V Teamers pursuing their ambitions with WOW.

By: Verizon Careers

Career development program helps 1,300 V Teamers move their careers forward.

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WOW participants at a February 2020 event. 

Are you ready to challenge yourself and engage in new and different learning experiences? Do you want to broaden your network while also giving back to support other leaders? 

This year, 1,300 V Teamers said yes to these questions and decided they were ready to up their game. They’re now part of our Women of the World (WOW) career development program. 

What is WOW? 

This career development program is designed to equip participants with the skills and capabilities to become leaders and achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Built for women across the business, WOW also values male allyship as a key component and demonstration of support. Over the course of the program, participants will engage in several “Identity Talks” with one session dedicated to male allyship, mentorship and sponsorship.

Throughout the year, participants will hear from Verizon leaders and engage in workshops and presentations to learn more about their personalized leadership style. With access to virtual learning platforms, members can also gain skills in new areas and create lifelong connections across the business. 

WOW! 4 things to know.

This year’s program marks our first ever fully virtual WOW cohort! Using Verizon's virtual event platforms, participants can expect an enriching and engaging experience as they pursue their greatest ambitions.

Want to learn more? Here are four key facts to know about WOW.    

1. A year of growth and learning.

WOW is a 12-month virtual program that runs from May 2021 through April 2022.

2. Development program built for women, with male allyship as a key component. 

Learning will focus on:

  • Personal Brand
  • Self Leadership
  • Effective Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Owning Your Career

3. Peer learning is all the rage. 

Research shows that learning with peers in small groups delivers a more powerful and effective learning experience. Each learner will be placed in a squad to ensure they are set up for success and so they can build their peer network across channels and functions.

4. Blended Learning Journey. 

The program includes a mix of activities, including: 

  • Virtual Kickoff
  • Business unit breakouts
  • Self-paced digital and virtual learning 
  • Women's Career Expo
  • Graduation Event (scheduled for 2022)
  • Enrichment activities

Here’s what WOW Alumni have to say about their program experience: 

“WOW completely shifted my mindset around what is truly possible. Making the jump directly from my previous role to the one that I am in today was something that everyone told me was impossible. WOW taught me how to turn my vision into a plan and then execute on that plan.” - Aattika Davis, Business Account Manager, Verizon Business


“The biggest takeaway for me is that I am not alone in this journey of aspiring to reach my goals and I have my fellow VTeamers who I can rely on. This program has helped me increase my networking and gave me the courage to speak up and ask for my spot at the table. All of us have natural talents and we need to focus on elevating personal strengths rather than trying to balance out their weaknesses to get the farthest in life.” - Jayanthi Chinnasami, Sr. Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)


“For new WOW participants, I’d advise them to be yourself and let your personality shine through. Making connections in a virtual environment isn't as easy as it is to do in person, so make sure you are actively participating and that your voice is heard. The WOW program is a space for growth and development so use this time to look for guidance and ask questions.” - Cindy Leonardo, Manager of Operations Support - PPLS & CAO


“Go all in. Be honest, reflect openly about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and take the time to get to know your peers. WOW provides you an opportunity for mentorship, career development, and also a chance to make lasting friendships.” - Danielle Mulholland, Director-Data Science, GN&T 

WOW has helped me to own my strengths. You can use them as a jumping-off point to launch your success. Understanding your core strengths and relating them to the business will open doors for your career. 

Samantha Harms, Managing Partner - Verizon Business Group

About the author:

Verizon Works is a blog that offers career insights and advice. Be part of the network of people who move the world forward.

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