Siemens is a $91 billion electronics company with 440,000 employees in 190 countries. With 70,000 employees and $16.6 billion in U.S. sales, Siemens is improving America's infrastructure through technology and innovation in Medical, Power, Automation and Control, Transportation, Information and Communications, Lighting, Building Technologies, Water Technologies and Services and Home Appliances.

EMPLOYEES: With operations around the world, Siemens is already richly multicultural. In addition to our customers' and shareholders' expectations, we inherently know that a diverse workforce translates to a smarter and more broadly experienced Siemens.

PROGRAMS FOR MINORITIES: We have mentoring programs, diversity councils, affinity groups and internships available to our diverse employees. We have national partnerships with various diverse organizations such as INROADS, National Black MBA Association, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the National Urban League, and serve as board members for the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers.

WEBSITE: www.usa.siemens.com 

Why did you choose to join Siemens?

I had the opportunity to intern at Siemens during two summers and that gave me a taste of what the company is really like. While I did not come to Siemens through one of the several diversity internships, I know many who have come here through the company's partnerships with Inroads. With over 400,000 employees world wide, it's amazing to consider the amount of information which is contained within this company. You are constantly exposed to new challenges and there are opportunities to learn new things every hour of every day. There is never a dull moment at Siemens and I've worked with some of the greatest and brightest minds in the world.

What is the value of diversity in your work?

Diversity goes to the core of working at Siemens and means a lot to me in my day-today work. I have had two managers that also were minorities and it helps to have someone who can relate to you on that level as well.

Why do you think that minority students have ranked your company as a top employer?

Siemens regularly visits college campuses and speaks to minority organizations about their strong commitment to Inroads and other minority programs. When we give presentations we always include information on our Employee Communities for Latin Americans, African Americans and others. Those networks are supported and encouraged by Siemens. I personally noticed their commitment to diversity the first time I saw them at a career fair. I noticed that they had two or three minority representatives at their booth and that conveyed their commitment to diversity before I started talking with them. Some of the people I met at that career fair are still my mentors – whether they know it or not.

What role does diversity play in Siemens' corporate success?

Because Siemens is a global company with such a diverse work force, it is able to leverage those advantages in its business. Having people with different backgrounds strengthens us in our relationships with our  clients. We have a comfort level and ability to relate to different ideas in a way that sets us apart.

What would students find most surprising about your company?

The size. I often say that Siemens is the least known 80 plus billion dollar company out there. Until the initial career fair, I had no idea what a global powerhouse Siemens is. You would be hard pressed to find any major electrical technology without at least some Siemens influence.