Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a restaurant company known for the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich and their signature hospitality. In 2022, Chick-fil-A was recognized for its leadership and growth opportunities and named the Best Employer in America by Forbes and the Employee’s Choice by Glassdoor, honouring top CEOs.
We spoke with Whitney Perrett, Lead Recruiter, Talent Acquisition – International, to learn more about Chick-fil-A’s award-winning leadership and growth opportunities and how schools and career centres can involve their students and new grads.
Initiatives for Students and New Graduates Looking to Kickstart Their Careers
Chick-fil-A, Inc. has internships available to undergraduate students and a unique Leadership Development Program designed to accelerate business acumen and leadership skills in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Whether at their corporate headquarters which is referred to as the Support Center or in the field at restaurants, Chick-fil-A offers an environment where individuals can grow personally and professionally. Having the ability to work and learn from an industry-leading brand sets students and new grads up for success as they prepare to launch into their future careers. During their time with Chick-fil-A, Inc., they’ll be exposed to the company’s inner workings and have access to a vast network of industry leaders, mentors, and professional development opportunities.
The talent acquisition lead recruiter, Whitney Perrett, recommends students and new grads visit their website to learn more about the Chick-fil-A brand, Chick-fil-A, Inc. and the company’s operations. Internship opportunities are posted annually, and the company hires for its Leadership Development Program on a rolling basis, so checking their website or following the company on job boards is also valuable. For those interested in applying, she recommends attending one of their info sessions and visiting a nearby Chick-fil-A brand restaurant to experience the brand.
Exclusive Insights into Chick-fil-A, Inc.’s Leadership Development Program
Success within the Leadership Development Program (LDP) starts even before employees are hired. Whitney mentions their team works to understand an individual’s long-term aspirations during the recruiting and interview process to help the applicant decide if the LDP will help them work towards future goals. During the program, they help each participant design a customized development plan in addition to their business and leadership experiences to support their individual career paths and development needs.
Whitney notes, “I’ve had the opportunity to work for a handful of organizations in my career, and Chick-fil-A, Inc. has an unmatched company culture. I personally believe that working for Chick-fil-A, Inc. as part of an internship or our Leadership Development Program (LDP) will set a high bar for what company culture and work can look like. Students and new grads will experience an authentic workplace environment that cares about the employee and the customers we serve in a distinct way in the industry – and the workforce.”
Additionally, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has a door-open policy for connecting with business leaders. While working with them, interns and LDP Participants will have the opportunity to sit down with senior leaders, executives, and professionals who have been in the industry for decades.
Measuring Success while Working with Chick-fil-A
Within the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry, success is measured by the speed of service, profitability, and loyalty of customers. For Chick-fil-A, success is measured by the quality of food, providing signature hospitality, and the level of care shown for their employees, guests, and the communities they serve. Students and new graduates have a unique opportunity to learn invaluable lessons from Chick-fil-A’s exemplary approach. Chick-fil-A’s principles can shape their career trajectories and inspire them to prioritize excellence, compassion, and community impact in their professional journeys.
Career-Changing Benefits of Joining the Chick-fil-A Team
Whitney shared with us her valuable experience, “working with Chick-fil-A, Inc. as a Lead Recruiter has been very rewarding. Being a new brand to Canada, I have had the privilege to share new employment opportunities with individuals that may not have considered Chick-fil-A in their careers previously. It’s fun to share my personal love for the company as well as inspire others with our shared vision “to become the world’s most caring company.”
She adds, “I love seeing eyes light up as people connect that Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a workplace that combines business with a positive influence on the people and communities around them. Having the ability to introduce someone to a career where they can grow and flourish while positively influencing those around them is truly a remarkable experience.”
Chick-fil-A presents an exceptional launchpad for students and recent graduates to embark on their professional journey. The organization prioritizes facilitating meaningful career paths, fostering a robust and positive company culture, and staying current with the most significant industry trends to maintain their reputation as a market-leading brand.
