Recognized for Excellence in Every Campus Forward Award Category
AT&T received a Campus Forward Award for Excellence in Recruitment Strategies, Tech Innovation, Candidate Experience, DE&I, and Internship Programming.
Receiving an award for each category reflects AT&T's unwavering excellence and commitment to providing the best experience for the next generation of talent. AT&T invests in innovative recruitment strategies, cutting-edge technology, thoughtful candidate experiences, inclusive recruitment practices, and standout internship programs. See below for the highlights of their strategies in each one of these categories.
Excellence in Recruitment Strategies
The Early Careers Team at AT&T excels in engaging with emerging talent both on and off campus. Utilizing a hybrid approach, AT&T recruiters establish extensive connections with students through virtual coffee chats and information sessions, as well as attending in-person career fairs and welcoming students to their headquarters in Dallas, TX. The innovative Early ID program identifies talent throughout their college years, building relationships as early as the first year. The team guides students on how to get involved on campus and build strong resumes for future applications. Once students join the pipeline, AT&T Early Career Recruiters enhance the candidate experience by providing interview preparation sessions, resume templates, and office hours (ask a recruiter events). Quarterly newsletters feature "A Day in the Life" from current interns, an "AT&T News You Can Use" section, an events calendar, and links to all recruiters' LinkedIn profiles. All these resources are hosted online and accessible to students.
Excellence in Tech Innovation
AT&T leverages technology to automate and personalize the candidate experience, offering tailored content based on area of study and hiring stage. Starting with the early careers page, candidates can explore programs, internships, role benefits, and the hiring process. The site collects applications when jobs are live and gathers leads when they are not, enrolling candidates into AT&T’s talent network. This network provides personalized updates, including AT&T news, culture insights, advice, and employee stories aligned with candidates’ expertise. Features such as digital interview calendars, automated emails triggered by ATS statuses, and the VIP platform, which connects candidates with current employees, enhance the end-to-end journey. From discovery to hiring, AT&T ensures a seamless and engaging experience with relevant and helpful information at every step.
Excellence in Candidate Experience
Early career candidates seek advice, guidance, and an authentic view of working at a company when exploring careers. While technology helps deliver timely information, AT&T’s thoughtful content empowers candidates throughout their journey. On the early careers page, clear visuals of programs and internships, transparency about the hiring process, and authentic employee stories are provided. Candidates gain direct access to recruiters and employees by program, along with timely tips and company news tailored to their hiring stage. At every step, AT&T deploys candidate surveys, using feedback to refine and enhance the overall experience.
Excellence in DE&I
Representation at the entry-level is crucial for fostering diversity across the company. The early careers team at AT&T is dedicated to recruiting and retaining underrepresented talent. They actively build relationships with HBCUs, HSIs, and public universities, and partner with organizations focused on diversity. To support new hires, AT&T offers mentorship programs, employee resource groups, and tailored development programs. These initiatives ensure that underrepresented talent not only joins AT&T but thrives and advances within the company, contributing to a more inclusive workplace.
Excellence in Internship Programming
At AT&T, the internship program is designed to provide early career talent with impactful and meaningful experiences. Interns are entrusted with projects that directly contribute to business outcomes, allowing them to make significant contributions from the start. The program includes unique events such as executive panels and speaker sessions, where interns gain insights from senior leaders, and team-building activities that foster a strong sense of community. Additionally, AT&T's commitment to career development is evident in their high intern-to-full-time conversion rate, reflecting the company's investment in nurturing talent. This comprehensive approach ensures that interns leave with valuable skills, strong professional networks, and a clear path to future opportunities within the company.
