Verizon Wireless

Why you want to work there

Top 10 ranking: No. 2 for training The IT team at this Basking Ridge, N.J., telecommunications company recently helped launch the VZW 4G LTE network, after more than 69,000 hours of IT development work that impacted about 80% of the IT systems. Top-notch training makes it happen: From the start of their careers at the company, employees have access to online training, instructor-led courses and $8,000 in annual tuition assistance. Sridhar Gidugu, for example, used the tuition assistance program to complete his master's degree and is now an IT manager. Benefits bonanza Comprehensive health and wellness benefits include medical, prescription drug and vision coverage; dental plan options; basic life insurance coverage; and the choice of flexible spending accounts -- all beginning on the data of hire. The "Recognizing You!" program rewards employees nominated by managers for exemplary performance, with awards ranging from $25 to $1,000 in the form of gift certificates to more than 350 service providers nationwide, including restaurants and retail establishments. In 2010, 1,388 IT employees were recognized and awarded a total of more than $230,000. The "Cheers for Peers" program provides a forum for employees to recognize their colleagues for actions that support the company's core values. In 2010, 54 IT employees received peer awards. A patent awards program encourages employees to submit their innovative ideas for patent applications. Employees are awarded on initial patent filing, and again once a U.S. patent certificate is issued. In 2010, 20 employees were recognized, applying for 40 individual patents, a 400% increase over 2009.