WBW | Amazon Virtual Returnship Event Highlights
The Amazon Returnship Event was a big success and one that had a very engaging crowd. We have captured the highlights from this event for those who couldn’t attend or wanted to re-visit.
“Being present for the moment” with Lisa Duerre
Reflection questions: Strengths and Effective Leadership
When are you least effective, and when are you most effective? (What are you doing? What are the thoughts you are having? How are you feeling?)
What qualities or characteristics do you display when you are LEAST effective?
What qualities, strengths or characteristics do you display when you are MOST effective?
Key Takeaways:
“Draw attention to your own internal wisdom”
“Reduce your anxiety to be the best of yourself”
“Remember your awesomeness”
“Why are you here today”
“When stressed with anxiety, we have two options: call a friend, lean into your community to lift you up; or you can rise to the challenge”
“Amazon Welcome” with Alex Mooney
Principal Diversity Manager – Founder of the Amazon Returnship Program
“Amazon Returnship Program” with Alexandria Hobbs – Technical Recruiter and Laura Belovics – Sr Diversity Recruiter, Returnship Program
Structured returnship program
Provide returners with timely assignments
Mentorship by a senior member of the organization
Onboarding with a peer buddy from the same organization
Presentation at the end of the program to share your experience
Returnship Interview Process
Behavioral-based questions:
· Challenges you have overcome
· Questions specific to the Amazon leadership principals
· Technical roles: Brief whiteboard exercise
· Video interview with at least two team members
Interview Tips: Key Takeaways:
“Often the questions asked might be general and it is expected that you to ask clarifying questions”
“During the interview, when asking the questions, interviewers want to see how you interact, collaborate back and forth as a team member”
“Be as tactful as possible.”
“Share and demonstrate what you have achieved as an individual rather than the team results you have completed in the past roles, do not mention only the team efforts.”
“My Career Journey” with the Returner Panel
Speakers :
Mira Stoimenova – Program Manager, WBW
Arathi Shankri – Completed Amazon Returnship, now hired full time
Arnetta Alexander – Enrolled at Amazon Returnship
Linda Francis – Job seeker in the UX/CX space
Maryam Fanaeepour – Job seeker in the Data Science/Data Privacy space
Key Takeaways:
“Remove disappointment and have a continuous belief that my job would be out there and would come, keep believing that it will come,” Arnetta Alexander
“First thing: Update LinkedIn, request recommendations and add them to your LinkedIn profile. Sharpen your technical skills. Start writing, share articles on LinkedIn” Arathi Shankri
“Complete a writing course to improve your writing skills.”
“Do role-playing, practice interviewing with your family.”
To learn more about open roles, please visit the Amazon Returnship page.
