I got a return offer from an internship at Verizon. I have just gotten one email basically saying I'm safe for now, but I know that a ton of my team was affected. The job is a good fit for me and where I want to be (Austin Tx).
Am I a sitting duck and does anyone have genuine advice?
In some other situations, internships are sometimes viewed as inexpensive labor because they provide companies with motivated workers at lower wages (or sometimes unpaid), offering benefits like fresh ideas, a recruitment pipeline, and cost savings, but this model can face some criticism for potentially exploiting students and devaluing skilled work, especially when unpaid roles lack real training or when companies demand prior experience for entry-level training positions, blurring lines between learning and cheap staffing. That being said, that won't be your experience here, and what better company to have on your resume?
does anyone have genuine advice? - @OP
"Discarded pizza boxes are an inexpensive source of cheese."
@1gg You stayed with him 35 years?
Husband let go after 35 years. Senior Field Tech for state. This state now has 5 employees and that is it.
I’m actually surprised you got an offer. Isn’t there still a hiring freeze with the exception of retail sales?
If I were you, I would only join Verizon if I had no other options. It’s a well-known brand and the people are nice, but it offers absolutely no job security at all and you can be laid off at any time
Stay away from employment at Verizon. It only offers limited experience. Head to a pharma company job.
take the offer and start looking for your next job
Let me give you some advice from a similar spot, OP.
I was given an offer after my graduation, handed stipend to relocate across the country, and start as as a SWE. I took several internships before I came here. I had a glowing review before the RIF, and I was let go in less than two years. Your cheap labor, or the fact you are new, means nothing to this company. If you join, take it as a stepping stone to pad your resume as the ship sinks. Otherwise I'd keep applying.
@OP It depends on whether you can get a more appealing offer somewhere else (more money, more marketable skills, etc…). If no, then go with Verizon but with eyes wide open and make the most of it as others have suggested. You’re non-exempt so you can get overtime (with prior approval from your manager). With so many people being cut, there will be a lot do so it may work out for you. Prioritize skills that are in demand outside of Verizon. You won’t be retiring from there after some 30 years and you won’t be getting a gold watch.
This is only the first round of layoffs expected at Verizon. As someone who was with Verizon for 26 years and has been affected by the layoffs, the morale isn't the best right now. Take the offer. Get experience and keep applying elsewhere.
if you have nothing, take this opportunity to rejoin
if you have the opportunity to create value for YOU, (not so much Vz) in the sense of a certifications or responsibilities to bring value ELSEWHERE....
If you have the opportunity to go elsewhere TODAY, .... just do not return... simple as that
Take the Internship and make the most of it.
It’s a great company.
If possible I would intern somewhere
else. I was an intern last year and I got a full time return offer. Only to get laid off 9 months later…