From Affinity Groups to Sports, Diversity Reigns for Dell Interns

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Diversity and Inclusion at Dell is more than an initiative or program; it’s ingrained in the culture and permeates all facets of the Dell experience.

Affinity Groups are just one piece of the puzzle, and they prominently participate in and lead events to develop their members both personally and professionally.

Members of Dell's Black Employee Affinity Group

Paying it Forward

Enrico Scott credits the Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Internship Program for launching his career at EMC, prior to the close of the historic Dell EMC integration, and is now actively involved in mentoring through his work with the Black Employee Affinity Group. University Relations recruited him from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, to be an intern in summer 2013. He returned for a second internship in 2014 and now works full time in the Finance Training Program.

“If it wasn’t for that HBCU internship program, I would not be here today,” Scott said. “The efforts to recruit from HBCUs has resulted in upwards of 20 interns that have been hired full time since the inception of the program.”

Scott has taken an active role on the Steering Committee for the Black Employee Affinity Group’s Buddy Program. The program pairs new hires of color with millennials in the company.

“It’s really assisting others and lifting as I climb,” Scott said.

Engaging the Community

Kanrong Yu, data analyst co-op, was surprised to find the Asian Circle Affinity Group and was welcomed warmly when she joined. She enjoyed events like the mid-autumn festival and sharing traditional foods, like mooncake, with her coworkers and friends.

“I went kayaking on the Charles River in the summer with the Asian Circle, which was a very fun time,” Yu said.

While Yu thoroughly enjoyed her time with the Asian Circle, even more moving to her was the company’s commitment to the LGBTQ community.

“My first day here, the first poster I saw showed Dell EMC would take part in the Boston Pride Parade on the following weekend,” Yu said. “I went to the Boston Pride Parade, and I witnessed that Dell EMC was one of the few companies marching. I was more than happy to see that as an LGBTQ person.”

Playing as a Team

Piyush Malviya, a Master’s student in information technology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, worked at another company in India for three years prior to joining EMC in the U.S. as a software engineering co-op. He feels the culture is totally different, and appreciates those differences.

“In India where I was working, it was very team specific,” Malviya said, referring to another employer. “Here, you can approach anyone and everyone is ready to help you. That’s a big thing.”

Malviya saw first-hand how welcoming people were when he noticed a group playing volleyball during lunchtime one day.

“I asked if I could play along with them. They said, yes, and it turned out that it was a tournament,” he said.

Malviya’s team finished in second place, and he was thankful for such a friendly, inviting and fun experience at work.

In addition to the meaningful work experiences Malviya gained as a software engineer, the inclusivity has grown his confidence. The job itself has provided Malviya with an excellent background with respect to where he sees himself five years down the line—as a business analyst.

“I can approach anyone and talk very comfortably,” he said. “I don’t have to think twice what the person will think about me if I randomly approach them. It’s a completely different work culture altogether.”

Diversity and inclusion is a key component of Dell’s 2020 Legacy of Good Plan.

About the Author: Meredith Harrison

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