Building an Innovative and Multi-Faceted Approach to University Recruiting

The Akamai Emerging Talent team began its transition to virtual recruiting in 2019 with the goal of reaching candidates from all states and schools across the U.S., rather than just schools with exclusive programs. The team currently leverages multiple virtual recruiting platforms focused on diversity to reach students from underrepresented backgrounds. This year, to better reach students where they are, the team also created a combination of smaller, more personalized career development workshops and coffee chats with student affinity groups, along with school-agnostic career panels and information sessions to give any student access to the hiring team. During the events, career development took center stage, with panelists discussing interview tips, networking, and coursework recommendations. Afterwards, the campus team promptly followed-up with next steps and made sure that interested students spoke with a recruiter.

Crafting a Standout Candidate Experience

The Emerging Talent team at Akamai prioritizes the candidate experience to ensure that it embodies the values of transparency, efficiency, and empathy. From the time a student applies to the time they join Akamai, they receive personalized one-on-one contact with a dedicated recruiter who provides encouragement, advice, and timely updates after each stage of the interview process. The team provides students with a Candidate Interview Pack to help them ace their interviews and collects feedback through surveys. The interview process is kept short, in most cases no more than 2 rounds, and unnecessary testing or take-home work is eliminated. This year, the team also implemented an Offer Ambassador program where students can be directly connected with an Akamai employee, often a former intern, to network and ask questions when they receive an offer. No matter the outcome, Akamai works to make sure that candidates complete the process feeling respected and valued.

Moving the Needle on Diversity & Inclusion

Akamai believes that its early career programs are an excellent way for underrepresented students to start on a road of rapid career development, and ultimately launch a fulfilling career. That’s why they work strategically to recruit diverse candidates by nurturing partnerships with HBCUs, HSIs, and women’s colleges as well as local student chapters of national diversity organizations: NSBE, ALPFA, NABA, and more. Once welcomed into the programs, students receive one-on-one mentorship as well as individualized support from the Emerging Talent team. They also network with senior leaders through Fireside Chats and with former interns on the annual National Intern Day celebration. Akamai’s 11 robust ERGs also engage directly with underrepresented students and hold events to make sure they are supported within the community.