Acuity Brands’ Leadership Program gives recent graduates a two-year rotational position filled with learning opportunities. Participants rotate through the Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG) and other business segments, gaining professional growth and insight into different parts of the organization within a short but impactful timeframe. Unlike similar programs, Leadership Program Specialists (LPs) take on real responsibilities, earn competitive salaries, and explore various aspects of the business—preparing them for long-term success and a permanent role after completing the program.
This program offers future leaders a unique opportunity to explore Acuity Brands’ two key business segments:
By experiencing both business segments, LPs gain a comprehensive understanding of how our teams collaborate to deliver innovative solutions, equipping them with valuable skills across multiple industries and disciplines.
Next, we highlight the experiences of four Leadership Program Specialists during their rotations within the Intelligent Spaces Group. Each story showcases how the program empowers participants to contribute, learn, and grow.
The LP Experience: Four Journeys
For Kennedy, the ISG rotation presented an exciting challenge. It allowed her to step outside her comfort zone and dive into the fast-paced world of digital advertising. She managed ad campaigns, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and prepared multiple event promotions.
A standout experience for her was attending an in-person event in New York City, where she engaged with colleagues to further improve team dynamics and collaboration. “It was my first on-site meeting that wasn’t just about work. We discussed how to improve as a team and had a lot of fun along the way,” Kennedy shared.
Through this rotation, Kennedy sharpened her project management skills, gained exposure to marketing operations, and developed confidence in cross-functional collaboration. This led to being hired to a full-time position with the controls team, one of the most technical marketing teams in the organization.
Maryelle’s rotation focused on search engine optimization (SEO) and social media management, where she discovered a passion for writing. A proud moment for her was crafting a blog post that became one of the highest-trafficked articles on the Atrius website. “It was amazing to see something I created perform so well,” she said.
Initially intimidated by the software space, Maryelle’s success in this rotation proved her adaptability. “This experience showed me I can succeed in any environment,” she reflected. She’s since carried her passion for writing into a full-time role as a Marketing Consultant with the Web and Digital team, where she continues to utilize her expertise.
Ben was the Intelligent Spaces Group’s first-ever LP and approached his rotation with a hunger to learn. From conducting SEO audits to managing digital ads, he tackled a variety of projects that tested his adaptability. A highlight of his experience was contributing to the website bifurcation project, where his efforts were pivotal to its success.
Reflecting on his journey, Ben shared, “Atrius provided me with the perfect team environment to learn and grow. The trust and collaboration here are unmatched.” His success during the program inspired him to rejoin ISG as a full-time team member, showcasing the program’s lasting impact.
During her first Leadership Program rotation, Kinsley focused on digital advertising and LinkedIn engagement. Two standout projects included developing an A/B testing calendar, meant to improve the performance of advertising campaigns, and creating a LinkedIn onboarding document for future LPs. “Both projects will continue to add value even after my rotation,” Kinsley noted.
One unexpected challenge was transitioning from marketing physical goods to SaaS products. “It taught me the importance of clear, concise messaging,” she shared. With the experience gained during her rotation, Kinsley is eager to apply her skills in future roles.
Mentorship That Matters
While the Leadership Program is a foundation for success, Kyler Jantz has played a pivotal role in shaping its impact within Acuity Brands—both as a manager and a resource for the program’s steering committee. He got involved with the program when ISG received its first LP, and he volunteered to be the marketing manager for anyone coming into the business segment. Passionate about developing early-career professionals, Kyler embraced the challenge of creating an impactful and supportive environment.
“What brings me joy is seeing them succeed later on,” Kyler shared. His approach focuses on balancing meaningful business contributions with professional development. By investing time in structured onboarding, he ensures LPs are set up for success. “If I spend a heavy amount of time training them upfront, by the end of the rotation, they’re thriving and self-sufficient,” he explained, emphasizing giving them tools to empower themselves as early as possible.
Kyler’s ability to tailor his management style to individual needs has left a lasting impression. “Everyone has unique talents, and my job is to help them unlock their full potential,” he noted. Through his leadership, the ISG rotation has become a space where LPs can build confidence, refine their skills, and leave a lasting impact.
How the Leadership Program Shapes Careers
The Leadership Program at Acuity Brands is more than a stepping stone; it’s a launchpad. Each Leadership Program Specialist leaves with a stronger professional foundation, a network of mentors, and a clearer sense of direction. From Kennedy’s project management growth to Maryelle’s content success, Ben’s collaborative wins, and Kinsley’s innovative tools, their journeys with the Intelligent Spaces Group demonstrate the program’s ability to nurture well-rounded professionals.
A Program that Makes a Mark
This program is an unparalleled opportunity for early-career professionals to grow, contribute, and thrive. With a structure designed to maximize learning and meaningful work, it’s a program that prepares the next generation of leaders while driving innovation across Acuity Brands.
To those considering joining, “Be open to learning and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This program is about discovering your strengths and pushing your boundaries.”
Interested in learning more about our Leadership Programs? Visit Atrius Careers to explore how you can grow with us and stay updated on the journeys of our LPs.
