They keep on refreshing their emails, checking their spam folders repeatedly during the deadline period, with the hope that they will get the magical calls which will change their world. Because why not? MTO programmes are considered to be the staircase of their fast-track corporate careers.

While the description is honest, it’s not the complete truth. The difference between what MTO programmes promise or look like and what they are actually about, almost nobody talks about. This is because the people who actually went through this programme and the people applying to it are almost too busy building their corporate careers and climbing up the ladder, while the latter ones are too busy actually getting the scope and becoming an MTO in the first place.

What do we think MTO programmes are?

MTO programmes are generally rotations around the company, typically across different functions of the system. The lucrative job posts on social media try to attract the young and fresh minds to think of themselves as the “future leaders”. With multiple selection rounds like CV screening, video assessment, case study rounds, and leadership interviews, one compels these freshers to think of themselves as strategic investments from a pool of huge amounts of talent with competitive salaries and an extremely coveted social media presence.

While all of these are absolutely true, however, let’s talk about some of the things that freshers should keep in mind while applying to these MTO programmes.

From earlier on during the undergraduate years, prospective candidates should learn some basic skills. Firstly, professionalism and presentation. It’s important to be professional enough while conducting yourself in a corporate space, because that’s the first thing a seasoned professional is going to view you as. Secondly, try to get accustomed to basic Excel and PowerPoint skills. Nobody expects a fresher to be an “Excel Guru”, especially now during the age of AI. But one should be familiar with basic Excel formulas and PowerPoint tricks and tips.

Once getting the dream MTO position and finally being able to introduce yourself as an MTO of XYZ MNC, the feeling of victory remains for a while. But when one actually starts working, they might feel lost at first. One is placed in a team they have never worked with, and is working with business jargon they have never heard of. But that’s okay, it’s all part of the process. It is assumed that you will learn a great deal of it on your own, by observation, by asking the correct questions of the right people, and by making mistakes in low-stakes situations before making them in high-stakes ones.

Not all rotations might be your favourite. But it’s okay, the ones you are least excited about might be the ones you learn the most from. Freshers who choose to embrace rather than endure the unglamorous rotations are nearly invariably the ones who benefit the most from MTO programmes. The true business education takes place during the unglamorous rotation. If you approach it with interest rather than disappointment, you will emerge with something that your peers who stayed away from it did not.

Your performance is always being monitored throughout the rotational periods; it’s never being evaluated at the end of it in front of the leadership presentation. Hence, it’s important to be on your best behaviour throughout the entire journey.

Lastly, talk to someone who has gone through a similar MTO journey before. This discussion is more valuable than anything else. Find out what shocked them, what they wish they had known. The responses will reveal whether the programme is truly necessary for you at this point in your career or if you are more interested in gaining status than advancement.