Verizon Exec Reveals Surprising Strategy to Stand Out in Bleak Job Market: Free Work is Always Accepted

The Unlikely Advantage: How Volunteering Can Set You Apart in a Bleak Job Market As I walked through the bustling streets of New York City, I couldn't help but notice the sea of young faces with worried expressions. The latest job market numbers were out, and they painted a grim picture: millions of Gen Zers and millennials were struggling to find employment. Many had invested in expensive college degrees, only to be met with rejection after rejection. It was as if the economy had turned on its head, and the traditional rules no longer applied. I decided to seek out Christina Schelling, Verizon's chief talent officer, who had a reputation for being one of the most forward-thinking leaders in the industry. We sat down in her office, surrounded by the hum of activity, and I asked her about the current state of affairs. "It's tough out there," she acknowledged. "But what I want to tell these young people is that they have more power than they think." Schelling's words were a breath of fresh air in an otherwise bleak landscape. She explained that in today's economy, experience was everything – and not just any experience would do. "You don't need to have something snazzy on your resume," she said with a smile. "The work experience piece doesn't always have to be traditional and paid." Her advice? Volunteer. At first, it seemed counterintuitive. Why would anyone want to give away their time for free when they could be earning a paycheck? But Schelling's logic was sound: in a crowded job market, anything that sets you apart is worth trying. And what better way to stand out than by demonstrating your skills and passion without expecting compensation? I spoke with several young professionals who had taken Schelling's advice to heart. Emily, a recent college graduate, had volunteered at a local non-profit organization, where she helped develop marketing campaigns and managed social media accounts. "It was an incredible experience," she said. "Not only did I gain valuable skills, but I also made connections that have led to job opportunities." Similarly, Alex, a young entrepreneur, had started volunteering at a tech startup, where he worked on projects related to artificial intelligence and machine learning. "It's amazing how much you can learn when you're not worried about getting paid," he said with a grin. But what about the economic impact? Wouldn't volunteering simply be a way for companies to exploit free labor? Schelling acknowledged that there were risks, but she argued that the benefits far outweighed them. "When people volunteer, they bring new perspectives and ideas to the table," she explained. "And in return, they gain experience and build their professional networks." As I left Verizon's headquarters, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. In a job market that seemed determined to crush young dreams, Schelling's advice offered a glimmer of light. It was time for Gen Zers and millennials to think outside the box – or in this case, the traditional resume. The Bottom Line In a world where experience is king, volunteering can be a powerful tool for standing out in a crowded job market. By giving away their time for free, young professionals can gain valuable skills, build connections, and demonstrate their passion to potential employers. As Christina Schelling so aptly put it: "No one's going to say no to free work." *Based on reporting by Fortune.*