Manulife Financial Named One of Canada's Top Employers for Young People

• Recognized as a top employer of young people in Canada
• Leadership Development Program fast tracks top performing grads
• Global mobility opportunities introduce employees to diversity of the business

TSX/NYSE/PSE : MFC
SEHK : 945

TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, Manulife Financial was recognized by Mediacorp as one of the Top Employers for Young People in Canada, an honour recognizing Manulife Financial for having a leadership position in attracting and retaining young people interested in career development and advancement, as well as one of the nation's best benefit offerings for younger workers.

"Many forward-thinking young people are attracted to global companies that can provide international experience and diverse careers," said Stephani Kingsmill , Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Communications at Manulife Financial. "Our development programs give them an opportunity to gain the experience they are looking for, and position them for a varied and exciting career with the company."

Manulife Financial was evaluated on the benefits offered to younger employees such as tuition assistance, availability of co-op or work-study programs, and mentorship and training programs, as well as financial support for professional development.  The company was also assessed on its career management offering for younger employees. Manulife Financial offers a Leadership Development Program, which was introduced globally to fast track top performing MBA grads. The program gives participants progressive development and experiences to accelerate their path to leadership.

Close to 19 per cent of Manulife's Canadian workforce is considered to be a part of Generation Y (born after January 1^st, 1981). As a young actuary at Manulife, Jessica Li is impressed by the company's commitment to career development. "One of my favourite things about Manulife is that employees are encouraged to take on new challenges by rotating and never staying in one role or department for too long," said Ms. Li. "This not only provides valuable exposure to different areas of our business, it is also a great opportunity to work with and learn from all the talented individuals we have at the company."

Manulife's focus on global mobility encourages employees to discover Manulife by promoting internal movement to qualified employees looking for global opportunities, and gives critical international experience for those aspiring to senior roles in the organization. In particular, Manulife Financial's leading presence in Asia offers exciting and challenging opportunities for employees looking to advance their leadership capabilities.

"Manulife's global footprint provides opportunities for employees to enhance their career development by working in different locations and cultures," added Ms. Kingsmill. "Introducing employees to this kind of diversity allows them to leverage existing business experience and develop the skills to be the leaders of tomorrow."

Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, we celebrate 125 years of providing clients strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$514 billion (US$504 billion) as at June 30, 2012. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation