With a giant, coast-to-coast Canadian footprint and a rich, 130+ year history, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) is a company that represents success, history, and achievement. However, working for such a large company, one with so many facets, and trying to learn about each of its departments can feel overwhelming for new employees.
Luckily, with CP's Operations Management Trainee Program, participants are exposed to a full range of the company’s inner workings. Natasha Orton, a proud CP employee, shares what drew her to this incredible program.
A natural fit
The railway was one of the leading industries in Natasha’s community. And the more she grew up around them, the more fascinated Natasha became about trains. This made CP a natural fit when it came time to planning her career. She wanted to learn every part of the CP business model, and it was this interest that drew her to the CP Operations Management Trainee Program.
This six-month program allowed Natasha to experience every department within CP. Natasha's comprehensive training helped her from both a career and personal standpoint. From engineering to customer service, Natasha was able to travel, network, and everything in between, as she expanded her horizons to become a leader at CP.
Program overview
Natasha had been working with CP for almost a year when she heard about the program. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn about the different departments within CP and how they all worked together,” Natasha said. (However, it should be noted that this program is open to new hires as well!)
Participants get a full overview of the company, from top to bottom. They spend time learning the mechanics and engineering behind the operations. On the other end of the spectrum, participants also learn about sales and customer service, allowing them to come full-circle with CP’s inner and outer workings. While learning each department, participants have the opportunity to travel to gain insight from different perspectives.
Travel
Travel is just one of the program’s many benefits. “My favorite part of the program was the ability to go to many different places for training,” Natasha said, “From Toronto, Calgary, Sudbury, and London, I have seen many new places and met a lot of great people in my travels with CP.”
Personal and professional growth
Natasha shared that this program has given her a variety of personal and professional skills. “I feel that I have gained a vast knowledge base that will be helpful as I move through the company during my career,” Natasha said.
Not only did the program help her career, but it also helped her grow as a person. “I have grown so much from a career and personal standpoint. It has given me the skills and confidence to tackle any challenge that I may face throughout my career.”
The program forces participants outside their shell and to become comfortable in many different situations. “I have grown so much as an individual,” Natasha said, “it was the best career move I have ever made.”
The CP Operations Management program is the perfect stepping stone to immerse yourself into a leadership role at CP. Participants receive the necessary skills to combat any situation, big or small. CP works hard to take talented and high-potential employees and provide them with the necessary technical expertise to thrive in any of CP’s leadership roles. If you would like to be involved in this outstanding program, the time to start is now—it's a choice you won't regret.