IBM is grooming its managers for second careers in the not-for-profit sector.
The company has teamed up with Bridgespan, a strategy consultant and
head-hunter for the non-profit sector, to guide interested IBM employees and
retirees in making the transition between Big Blue and "work that is meaningful,
both personally and to society" according to a statement from IBM.
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The Bridgestar initiative will build an online platform with tools and
content to help users assess their readiness for the transition, identify
potential opportunities and skills required, apply for available job
opportunities, and receive mentoring.
After the pilot with IBM, the tools and resources developed will be made
available for other non-profits and corporations wanting to start similar
initiatives.
"This partnership between IBM and Bridgespan will provide a clear path from
the end of a midlife career to an encore career for the greater good," said Marc
Freedman, founder of think tank Civic Ventures.
"It's a great service for employees and a model for other employers to
follow."
More than 640,000 new non-profit leaders will be needed by 2016 according to
Bridgespan's
'The
Nonprofit Sector's Leadership Deficit' report, largely due to baby-boomers
retiring and growth in the non-profit sector.
At the same time, not-for-profit organisations are under increasing pressure
to demonstrate results, leading to a demand for business-oriented skills.
In 2005, IBM launched Transition to Teaching, enabling employees interested
in a second career to become K-12 (primary) maths and science teachers.
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