Group of well dressed coworkers in restaurant

MARKETING LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The Ford Marketing Leadership Program (MLP) is redefining the way that marketing is strategically implemented within our core automotive business and emerging mobility units.

four women arm in arm drinking wine and smiling for camera at social gathering

OVERVIEW

Comprised of curious and driven individuals, the Marketing Leadership Program (MLP) is designed to launch the careers of Ford’s future marketing leaders with riveting assignments, a diverse network, and accelerated advancement opportunities. Since its inception in 1989, this MBA-focused rotational program has produced dozens of dedicated senior executives and continues to develop the marketing leaders of tomorrow. Most MLP participants begin their journey at Ford as a summer intern, with a project based in one of our key marketing disciplines across a variety of exciting business units. After graduating from business school, full-time positions consist of three impactful rotations tailored to you and your career goals.

BENEFITS

During their MLP rotations, participants enjoy a wide range of experiences that bolster their business and marketing acumen while accelerating their careers.

Training

In-depth training in research, analytics, and design thinking gives our marketers a competitive edge in the industry.

Professional Development

During their internship and full-time experience, MLP members have access to accomplished career mentors, intimate skip-level meetings with senior executives, and informative “Lunch & Learn” sessions with various business unit leads.

Social Events

There is no lack of social engagement opportunities within the MLP. Active members gather regularly and coordinate a busy summer full of fun activities and networking events for our interns and the broader MLP community. Annual traditions include the Summer BBQ, Slow Roll Bike Ride, and Boyne Mountain Ski Trip. A crowd favorite, the Huron River Float, is a guaranteed good time!

Post-Program Placement

Most MLP graduates experience an accelerated trajectory through Ford Motor Company. No two paths through the program are the same. Mirroring the larger Ford culture, most MLP alumni continue to rotate every few years.

Group of well dressed coworkers in outside

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

We look to our MLP interns to help address the company’s most critical and complex marketing challenges. Throughout the summer, you’ll work with another MLP intern on one compelling project in an agile and autonomous fashion. The internship leverages the skills you’re cultivating in business school, while also offering innovative resources and problem-solving techniques to bolster your marketing acumen. You’ll be assigned a peer mentor and enjoy access to a variety of networking events and social activities. The 12-week internship culminates in a formal presentation to dozens of colleagues, including senior executives. High-achieving interns will then be considered for the full-time Marketing Leadership Program.

two men and two women arm in arm at a social gathering smiling for camera

FULL-TIME PROGRAM

The full-time Marketing Leadership Program is comprised of three individualized 18 to 24-month rotations in high-profile marketing areas. Each strategic assignment provides marketing leaders with the skills and experience necessary to build a solid career foundation at Ford. Current MLP members work across Ford’s expansive ecosystem including Lincoln, Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC, Ford Mobility, and Ford Credit in diverse functional areas. Explore some of the possibilities below!

CORE ROLES & ELECTIVES

PRODUCT MARKETING

As the “voice of the customer” during new vehicle development, Global Advanced Product and Product Marketing Managers work with Design, Finance, and Engineering to guide initial product strategy and ensure the wants and needs of our target customers are addressed in product development, positioning, and market research.

CONSUMER MARKETING

Consumer Marketers coordinate all marketing for retail and fleet products and new vehicle launches. Responsible for achieving sales, profit, and brand health targets, this team is involved in vehicle and option mix, pricing, manufacturing requirements, allocation and dealer training. They also help to ensure consistent messaging in all consumer touchpoints.

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

MarComms (as we call it) is Ford’s advertising arm. Collaborating closely with agency and media partners, this team defines, develops and executes the communications strategy to create meaningful, effective content for TV, radio, print and digital environments.

FIELD SALES & SERVICE

Ford prides itself on a strong relationship with its 3000+ dealers, all of whom are independent community business leaders. In the field, Marketing Leaders gain insight into how dealers view the business and how consumers make purchase decisions. They collaborate with local teams to help improve the consumer retail experience and help dealers achieve their business goals.

ELECTRIC & AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Be the voice of the customer in “Team Edison” or Ford’s AV LLC, as our industry makes the shift to electric and autonomous vehicles. Collaborate with Design, Finance, Strategy, Operations, and Engineering to develop the go-to-market strategy for these exciting new products and mobility services.

ELECTIVE AREAS

No two paths in our program are the same. Working with your mentor and our HR partners, you can explore various areas of our business, including (but not limited to) Corporate Strategy, Global Data Insights & Analytics (GDIA), Ford Mobility, and many more!

1 / 8

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements

Interns: Current First Year in a full-time MBA program.
Full-Time MLPs: Completing a full-time MBA program.
Minimum 3 years of full-time work experience
Willingness to relocate now and in the future
Legal authorization to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications

Entrepreneurial Spirit
Diverse Perspectives and Backgrounds
Strong Leadership Attributes
Creativity and Curiosity
Analytical Mindset
Passion to Help the World Move Better

HOW TO APPLY

On-Campus Recruiting

We recruit on campus at the following business schools: Michigan (Ross), UVA (Darden), Duke (Fuqua), UNC (Keenan-Flagler), Chicago (Booth), Northwestern (Kellogg), U Penn (Wharton), UCLA (Anderson), and USC (Marshall). Sign up for our corporate presentation, and then apply through your Career Center’s online portal.

Off-Campus Recruiting

Currently enrolled in another MBA program? Great! Please follow the link below to apply to the MLP Internship.

View Summer Internship