How I’m helping a large multinational with grad training
This client has offices in 5 countries. They have 200 graduates a year to train – and those grads work in 75 different disciplines.
The Learning and Development team has a tiny window of time to train the grads, who are expected to spend 95% of their time on billable work.
Complex situation; clear goal.
Here’s how I’m helping the grads move from academic to professional writing in that tiny window.
Three-part programme to fit around packed schedules
A video a day to start the revolution
Each grad gets an email in their inbox, 1 a day for 5 days.
The email links to a 2-minute video from our School of unProfessional Writing. The videos introduce the core concepts of reader-focused writing. Each video gives simple awareness-raising activities that are easy for the grads to do while doing their normal work.
2.5-hour online training to practise the skills
On day 6, I run a power-packed Zoom session to bring the concept of reader-focused writing to life. We keep the group size at 14 so we can interact easily. It’s online because, hey, offices in 5 countries!
This session is highly interactive. The grads do activities, write emails, and generally realise that writing clearly is a seismic shift away from academic writing, but an easier shift than they thought.
The grads often email me after that session. I give them the feedback or advice they were too shy to ask for in the big group.
Role-specific guidance in quick videos
On day 7, the grads start their month of access to School of unProfessional Writing. It’s a buffet of micro-learning videos, activities, and resources catering to every role in a corporate office.
Grads with technical roles can do the courses on technical writing, report writing, and critical thinking. Corporate-services people can learn about writing to persuade and influence, accessibility and inclusion, and the complexities of tone.
Every course video is short enough to squeeze into the gaps of time these grads have between client work.
Logistical details
We run this training year-round in batches of 14 people. It’s optional, but it’s one of the most popular courses in the grad programme. The sessions are always booked out.
Want to kick-start your new hires’ writing skills?
Would you like something similar for your grad or induction programme?
I’d love to create a learning experience that works for you!
Email me at colleen@colleentrolove.com.