Serenity Thomas, an Amazon Learning Trainer based in Atlanta, said that the company's flexibility, military-friendly leave policies, and Career Choice program have been instrumental in helping her balance her National Guard duties, complete her bachelor's degree, and progress from an entry-level position to a trainer role. This statement was made during an interview.
"One of the biggest things that I love about Amazon is flexibility. I have work and I have National Guard. I'm really happy that Amazon is military friendly and I can always put in leave for when I go to drills," said Thomas. "When I needed extra day to do homework, I could put in PTO or take unpaid leave, and I'm grateful that I have a manager who was understanding that sometimes you need that extra day to get your school work done."
According to Amazon's employee benefits page, the company provides paid time off and paid leave for qualifying life events such as welcoming a new family member. Employees also have the option to swap or adjust shifts. These benefits are designed to help employees manage personal needs alongside workplace demands, offering flexibility across various roles and schedules within the organization.
Amazon's military hiring and benefits page indicates that the company employs over 40,000 U.S. veterans and military spouses. The benefits for military employees include paid military leave for training or active duty service and career transition programs to assist service members transitioning into civilian employment. These resources aim to facilitate a smooth transition for military-affiliated employees within Amazon.
The Amazon Career Choice website reveals that more than 175,000 employees worldwide have participated in the program. This initiative pre-pays tuition for degrees, certifications, and industry credentials in high-demand fields. By enabling employees to pursue education while working, Career Choice supports skill development and career growth both within Amazon and in other industries.
According to Amazon’s Learning and Development team page, learning trainers like Thomas are tasked with delivering training, coaching associates, and guiding performance improvements to prepare employees for advancement. Thomas began her career as a tier one (entry-level) associate before advancing to her current trainer role, showcasing internal mobility opportunities at Amazon.