Walter Surface Technologies Announces the selected candidates for its National Internship Program, Next to Succeed
Innovative program bridges the leadership gap by fostering tomorrow’s leaders
July 6, 2015
Walter Surface Technologies, a global leader in designing and developing high performance products for the metal working industry, has selected two of Canada’s brightest students for its innovative internship program, Next to Succeed, to help close the leadership gap among millennials and upper management. Following the company’s successful launch of Objectif: Relève, the Quebec based internship program started last year, Next to Succeed is the national extension of the program that fosters the development of future leaders through an innovative paid internship to advance the careers of business and engineering students at the multi-national company’s Montreal-based corporate offices.
Chemical Engineering student, Cyril Tremblay, from École Polytechnique de Montréal and MBA student David Wright from University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management will join Walter Surface Technologies this summer as the Next to Succeed candidates to work directly with executive management and the Chairman and CEO, Pierre Somers, on key projects in the areas of Research & Development, Finance, Operations and Marketing.
“Next to Succeed is a great opportunity to work directly with senior-level management at Walter Surface Technologies and enhance my leadership skills,” says Chemical Engineering student, Cyril Tremblay. “I was excited to be selected for the Next to Succeed internship,” says MBA student, David Wright. “It accelerates your career preparation by introducing you to different sectors of the business at a level that is simply not available through typical internship programs.”
As many senior and second-level executives retire or approach retirement, Canadian organizations face a serious leadership succession challenge. According to Statistics Canada 2013 Trends and Forecasts, companies that transition to the next generation without a succession plan experience a drop in business in their first years that can negatively impact the Canadian economy. “This innovative internship will provide our interns and employees, as well as senior management, the chance to collaborate and learn from each other, which will ultimately support our company’s continued growth,” says Pierre Somers, Chairman and CEO, Walter Surface Technologies. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with and learn from our Next to Succeed candidates.”
Next To Succeed is the organization’s systematic approach to identify, develop and retain talent for key positions, contributing to the creation of a generation of qualified leaders by providing access to training and development. Through Next to Succeed, Walter Surface Technologies encourages other organizations to take the lead on developing and fostering the next generation of leaders, to create skilled successors while providing opportunities to Canada’s millennial generation.
About Walter Surface Technologies
Walter Surface Technologies provides innovative solutions for the global metal working industry. From high performance abrasives, power tools and tooling to industrial parts washing systems, cleaners, degreasers and lubricants Walter focuses on helping its customers work better. Founded in 1952, the company is established in 7 countries throughout North America, South America and Europe. International headquarters is in Montreal and US headquarters is located in Windsor, Connecticut. Key certification and awards include ISO 9001: 2008, Wall Street Journal Award; Deutscher Material Preiz; American Eagle Award; CleanTech Cleaning Technology Award.