Attending Professional Networking Event (3 pts) (Verizon V-Teamer for a Day) - Class of 2027

 

Participating in Verizon’s V-Teamer for a Day program at the Alpharetta office was a valuable professional development experience that expanded how I think about career growth and workplace culture. Through a panel featuring employees across different roles, I gained insight into the non-linear nature of careers at Verizon and the company’s emphasis on adaptability and internal mobility. This perspective, reinforced by the program manager, challenged the idea that success requires remaining in one role long-term and aligned with themes from my computer science and professional development coursework.

A professional development workshop further shaped my understanding of success. One takeaway that resonated with me was the idea that “success is not a goal, but a byproduct,” which emphasized growth, learning, and collaboration over titles or outcomes. This mindset mirrors my experiences in technical internships and campus leadership roles, where meaningful impact often comes from focusing on process and purpose rather than individual recognition.

Touring the Alpharetta campus and engaging with professionals across technical and business functions highlighted the importance of cross-functional collaboration in large organizations. While the experience could have benefited from deeper engagement with each role, it provided valuable exposure to how innovation, strategy, and customer experience intersect. The day concluded with a service activity where we created birthday cards for children experiencing homelessness. This moment reflected Verizon’s commitment to community, empathy, and values-driven leadership by demonstrating that giving back is an intentional part of the company’s culture rather than an afterthought.

Overall, V-Teamer for a Day clarified the type of professional environment I hope to be part of, one that prioritizes growth, collaboration, and social impact alongside performance. Moving forward, I plan to seek opportunities that allow me to build adaptable skills and contribute to organizations that value both innovation and community.

By Joie Whitmon