MBA Recruiter Interview: Heather Reynolds, Vodafone Americas

With 430 million customers in nearly 30 countries, Vodafone is the world’s second largest mobile telecommunications company by subscribers and revenue. And it is about to get even larger, with an expansion into the Americas. We spoke to Heather Reynolds, lead recruiting manager at Vodafone Americas, to learn what the UK-headquartered company is doing to recruit MBAs in the Americas, and what it takes to become one of the company’s future leaders.

Why do MBAs want to work for Vodafone?

Vodafone, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, not only provides innovative total communications solutions, but we also develop amazing people too. We provide our employees with responsibilities from day one, so it’s crucial that candidates possess skills and potential we can build on from the start. From then on, it’s up to the individual to make the most of the opportunities we offer, to find their niche and develop their personal success.

Vodafone Americas is focused on the delivery of total communications services to multinational corporations headquartered in the United States, Canada and Latin America. It currently employs over 500 people in six regional offices. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a mentor to ensure employees receive the guidance, support and leadership training required to fulfil the potential the company sees in them.

According to Universum, students throughout Europe have ranked Vodafone as an attractive employer for several years. What are you doing to build your reputation in the Americas?

At present, we are working to grow our team throughout the Americas and put in place the same program for this region as we have throughout Europe, initially entering the market with the Discover Program for graduates.

Vodafone Americas recently made the news for its new 16 week maternity leave policy. What is work life balance like for MBAs who work at the company?

At Vodafone, we believe that people come first; we allow remote work options, and encourage our employees to take earned time off. We truly believe that we are at our best when they are at their best. We encourage our employees to spend valuable time with family and friends outside of the workplace to regenerate and recharge. We even offer employees one volunteer day each year, to use to work for a cause that they believe in.

What are the most common MBA job roles at Vodafone?

Commercial managers, bid managers, pricing managers, program managers, and global account managers.

How does Vodafone’s MBA recruiting process work?

It is generally a three to four-step process: an initial phone interview, an in-person panel interview with a case study assessment or presentation (depending on the role), followed by a possible final interview with a key stakeholder.

Vodafone recently announced US expansion efforts. How do MBA hires fit into Vodafone’s plans to expand its presence in the Americas?

Our chosen few will be those that lead the business in the future. We are looking for candidates that have work experience prior to obtaining their MBA, a highly creative mind, a can-do attitude and the ambition to improve the lives of our customers worldwide.

Which business schools do you recruit from and why?

At present, we recruit from NYU and Columbia because they are very close to our offices in NYC and we have several successful colleagues that are from these graduate programs.

What steps should MBAs take in order to make a good impression? Conversely, what are some common mistakes that MBAs should avoid when contacting recruiters?

Professionalism at all times is first and foremost during the job seeking process. Understand as much as you can about Vodafone Americas prior to the first interview through online research.

Does Vodafone Americas currently offer MBA internships?

At present, we do not have an internship program in Vodafone Americas, but this is something that we will be exploring in the future. However, we do have very active and engaging internship programs throughout Europe.

What are the biggest misconceptions that MBAs have about working at Vodafone?

We have found that it is important for potential employees to understand that we have a structured plan in place for their career path. We believe in encouraging others to have the power to come up with ideas and this is why we’re happy to give all the freedom, choice and opportunity they need to decide where to next take their role and ultimately, their career.

Is there anything else MBAs should know before applying for jobs at Vodafone?

Vodafone Americas is actively looking for likeminded people from the world’s top business schools, but that doesn’t mean we’re not open to applications from talented individuals from other places. If you’ve got the passion, determination, intellect and vision we need, it will shine through.