A Ford spokesman says that it doesn't offer signing bonuses and declines to discuss performance bonuses. Mr. Spence, who worked for Ford this summer, wants to become a hands-on manager in industry. But money talks. United Technologies Corp. this year revived its program, moribund since 1991. Whirlpool Corp. plans to hire nearly 20 business-school graduates next spring for its development program, up from 11 in 1994.
Some participants land an overseas assignment almost immediately.
Still, manufacturers have a long way to go.