First run in 1999 the Excellerate program is an 18-month development program for potential Ericsson leaders that will take participants through every facet of the company’s operations while providing them with the skills and academic knowledge needed to be a world-class manager.

The three main sections of the program are:

Job rotation – There are three rotations of about six months each where participants will gain practical experience in how Ericsson works on the ground. One of these rotations will preferably be with a customer and all of them will be in a different country. Where participants go will depend on where their home base is established. Performance on these rotations will be evaluated and feedback given.

Learning modules – All participants will gather about every three months for learning modules of about seven to ten days. These modules will focus on the way the industry is changing, a global understanding of Ericsson, business skills, communication skills, leadership and personal development, and self-learning.

Mentoring – Each participant will be assigned a mentor from the management, and assigned a "buddy" from Excellerate alumni.

The program provides challenging and rewarding opportunities that offers candidates the chance to work internationally and to experience Ericsson's operations from a global and customer perspective as they live and work in different countries. Not only will candidates be able to follow an international career path, but they will work for a company which recognises the importance of personal development.

We're looking for determined, talented individuals who as well as being able to take us forward in the world of communications, can also take the initiative to enhance their careers within Ericsson. However, in order to become a leader, participants must be prepared to meet and overcome challenges and break new ground.

Candidates should have:

• Two degrees, one of them a master's degree in either business, international marketing or economics
• Relevant/professional work experience, e.g. two to four years in the telecoms, IT, media, fast moving consumer goods or management consulting sectors
• A global perspective, having lived in at least two countries and being fluent in two or more languages