Understanding the Importance of Early Talent

What is Early Talent?  

In simple terms, Early Talent are individuals who are in the early stages of their career and are still learning, developing their skills and discovering which industries and specialisms are best suited to their talents.  

Generally, Early Talent are people with 0-5 years of professional experience, and includes those who are about to graduate, from school or higher education such as college and university, and recent graduates who are looking to take the first step in their career journey. This first step could include joining an undergraduate, post-graduate or graduate programme; becoming an intern or apprentice; or even moving straight into work in an entry-level role.  

People who are already in work, having recently started their career, and are continuing to study, develop and upskill ‘on the job’ are considered Early Talent too.  

Why is Early Talent key to success?  

The benefits of supporting, developing and providing opportunities to Early Talent are many. Not only to an individual company, but also to the wider industry it operates within too. What’s more, it helps to ensure that the next generation have the power to make an impact; an impact that goes beyond career aspirations and the boundaries of the workplace to potentially influence and inspire communities too.  

From a business perspective, Early Talent are key to growth. Whether an individual is still in education, a recent graduate or already making their way early in their career, they are uniquely positioned to provide new, fresh ideas and perspectives, bring different skillsets and knowledge to an existing workforce, and ready, willing and able to continue learning and developing through experience, training and mentorship.  

Early Talent are likely to have existing hands-on experience of technology, techniques and certain ways of working – such as remote, hybrid and autonomous working – that are synonymous with modern business and industry and can take the lead on future innovations.  

They are passionate about their specialism, career-driven and want to make their mark. They can bring innovation, efficiency and adaptability, which is key to the success of any organisation. And for many, diversity, values and inclusivity are at the heart of what they expect from – and can help to shape – in companies, industries and society in general.  

What’s more, as years pass and members of an existing workforce move on or retire, Early Talent can create workforce continuity, taking on the roles of those before them whilst also inspiring the generations to come.  

Early Talent Strategies 

So, we know who Early Talent are. We know the power of Early Talent and what they offer. But what about implementing Early Talent? Find talent and add talent, right?  

Actually, it is not as simple as just finding promising Early Talent and throwing them into the workforce. A clear, defined strategy is key to ensuring the right talent is found and given the opportunities they need to get the most out of them – individually, and for the company they are working for and learning with.  

Therefore, it is important for an organisation to identify and develop Early Talent strategies and programmes that will meet the requirements of their talent and workforce needs and consider what they can offer to any incoming Early Talent. As mentioned already, this could include offering and providing work experience, apprenticeship and internship opportunities; graduate schemes; funded pre-employment schemes; or employment with continuing training and development opportunities.  

Whatever option is chosen, there needs to be set objectives and goals to work towards, to ensure that the programme is generating the desired outcomes. Therefore, it pays to ensure that there are agreed measures of success, with consistent performance reviews being undertaken to ensure everything is on track.  

Carbon60’s Early Talent Solutions  

Understanding the power of Early Talent, and the importance of getting the development and implementation of Early Talent strategies right, Carbon60 are specialists in helping to nurture the next generation of professionals through a variety of programmes designed to attract and develop Early Talent.  

Our Undergraduate, Post Graduate and Graduate Programmes, Internships and apprenticeships utilise our knowledge and experience of talent recruitment, development and training, career pathing and engagement and retention. This enables us to not only help to develop the skills of early talent, but also add value to our solutions and what they provide to clients and their objectives. 

Find out more about how our highly experienced Early Talent team can help here.