Desjardins is consistently recognized across Canada as one of the most desirable companies to work for. Did you know that Desjardins is one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers? Offering a stimulating work environment for their 44,645 employees is part and parcel of the cooperative business culture.
Why desjardins is different
Working for Desjardins means being a part of an organization that focuses on people and communities. In fact, since Desjardins is a cooperative, protecting the interests of its members and clients is a priority, and this shows in its range of profitable, secure financial products and services.
Its commitment to financial education begins as early as primary school and into high school with the School Caisse and Student Caisse respectively. Youth are taught the basics of personal finance, and the values of collaboration through supervised cooperatives in over 1,100 primary schools in Quebec and Ontario.
Why you'll love Desjardins
As the largest private employer in Quebec, Desjardins employees have access to positions in some 20 fields across the province, across Canada and abroad, through its caisse network and its subsidiaries in life and health insurance, property and casualty insurance, securities, venture capital, asset management and business services. To learn more about professional opportunities at Desjardins Group, watch the career videos atwww.youtube.com/desjardinsgroup, Career playlist.
Desjardins has a lot to offer as an employer. With 16 percent of its current workforce from the Gen Y demographic, it understands what an attractive workplace needs to offer. And with the emphasis of education at the forefront, it is no surprise employees are actively engaged and learning throughout their entire careers.
“We place a great deal of importance on training and skills development, and we encourage our employees to seek advancement within the organization,” says Louise Grégoire, director, Strategy, Recruitment and Staffing at Desjardins.
The perks
Staying true to form, Desjardins supports youth throughout all their academic years as they are encouraged to seek experience through its paid internship program. Also, some caisses offer the Young Intern Officer program, a unique one-year internship opportunity to work with the Board of Directors. Students gain a macro level perspective and the chance to hone their strategic planning skills. The majority of these programs are offered in Quebec and Ontario.
“Desjardins Group strives to remain a leader when it comes to enabling work-life balance for employees,” says Grégoire. “We have taken concrete steps to make sure we can meet our business goals and make it easier for our employees to take care of their own needs.” In 2012, these efforts earned Desjardins a place among Canada’s Top Family-Friendly Employers.
How to apply
Candidates apply online at www.desjardins.com/career to create an online profile. Check out the bursaries while you’re there. Depending on the region, bilingualism is not required. For example, an employee based in Toronto, Calgary, Mississauga, or Ottawa doesn’t need to be bilingual. However, it’s an important asset for components that serve French and English-speaking clients, such as in Quebec, certain caisses, and call centres in Ontario.