Recognized for Excellence in Every Campus Forward Award Category
Verizon 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 Verizon's unwavering excellence and commitment to providing the best experience for the next generation of talent. Verizon 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
Students are immersed in Verizon’s vibrant company culture through various events on campus and at hub locations. These include partnerships with university clubs for targeted networking and information sessions, and informational workshops available to candidates from any university. Verizon also expedites hiring through on-the-spot interviews and immediate offers at national conferences. Former campus hires and business leaders serve as program ambassadors, helping new hires acclimate during the pre-hire phase. In addition, Verizon’s digital strategy includes social media campaigns that encourage new hires to share their offer acceptance with their networks, fostering excitement and brand awareness. This comprehensive approach ensures Verizon remains connected to top talent while creating a positive hiring experience.
Excellence in Tech Innovation
Verizon powers and empowers how people live, work, and play all over the world. The same is true for Verizon’s Campus programs. This year, the team used a variety of tools and technology to empower students. Using Ripplematch, the team broadened outreach and built a fair and competitive selection process for non-paid events, such as Intern for a Day. In partnership with WayUp, Verizon hosted educational webinars with hundreds of diverse candidates nationwide. The team also incorporated technology from Veris and Universum for data sourcing to ensure that student needs were actively being met. Lastly, technology partner Abode helped keep incoming interns excited and engaged with Verizon prior to their official start date through a comprehensive keep-warm strategy.
Excellence in Candidate Experience
Verizon’s early talent programs emphasize skills-based hiring, allowing candidates to apply to roles aligned with their career interests. Through in-depth conversations with recruiters, candidates are considered for internships that best complement their goals and ambitions. Verizon strives to deliver conversion offers before program completion, allowing for early offer decisions. Additionally, Verizon facilitates on-the-spot interviews at national conferences and has extended immediate job offers to expedite the process. Once offers are accepted, all incoming hires are immersed in Verizon’s welcoming and inclusive culture through virtual and in-person engagements. Candidates are set up for success as the company fosters a sense of community leading up to day one of the program and beyond. Candidates are also encouraged to join Verizon’s Talent Network to stay informed about new opportunities and professional development workshops.
Excellence in DE&I
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to Verizon’s strategy. The Talent team is housed under Diversity, Community, and Culture. Verizon’s 2024-2025 school plan focuses on transforming partnerships into real relationships at 20 schools, including six HBCUs and seven HSIs, as well as sponsorships with 38 diverse student organizations. In the fall of 2024, the University Relations team hosted 92 events, 63% of which were diversity-focused. The team also attended five national diversity conferences, launched an immersion program in partnership with Thurgood Marshall, an immersion program to support first-generation students at HSIs, and a Collegiate Scholars program to foster belonging for HBCU students. Internally, Verizon partners with Employee Resource Groups to build strong support networks for students joining internships, co-ops, and full-time roles.
Excellence in Internship Programming
Interns are fully immersed in Verizon’s inclusive company culture, as early as the pre-hire phase to ensure they hit the ground running. Upon accepting their offer, interns are paired with onboarding partners to assist them in navigating Verizon’s culture. During the program, interns work on tangible, high-impact projects that have real-world outcomes. They have multiple opportunities to interact with executive leadership through various in-person and virtual sessions focused on personal and professional development. All interns are invited to attend the annual two-day marquee event held at Verizon’s headquarters in Basking Ridge, NJ. Here, they meet Verizon’s CEO, receive recognition for their hard work, interact with emerging technologies, participate in volunteer activities, and connect with fellow interns. Verizon’s engaging approach has led to an 86% intern return offer rate.
