connections with colleges and universities to ensure a strong pipeline of candidates.

Balancing my professional and personal life is important to me. I make sure to wrap up my day by attending my boys’ lacrosse or football games, which allows me to stay engaged in their lives while managing my work responsibilities.

You lead Capital Group’s EDGE program. Can you tell us a little more about this initiative?

One of our flagship offerings is a 10-week paid summer internship for undergraduate students between their junior and senior years, with many summer associates receiving full-time offers and deciding to join us after graduation. This program provides valuable hands-on experience and helps us identify and nurture top talent.

We also offer the Technology Rotational Experience (TREx) program, a two-year rotational program where associates rotate through three teams, gaining varied experiences and developing a broad skill set. At the end of the program, associates are placed on a team from their rotation or a new team, ensuring the best fit for their skills, interests, and business needs. The TREx program has been instrumental in developing well-rounded professionals who contribute to our technology initiatives.

We also provide direct placement opportunities, allowing new graduates to join Capital Group full-time. I partner with senior data and technology leaders to understand the skills they’re looking for. Together, we work with managers to create a robust candidate pipeline. The rotation and direct placement associates join Capital Group simultaneously as part of a cohort, fostering a sense of community and support among new hires.

What inspired Capital Group to create these early-career initiatives? 

The inspiration stemmed from a desire to invest in the company’s future by attracting and nurturing top talent from the beginning of their careers. Capital Group aimed to create structured learning, growth, and professional development opportunities, recognizing the importance of building a strong foundation for new graduates and early-career professionals.

Overall, Capital Group’s early-career programs were inspired by the company’s commitment to building a dynamic and innovative workforce, ensuring long-term success and growth.

Can you describe how early-career programs benefit employees?

Capital Group’s early-career programs offer numerous benefits for new graduates, providing a structured and supportive environment to transition smoothly into the workforce. Some key advantages include:

• Skill development: Designed to help new grads develop technical and soft skills through hands-on projects, rotations, and continuous learning opportunities, participants can enhance their expertise and become well-rounded associates.

• Mentorship and guidance: Capital Group’s programs include mentorship, allowing experienced professionals to guide new grads through their career journey. New joiners are also paired with an alumni from a previous cohort. This helps them navigate challenges, set career goals, and gain valuable insights from industry experts.

• Networking opportunities: By connecting with peers, mentors, and leaders within the organization, new grads can establish relationships that will benefit them throughout their careers and build strong professional networks. 

• Community and belonging: Our programs foster community among participants, creating a supportive environment where new grads can share experiences, collaborate, and grow. This sense of belonging significantly enhances job satisfaction and engagement.

• Exposure to different roles: Rotational experiences allow new grads to explore various organizational roles. This exposure helps them identify their strengths and interests, leading to better job alignment and career satisfaction. 

What elements of the early-career programs do you take the most pride in?

I’m incredibly proud of the positive outcomes and recognition that the early-career programs have achieved. They’ve garnered awards and accolades and facilitated significant contributions from individual associates, making a meaningful impact on the organization and the community. 

It’s also incredibly rewarding to witness associates’ upward mobility and participate in their life milestones, such as engagements, weddings, and the arrival of new babies. Getting to know each early-career associate personally makes this the best job ever.

Do you plan to continue and grow these programs in the future?

Yes! We’re actively hiring for the 2025 cohort and are excited to welcome new talent. If you’re passionate about technology and eager to start your career with us, we would love to hear from you! 

I encourage new or soon-to-be graduates to review our Career Site for more information and explore available opportunities: Students | Capital Group; also, search open positions slated for interns and new grads here by searching “campus” in the Careers filter. 

New positions will be posted in the coming weeks, so please check back often. 

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