On Bloor Street, between Sherbourne and Church lies Manulife Financial, one of the largest financial services companies in the world. Established in 1887, Manulife is decidedly a Canadian institution. Back then it was known as The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and the president of the company was none other than Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. In 1897, Manulife was already thinking globally. The company had set up operations in China and Hong Kong ' a move that would prove to demonstrate forward thinking over 100 years later.
Fast forward to 2012: Manulife's presence not only remains strong in Canada, but has also further expanded in the U.S. through the acquisition of John Hancock. In Asia, the company now operates in 11 countries and territories. Manulife has continued its diversification into financial services other than their core business of life insurance by extending their product and service lines to include wealth management, banking products, and asset management services to institutional clients.
Why you'll love Manulife
Type A and B personalities are welcome to apply, but Manulife strongly prefers what they like to call type M.
We look for top performing students, the complete package, which includes a combination of academic results and work experience. We are also looking for students who have demonstrated leadership potential through community involvement on or off campus, says Maureen Neglia, vice president of global talent management at Manulife.
After 125 years in the business, the student placement process at Manulife is a well-oiled machine. With a focus on new graduate development, including financial support for credential completion provided, there are a number of programs offered:
Actuarial co-op, internship, and development programs ' For students looking to acquire the skills and experience for a successful actuarial career, there are a range of three different programs ' from a more comprehensive rotational program for new graduates to a summer internship for those still in school.
Leadership development program ' High performing MBA grads will make the grade with this global program that involves a rigorous process for selecting highly successful students who have a desire to build a leadership career at Manulife.
Finance, accounting, and investment programs ' Whether you are looking to pursue your CA, CMA, CGA, or CFA, aspiring students within each of these three professional streams can get a good career start in a variety of rotational, co-op, and internship programs by making real contributions to the business through a diverse range of meaningful and challenging roles.
Inside sales program ' Business and commerce grads who are self-starters and driven to succeed will fit in nicely as sales professionals with unlimited potential in group benefits, wealth management, individual insurance, and banking sectors.
Information systems co-op program ' Students work closely with, and learn from, some of the most experienced professionals in the field to gain experience in roles that range from business systems analyst to software developer and designer positions.
Underwriting program ' A background in health sciences, with a strong mathematical aptitude, is what it takes for new grads seeking a creative, entrepreneurial, and vibrant role to thrive in this area.
Why Manulife is different
The opportunities to work for a great Canadian brand, gain a broader global perspective, and develop her career were all factors for Neglia when she began working at Manulife over a year ago. Everything I thought it was on the outside is how it is on the inside, says Neglia. The environment is great for young people starting their career.
How to apply
To access Manulife's campus program positions, check with your campus career centres for all graduate, co-op, and internship postings. Join Manulife's Campus CoNNect mailing list: a newsletter with a student focus on career development. As a growing global company, international students ' especially those with Asian language capabilities ' are encouraged to apply. For information on Manulife's commitment to attracting and developing top talent, visit www.manulife.com/oncampus.
For the full list of Canada's top employers for young people, click here.