An Overview of the Walgreens Finance Development Program

How Do You Define Success?The Aspire Program

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v. to long, aim, or seek ambitiously; be eagerly desirous, esp. for something great or of high value

Success is subjective. It’s a personal thing. The Aspire Program offers a rare opportunity to achieve success, as you define it, for a Fortune 50 company.

The program is unique. The challenge is multifaceted. And for those who enter, thrive, survive and go on to build careers at our company, the Aspire Program is an extraordinary opportunity to write your own success story.

The Aspire Program is part of Walgreens Finance’s initiative to encourage employees to discover their own career path within Walgreens.

“We are very excited about Aspire and the benefits it presents to Walgreens and our team members. It is terrific chance for employees to accelerate their personal growth while it provides the company with the knowledge and leadership necessary for continued success into the future. Aspire has the backing and full support of the entire executive management team. We support the program and intend to provide participants what they need to progress in their chosen career path. For those who take on the challenge, it will be an exciting and fulfilling odyssey into all aspects of Walgreens’ business, with the opportunity to add value and financial expertise every step of the way.”

“Thank you for your interest in Walgreens and your belief in the company’s ongoing success.”

Wade MiquelonExecutive Vice President &

Chief Financial Officer

About the ProgramAspire provides a unique opportunity for highly talented individuals to accelerate their career development and growth. During the program, the participants will embark on a two-year journey spanning four rotational assignments within the Walgreens finance and accounting organization. Assignments will be in the following areas, to name a few:

• Finance•Accounting• Strategy/Strategic Sourcing•Mergers and Acquisitions•Audit •Risk• Tax/Treasury

Aspire is highly visible to executive management. Participants will develop core competencies to become well-rounded business professionals and future leaders. They’ll work side-by-side with the industry’s top talent on many areas of the Walgreens brand.

Participants will chart their own course through the program. They’ll make their mark with each rotation, discover where they can have an impact and road-test their ideas on major company projects. After completing the rotations, participants will have solid experience in a range of disciplines and the ability to see the connections among them.

Rigorous hands-on assignments will offer participants extraordinary visibility to showcase both raw talent and a willingness to roll up shirt sleeves. Aspire is a premier opportunity not only to prepare for a rewarding and challenging career, but also to make a significant contribution to the organization.

Each rotation is your chance to direct your Walgreens career. Does a discipline inspire your passion and ignite

your t a len t s ? Do your t eammates find you indispensable?

The variety of assignments provides participants with a well-rounded experience by laying the foundation for a successful future. Upon program completion, participants have options for further development opportunities. Examples include positions like:

- Senior Auditor - Senior Financial Analyst - Senior Accountant - Senior Operations Analyst

The emphasis is on finding the right fit between the needs of the company and the talents of the participant, and providing everyone with an opportunity to create their own blueprint for success.

Training and DevelopmentAs an Aspire Participant, you will complete 60 to 80 hours of development training. Training does not just cover finance and accounting. It also covers business skills such as communication, leadership and problem solving. The training is designed to lay out the tools that will equip you to reach Asire’s goal: to accelerate your development and build you into a future leader. Aspire-sponsored training will occur every six months over a two-day period for a total of 16 hours. In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend department-sponsored training, such as seminars and conferences, hosted by professional organizations. Not included in the 60 to 80 hours of formal training are the countless hours of on-the-job training you will receive.

Support and AccessEach participant is assigned a Walgreens mentor who provides support and guidance throughout the program and a divisional mentor at each rotation. Over monthly lunches with your Walgreens mentor, you will gain candid advice about your career, insight on the industry,

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ACCELERATEYOUR CAREER

Company-Wide SupportAspire is a critical component of our talent development efforts, which our leadership sees as a vehicle for developing future leaders. As such, s t rong suppor t ex i s t s a t t he company’s highest levels.

Valuable Network Aspire participants gain access to a valuable network of peers and program graduates. In addition, each participant’s mentors provide valuable program and career advice. They are available for consultation on any issue, large or small, and are an integral part of the program.

Challenging AssignmentsAspire par t ic ipants are h igh achievers who are expected to make meaningful contributions to the organization, beginning with their fi r s t r o t a t i o n a l a s s i g n m e n t . Assignments in different parts of the company will help them acquire a broader understanding of our business – a critical perspective for assuming increasing levels of responsibility. To support their success in a challenging assignment, position managers and mentors offer ongoing coaching, feedback and guidance.

Flexibility and VarietyWe know no two career paths are i d e n t i c a l , a n d t h a t ’ s O K ! Assignments are determined based

on the organization’s needs and the individual’s goals. In consultation with their mentors and program staff, participants are expected to play a leading role in identifying which rotations would be the best fit.

Joining the ProgramWalgreens selects wor ld-class candidates for Aspire. Unlike other rotational programs, we accept only a few participants each year, paying close attention to their progress. Selection is based as much on personal strengths as academic achievement.

Entry-level candidates will be bright, energetic, results-oriented and flexible. They will have a desire to work hard, continuously learn and add value. They will have excellent interpersonal, communication, leadership and strategic-thinking skills.

During the program’s two years, par t ic ipants have to educate themselves about every facet of the eve r - expand ing and rap id l y changing world of Walgreens, and inject that world with the strategic perspective of a top performer. And they have to do it better than everyone else.

The program isn’t for everyone. It requires insight, creativity, street smarts and guts. You need to be

able to think on your feet, be self-motivated, adaptable, curious, and know how to get along with people.

Candidates should be recent college graduates with an accounting or finance degree and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The program is also open to candidates who have less than two years of related work experience.

