United Technologies Corp. (NYSE; UTX), based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a $37 billion diversified company that provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the building systems and aerospace industries through our industry-leading business units: Carrier, Hamilton Sundstrand, Otis, Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, UTC Fire & Security and UTC Power.

EMPLOYEES: 210,000

PROGRAMS FOR MINORITIES: A UTC partners with INROADS, a nonprofit organization that places talented minority college students in business. Nationally, UTC has the best rate among peers of converting INROADS interns into full-time employees; more than half receive job offers.

WEBSITE: http://www.utc.com/ads/careers/bc/ 

Why did you decide to join UTC?

It was an opportunity to work with cutting edge space technology. Over time I have come to appreciate the company for the compensation, the benefits and a really good work/life program. When I was pregnant I had the opportunity to work from home and have a flexible work schedule.

What are you proudest of at UTC?

That I can work with a program that is so technically challenging. People think they can't do it or aspire to it, but they can. I am blessed to have the opportunity to do what I do.

What does it take to be successful in this industry?

You have to be very thorough and a persuasive communicator. Colleagues don't hesitate to challenge your ideas so you have to be able to justify them. You also have to pay great attention to detail because there is a lot at stake: Astronauts' lives depend on our prudence when we send them into orbit.

What is the value of diversity in your work?

As a company we have come to embrace diversity. We are an international organization, so we have to be able to interact with and understand the needs of people from many different cultures. It's not enough to be technically sound to be successful. We have to be able to communicate effectively to properly serve the clients' needs.

With respect to diversity, how would you describe your company culture?

It's changed a lot in a short amount of time. When I started I was the only female and the only African American in a department of approximately 40 employees. Now, there are more women, more minorities and an influx of international colleagues. For example, we have a partnership with a Russian company that has representatives working here, so we may offer courses in Russian. I think this shows that people are willing to change. They are not hesitant to adapt to new influences.

Another example is the diversity council at our Florida campus of which I am a member. The council encourages many initiatives that promote awareness and familiarity among various groups. It feels good to be part of a company that is proud of its diversity and can utilize the differences.

Why did you choose to join UTC?

A search firm called me about the company and I knew it was a tremendous organization but the deciding factor was UTC's Employee Scholar Program. I obtained my advanced tax law degree from the program in the standard three years. The Employee Scholar Program allows employees to further their education in a field of their choice. UTC pays tuition and fees, and provides employees with paid time off from work to study. Upon graduation employees receive a UTC common stock award. I knew right away there was no reason for me to go anywhere else. UTC has provided me with a tremendous deal of support, training and opportunity.

What are you most proud of at UTC?

In addition to UTC's continued financial success, I'm also very proud of its strong ethical foundation, support for community service and culture. People join UTC for the opportunities and benefits, but they stay because it's an incredible company. We are not a company of transients. Employees are committed long term to achieving higher goals.

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

UTC gives its employees as much responsibility and exposure as they can handle. For minorities or anyone, working for UTC means that you are on real projects working on-site with teammates and customers from day one.

What role does diversity play in your work?

People are getting more used to seeing diverse people in leadership roles. Diversity is not just about ethnicity or gender; it's about age, personality – even geographic region. I find that learning with and from people with different perspectives helps to make me savvier at what I do. That interaction and ability to step outside one's own perspective helps you better make decisions.

Why should ambitious, career-minded minority students target your company as a future employer?

UTC is a market leader that offers opportunities and challenges to advance your career in a very supportive environment.