Saks Insider

“The Early Career Development Program at Saks provides the next generation of leaders insight into all areas of our business to help them develop essential skills and form lasting connections that are vital to their success at Saks.” – Melissa Corvelli, Manager, Learning & Development

Saks’ Early Career Development Program (ECDP) is a year-long program that offers a robust training curriculum focused on growth and development through experience-based learning. The program provides participants with mentoring and educational opportunities to help them develop the skills necessary to succeed in a fast-paced, dynamic luxury retail organization. In addition to on-the-job experience, ECDP participants have the opportunity to immerse themselves in all areas of the organization as they gain a holistic understanding of the business through introductory courses, leadership roundtables and behind-the-scenes site tours. Throughout the year, participants will engage in roundtable discussions with senior leadership, including Saks Global CEO Marc Metrick, attend a tour of the Saks New York Photo Studio and join in team-building activities, such as peer circles and community service opportunities. 

Each year, participants are challenged to reapproach their ways of thinking as they work together on a final project focused on overcoming a real business challenge while sharpening the technical skills needed to succeed in their roles at Saks. They also collaborate with cross-functional teams through informal mentorship opportunities, leadership networking and coffee chats. 

Learn more about ECDP through testimonials from program graduates:

"The ECDP was an amazing program that both challenged and supported me in the early stages of my career development and overall transition into Corporate America. The program not only enabled me to forge long-lasting connections among my peers and mentors, but it also pushed me to develop and enhance my technical capabilities in a highly supportive professional learning environment." – Justin Tukes, Assistant Store Planner I, RTW, ECDP Class of 2024

"The ECDP was instrumental in my career development and truly set me up for success at Saks. I am grateful for the opportunity it gave me to cultivate relationships, connect with my peers, and learn the fundamentals of being an effective Assistant Buyer." – Grace Trudeau, Assistant Buyer II, Advanced Contemporary, ECDP Class of 2023

“The ECDP profoundly transformed my career at Saks. I graduated from the program not only equipped with the essential hard skills necessary for success, but also with a deep understanding of the importance of teamwork, resilience and relationship building. We began the program as 21 individuals but graduated as one team.” – Ryan Tam, Assistant Store Planner I, Men’s, ECDP Class of 2022

Interested in learning more about Saks’ Early Career Development Program? Click here for more information on the program and its offerings.