Organisations with a global reach have the need and the opportunity to develop their people’s leadership and managerial skills by giving them international experience. Maja Popp, head of learning and development for IT infrastructure at UBS, joined an international mobility programme after completing her degree at Zurich University 11 years ago. Graduate recruits who completed the UBS scheme successfully were promised international assignments, and as Popp was judged a success, she was sent to America straight after the two-year programme.

As an HR specialist and deemed a high-potential individual, she has an inside track on people development at UBS. During her time at the bank, Popp has had access to both skills-based and managerial training. She has been mentored by two senior UBS people with different perspectives to hers and is currently based in the New Jersey offices on a “stretch assignment” that has taken her from a position focusing on developing specific products to addressing the needs of clients in different regions.

“The stretch element has to do with demonstrating your ability, but you’re being given an opportunity to go beyond your comfort zone. You grow into the position,” Popp says.

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