Meet Karin. She has been working for Ingram Micro Netherlands for 21 years. She is the Credit Manager for our Credit team and works from our office in Utrecht.

Who is Karin?
A successful and experienced financial businesswoman with an eye for innovations. In addition, a mother of two happy children, a 13-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son, and happily married.

How did your journey in the IT industry start?
It was an unconscious choice to work in the IT industry. As you know, the role of a financial professional can be found in every industry. At one point, I happened to be approached for a finance role at an IT distributor and thought why not? Let's try a new industry. That was a very good idea. After a while my manager left for Ingram Micro, and I was approached by him to join Ingram Micro. I did and I have been working there for 21 years now with great pleasure.

After working in various sectors such as automotive, insurance and the media, I noticed that IT suits me best as an industry. It is constantly evolving both internally and externally. Nothing stands still, everything changes (almost every day). Because I do different projects, I have been able to develop from Senior Credit Officer to Credit Supervisor and now Credit manager and I am really grateful for that. Finance is often seen as just doing things with numbers, but internal and external stakeholder management is also very crucial, which makes it interesting within Ingram Micro.

Because I took on many projects myself and achieved successes, I have been given and seized opportunities.

How do you feel being a woman and working at Ingram Micro?
From the first moment I started at Ingram Micro I have always felt at home. I've never felt different as a woman. I've achieved results and raised things myself, and because of this I've been given and taken opportunities like everyone else, regardless of my gender. Within Ingram Micro it goes without saying that your attitude, commitment, and potential are taken into account.

How important is International Women's Day for you and why?
International Women's Day remains important. Unfortunately, it is not self-evident that women are treated equally. This day is all about forcefulness and the feeling of solidarity with women all over the world. We need examples everywhere and we must all continue to fight to help each other, keep doors open and give each other equal opportunities.

It has, of course, been proven that a diverse team achieves better results, not only looking at gender. We are all responsible for making this happen.

What tip and/or suggestion would you give to another woman who is thinking of joining the IT industry?
You must find the place within yourself where nothing is impossible. Stand up for yourself and your dreams.

Speak up in what you want and need! Seek help (colleague/ sponsor/ mentor/ manager) and feedback. Sometimes that can make you feel uneasy and exhilarated but stay close to yourself and believe in yourself.