Diversity In Action: Arrow is looking to hire EEs

The big electronic-components distributor prefers techies with electronics distribution experience, but considers other areas as well

Engineers play a critical role at Arrow, a major distributor of electronic components.

“We look to hire EEs,” says Sherry Snipes, manager of diversity and compliance. “Their role is to interface between Arrow’s sales management and the customer, because the engineering experience is critical to customer design and application.” Arrow also has ASIC design engineers and application engineers on staff, Snipes notes.

The company is actively hiring right now. Experience is preferred because of the work done directly with customers. “We love experience in electronics distribution, but we realize it’s a niche market,” says Snipes. “So we look at experience in other technical industries as well.”

Besides their technical know-how, Arrow folks need excellent communication skills. “This is not a traditional engineering role,” says Snipes. “Our people must be technical but they also have to feel comfortable communicating with sales and ultimately, the customer.”

When recruiting, “We align with like-minded organizations that enable us to attract qualified candidates.” That includes HBCUs and minority-serving technical societies.

The company sponsors an awareness program: a day-long event focusing on diversity, inclusion, education and skills training. “We require all our managers to attend. They walk away with tools to help them manage their teams,” Snipes notes.

Arrow is also attentive to work-life balance. “We have a flexible workplace,” says Snipes. “If you need to leave early for a school event or to occasionally work from home, you can do that.” There’s also a community outreach team with representatives from around the country.

Succession planning is a high priority at Arrow, Snipes concludes. “We identify our high-potential successors, and we embed diversity thinking in both recruiting and succession management.”