Diversity In Action

Walmart is always seeking IT pros

One popular diversity initiative is mentoring, which the company looks on as both a diversity opportunity and a venture in succession planning

'People probably don’t think of Walmart when they think of technology jobs,” says Gregory Marrufo, HR VP for Walmart Information Systems Division (ISD). “But we have the largest non-governmental database in the world. So we are always looking for IT professionals.”

Marrufo notes that Walmart’s ISD is already diverse, and his IT associates function as recruiters. “A lot of the professional hiring we do is based on internal recommendations,” he says. “People who work here are proud to recommend other people to come here too.”

ISD has affiliations with a number of national women’s and minority professional networks. Not only does the company recruit from these groups, but Marrufo’s current associates are encouraged to be involved with them as well. Participation from the ISD is very high. “For example, we’ve had ISD people active with BDPA for several years,” Marrufo reports.

The company also has internal resource groups for women, Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, people with disabilities and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender associates. “The merchandizing and operations organizations draw on their expertise, and the groups do networking and career development for their members,” Marrufo notes.

One diversity initiative that has done very well is mentoring. “Managers across all levels are encouraged to mentor. Mentoring circles have become very common at Walmart, adopted by most members of our senior leadership,” Marrufo says.

A mentoring circle, he adds, is both a diversity opportunity and a venture in succession planning. “You seek high-potential diverse talent along with other high-potential folks.”

Marrufo has twenty people from all backgrounds in his mentoring circle. “We encourage them to step outside their own businesses; we’re investing our time with up-and-coming leaders from all areas.”

ISD associates are encouraged to participate in community outreach. “Some are involved in math and science programs at local schools,” says Marrufo. “We sponsor events to help students understand how the IT business progresses, from math and science to an IT career.”

Hiring is active at both the experienced and new-grad levels. To reach out to a diverse pool of new technical employees, Walmart has developed a core university program. “Not only do we seek diverse talent when we select universities, but we also seek universities that can work on projects with us,” says Marrufo. “We have built a nice talent pool with these organizations.”

Internships are another way that Marrufo introduces future associates to Walmart ISD. In an average year some thirty-five to fifty internships are available.

“In 2009 our interns conducted the first-ever ISD diversity event, building on our commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels of our company,” Marrufo says. “They formed into three teams, each team sponsored by an officer of the organization. Three hundred people attended.”

Since Walmart is a global company, sensitivity to diverse cultures is especially important. Walmart’s IT group includes members who work in fifteen different countries. Expat assignments can be an important part of an ISD associate’s career development, Marrufo says.

“Walmart ISD is an outstanding place to work,” he declares. “We are proud of our diverse associates and women in our organization, we are proud of who we are as it relates to the communities that we serve. The potential at Walmart is incredible!”

D/C