If you believe you have what it takes to become an Aspire participant, we encourage you to apply. Walgreens will be recruiting candidates for the A s p i r e P ro g ra m o n c o l l e g e campuses throughout the fall. To be considered for an interview, please submit your resume.

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YOUR DEVELOPMENT IS OUR BUSINESS

Aspire Program Advantages

For further information, please refer to

www.walgreens.com/careers

Why did you choose the Aspire program?The decision was easy, as it seemed like the perfect transition from college and internships to the “real world.” I knew I would be exposed to professional-level work while still having the chance to explore several finance and accounting opportunities.

What does it take to succeed in the program?More important than a college degree in a specific subject, I think communication skills, adaptability and ambition are the keys to success in the Aspire program. The departments through which you rotate don’t expect you to walk in as an expert on your first day; they do expect that you are ready and willing to learn new skills and that you will ask questions along the way.

What projects have you been involved with?The first project I was assigned to was a large tax planning project involving the tax department and a group of third party tax consultants and lawyers. I was able to see first hand the process from inception to

implementation. I learned how to work with groups that have different goals, and it drove home the fact that effective communication is one of the keys to a project’s successful completion.

Describe the relationship with your mentor.My mentor and I have a formal lunch once a month to discuss my progress and goals. Rather than focusing on specific finance and accounting skills, we talk about how I have improved as a professional member of the company and what steps I should take to further myself as a leader. We also talk informally about challenges I may be having. She offers helpful, honest advice about how to overcome the challenges and lessons I can learn from the situation.

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Aspire Participant

Drake UniversityAspire Program Participant 2010-2012

“The perfect transition from college and internships to the real world”

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Why did you choose the Aspire program?Two reasons: Company growth potential as well as my own personal growth opportunities. Walgreens is an excellent company and is well positioned to continue its rapid growth through increasing store count and mergers and acquisitions, introducing new lines of business, and improving our current store operations. Personally, the program speaks for itself. It is truly designed to develop future financial leaders, and you can make an impact right away.

What are the benefits of the Aspire program?The biggest benefit is that the program is what you make of it. If you want to accomplish something grand, take initiative and grab the bull by the horns. Embrace the development opportunities, network with senior management, and take on additional projects you are passionate about. The possibilities are truly endless.

What is it like being on each rotation for only six months?

Amazing! Some might be deterred because just as you “learn the ropes” of an area, you are transferred to a new group, but I embrace this opportunity. Each rotation provides a fresh chance to learn new things, meet new people and continue on the fast-track to become a finance leader.

What interactions have you had with company leadership?Walgreens leaders are the program’s greatest proponents. Within my first two months, I personally met with over half of the members in the finance development steering committee, the program’s oversight function. Almost anyone is available as a mentor if you reach out. I even had the opportunity to have a one-on-one lunch with EVP and CFO Wade Miquelon. The Walgreens leadership team “walks the walk” and goes out of its way to develop young talent and future company leaders. Their passion and support are extremely inspiring.

Bruce Klink

Aspire Participant

University of Wisconsin- MadisonAspire Program Participant

2010-2012

“The possibilities are truly endless”

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Why did you choose the Aspire program?I was already working for Walgreens in the internal audit department for almost a year when this opportunity arose. Being new in my career, I made it a goal to take advantage of all new career opportunities that would broaden my knowledge about the company. The rotation program definitely allows me to obtain a holistic view of Walgreens and provides me with the foundation to develop into a well-rounded future business leader.

What is it like being on each rotation for only six months? It is fast-paced and challenging, yet fun! You have the unique opportunity to learn about four different departments within the finance organization and work with four groups of people.

What are your thoughts on the training you have received?

The training has been excellent. It’s designed to address each of the core competencies. Training in presentation skills has given me the tools and confidence I need to grow as a public speaker during meetings or in front of a large audience.

What does it take to succeed in the Aspire program?The two characteristics that a participant must possess are a positive attitude and adaptability. Every six months you start in a new department, possibly doing something you’ve never done before. A positive attitude will help you overcome the mistakes you might make. It also encourages you to constantly seek new learning opportunities. How quickly you adapt to your new role is also important. The quicker you adjust, the more likely you will make an impact.

Describe the relationship with your mentor.I have a very positive and strong relationship with my mentor. The unbiased advice and strong support he

Shannon Ray

Aspire Participant

University of Illinois - ChicagoAspire Program Participant 2009-2011

“It is fast paced and challenging, yet fun!”

Walgreen Co., together with its subsidiaries, operates a chain of drugstores in the United States. The drugstores sell prescription and non-prescription drugs, and general merchandise. Its general merchandise comprises household items, personal care, convenience foods, beauty care, photofinishing, candy and seasonal items. The company provides its services through drugstore counters, as well as through mail, telephone and the Internet. As of August 31, 2010, Walgreens operated 8,053 locations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. That includes 7,563 drugstores, 566 more than a year ago, including 281 stores acquired over the last 12 months. The company also operates worksite health centers, home care facilities and specialty, institutional and mail service pharmacies. Its Take Care Health Systems subsidiary manages more than 700 in-store convenient care clinics and worksite health and wellness centers. Franchisees of Option Care, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Walgreens, are not included in Walgreens location or store count. The company was founded in 1901 and is based in Deerfield, Illinois.

To millions of Americans, our retail stores are Walgreens. But it’s the talented, dedicated team members at our corporate locations whose support helps make those stores run smoothly and who work to expand our business into new health and wellness categories. From finance to marketing, human resources to real estate, our corporate professionals provide the framework for enhancing the lives of millions of people. There are opportunities for people of many talents and backgrounds – so come see what we have to offer!

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