LER welcomes Polaris as the newest corporate scholarship partner. Each year LER admits over 100 diverse students who all share a passion for strengthening the human component of organizations, and our partner organizations help LER attract the best and brightest to our campus.
Polaris began a recruiting relationship with LER last year, with the leadership of Human Resources Director and alumna Ashley Rodriguez Donlan, MHRIR 2010. Ashley has been with Polaris for five years, after starting her career with General Mills after graduation. Her goal is to encourage new LER grads to come to Polaris to enjoy the work and culture that the organization offers. Her passion is evident in her comments about her experience:
“Polaris is a fantastic company to work for because the HR leaders are embedded into the business as strategic partners. As such, we are responsible for, and empowered to, build and execute the HR strategies & plans that directly impact our business on a daily basis. The skills and knowledge I received from LER are directly applicable in my role and have been a differentiator in my ability to add value to my clients. Polaris has a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and innovative culture, making it both a great environment to learn and also to drive meaningful change early and often. All employees (myself included) are encouraged to take career opportunities that push them outside their comfort zones, with the intentional purpose of accelerating professional development. The combination of all these things have made my experience at Polaris incredibly rich and rewarding. Plus, we have an insanely passionate, fun and hardworking team so I have a blast at work every day!”
Her partner in Polaris’s on-campus activities is Joe Wollan, Manager of Early Talent and Talent Management Operations. Joe was integral in creating the partnership for the scholarship and states:
“Polaris is a Minnesota company and global leader in manufacturing, which is fueled by the passion of its customers and employees. With an expanding portfolio now including boats, parts and accessories in addition to off-road vehicles, motorcycles and transportation/defense models – Polaris is able to better support the ever-changing consumers to enrich the thrill of their experiences. Our Early Talent Programs are designed to build capability through accelerated learning programs producing future leaders of our organization. We are excited to strengthen our existing university partnership with the LER School as we see clear alignment with the Polaris HR Talent Strategy of Best People, Best Team. I look forward to watching Polaris and LER students grow with one another, create authentic relationships and make the best for our customers.”
Polaris welcomed their first intern, Carolyn Abolt, in Summer 2018. Current student Ena Bekonjic will be joining Polaris this summer in Anaheim, CA, to support the acquisitions of Taylor-Dunn Manufacturing and Transamerican Auto Parts. We wish her well, and send heartfelt thanks to Polaris Industries for their budding partnership with LER in recruiting and scholarship support.