Meet José, she has been working almost 33 years for Ingram Micro, The Netherlands.

She is the Sr. Human Resources Assistant for our HR Benelux Team and based in our office in Utrecht.

Who is José?

A mother of two happy children, daughter of 23 years old and a son of 20 years old. She is already 26 years happily married with the love of her life, John.

How did your journey start in the IT industry?

As a teenager I wanted to have a job in the vacation period. One of my teachers pointed at Ingram Micro (at the time it was called Trend Group NL). What started as a ‘vacation/ parttime job’ became my lifelong job 😉.

I started at the configuration center, learning how to build computers and I found it so interesting. My colleagues were willing to show and share their knowledge and passion for IT/computers with me that their enthusiasm became contagious.
After some time, a new position was created as a receptionist, welcoming customers in the workplace. People who know me know I love to be in contact with people and being a first point of contact sounded like the perfect role for me. Thus, I decided to take on that challenge. During that time, I learned a lot about IT, distribution, and how to interact with (internal/external) customers.

After nine years I needed a new challenge with more focus on supporting/ helping our employees. I decided to be more vocal about my aspirations. In that time, Ingram Micro was working on creating a dedicated HR department. Without any education/degree, except for the knowledge I gained throughout the years at Ingram Micro, I started to build a HR Team, alongside the Executive Secretary.

When I look back at my career journey, joining the IT industry may not have been a conscious decision but it has shown over the years that it is the most dynamic industry. It was great to see the space and ownership that I got from Ingram Micro to challenge and develop myself. I am proud that I dared to speak up about my ambitions and that Ingram Micro was giving me the opportunities. They still do now!

Even after 33 years I can still say I love my job and I am proud to work at Ingram Micro. It really feels like my second family. Ingram Micro, as an employer, focuses on the attitude and learning agility of individuals and believes that anyone can develop themselves. At Ingram Micro the mentality is helping each other, and we all do it together! That’s what makes it worthwhile for me!

How do you feel being a woman and working at Ingram Micro?

From day one, I felt accepted, welcomed, and included. Honestly, I do not feel different because I am a woman. I have never felt disadvantaged. I experience working at Ingram Micro as an open and transparent environment where I always feel I can be myself and that’s what has brought me this far. Every layer of the organization is approachable. We are all One Ingram, one team.

How important is International Women's Day for you and why?

I find that a difficult question because it is quite two sided. When I look back at my own journey and experience and how everything turned out for me, I am very satisfied and blessed. Of course, I understand that this does not mean that this is the same for everybody. So, I understand why International Women's Day exists and it's also a good moment to reflect, evaluate with the changes that have been and are yet to come. But I would like to see equity more as a normality.

What tip and/or suggestion would you give to another woman who is thinking of joining the IT industry?

Don't think too much but be curious and just do it!

Looking at my own experience, I have always had the space to completely be myself. Over the years, the IT industry has evolved and become more diverse, and Ingram Micro has followed along with these changes. It's not no longer by default a man’s world. In the end, it's about what you like and what makes you happy.