Diversity In Action

IT giant Compuware knows the value of human capital

The company serves some of the world’s largest organizations. It is always looking for experienced pros to work in software development and consulting

Lori Walker and Vikram Nath: programs that perpetuate company diversity.

Compuware’s main IT center is located in its Detroit, MI HQ, Nath explains. But there are also branch locations that are product centers, and others that concentrate on the consulting side of the business. “We have ninety-six offices in thirty-two countries, so we have immense opportunities to grow,” he declares.

Founded in 1973, Compuware helps fill in the IT needs of large to very large organizations, including 95 percent of Fortune 100 companies.

“We’re a software company focused on building and maintaining applications. Our workforce includes project managers, systems analysts, Java and .Net developers,” Nath explains. “We also hire in QA, data warehousing, Oracle database development and other IT areas.”

Compuware is interested in bringing in experienced pros for its consulting work. But recent CS grads may find a place in its professional services business.

The company has been placed on many “best company” lists for minority and female employees, Nath notes. This, he says, emphasizes the importance Compuware places on human capital. The company’s diversity and community affairs efforts include inclusive recruiting, active employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities and more.

Recognizing the importance of bringing along a new generation of IT pros, the company supports local schools. One example: it offers summer internships to seniors from Detroit’s Cass Tech High School. “We recruit from a variety of backgrounds to build an inclusive, creative team of interns and employees,” Nath explains.

The company has long sponsored a team of high school students in BDPA’s famous annual computer competition.

Lori Walker, director of diversity, emphasizes the importance of maintaining an inclusive environment. “We have a mandatory employee inclusion training program,” she says. “We have built relationships with professional, community and minority organizations throughout the world to enhance our search for the best talent in the industry.

“Diversity and commitment to creating a more inclusive business environment start at the top and extend throughout the organization,” she adds.

Compuware’s diversity council is a subcommittee of its board of directors. It meets quarterly to review diversity initiatives and hear reports from an internal team.

Walker notes that the company’s employee resource groups help with recruiting, cultural exchange and community outreach. Active groups represent the African American, Latin American, Asian Indian and Chinese communities.

Nath himself is active in the Asian Indian group. He explains that “We have developed annual goals that include increasing membership and communications.”

His own Asian Indian group was recently challenged to bring in twenty new candidates for employment. “These contributions are part of our strong employee referral program that assists in perpetuating the diversity of our company,” he says.

Walker notes that the company “rolled out a mentoring program for employee resource group leaders” as another way to assist with their professional development. And, she says, “We’ve developed a succession plan that starts at the executive level, ensuring that a variety of successors, including diverse candidates, will be available for our top leaders.”

Employees are encouraged to become involved in worthwhile causes at Compuware. They can volunteer to help with community programs like Habitat for Humanity and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure through the company’s community action network.

Work/life balance is also important, Walker adds. When Compuware moved its HQ from the suburbs to downtown Detroit, it created a commuter assistance center to arrange carpools and vanpools and provide information on public transportation. “We even have a ‘guaranteed ride home’ if a regular carpooler has to stay late or leave early,” Walker says.

Other work/life amenities include onsite fitness and child development centers.

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