Diversity In Action

UBS: global business makes diversity
a must

Diversity is a core value at UBS. Diversity and cultural networks support employees; IT teams tap BDPA and ITSMF for mentoring and recruiting

Information technology is an integral part of the business at UBS Investment Bank; without IT, traders would not be able to buy, sell or research stocks for their investors. “The work our technologists do is key to the success of the bank,” notes Tracy Poulter Hart, head of HR for Americas investment bank technology. “Working closely with our sales personnel, the technology teams identify and deliver the technology to meet client demand and keep the firm competitive.”

In recruiting employees for its technology division, the bank aims to create a workforce as diverse as its client base. According to Poulter Hart, “If you come from an American company, especially a financial services firm, one of the first things that strikes you is how global we really are. We operate in over fifty countries.”

To best serve such a diverse, global client base, the bank must build equally diverse project teams. “We need employees that can work across time zones and cultures,” says Denise Hebner, regional IT chief of staff. “That’s why diversity is one of our core values.”

The bank launched a series of diversity networks in 2000. There are groups for women, working parents, people from various ethnic and national backgrounds, GLBT employees and people with disabilities. The groups offer their members networking and mentoring, and lead community service and recruiting events.

The bank has also created a cultural awareness network, a forum dedicated to promoting bank-wide awareness and understanding of cultural issues. The network stages a series of briefings on the business practices and cultural values of emerging markets like China, Brazil and India. “These events give our employees a better appreciation of other cultures, and prepare them to work with clients and vendors in the emerging markets,” Poulter Hart notes.

UBS also works with external organizations that foster the career development of technologists from minority communities. The bank recently began working with the Hispanic IT Executive Council, which provides networking and professional development opportunities for Hispanic technical leaders. UBS’ IT team has an ongoing relationship with BDPA and the Information Technology Senior Management Forum, organizations that provide mentoring, coaching and leadership training to African American technologists.

Campus recruiters work through campus organizations and groups like SWE and NSBE. Courtney Leonard, associate director, IT campus recruiting, notes that the bank also recruits a number of summer interns through Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, a financial-industry mentoring program for students of color in New York City.

On the work/life front, the bank encourages flexible working hours. “It’s feasible in this industry,” says Poulter Hart. Even for positions that don’t have a lot of flexibility, “there are always options.” Poulter Hart herself often leaves the office in time to have dinner with her four-year old daughter, and works at home after bedtime.

The bank offers other programs including tuition reimbursement “for most job-relevant degree programs,” says Amy Rosoff, director and lead recruiting relationship manager.

“We successfully achieve business objectives by valuing, promoting and utilizing the differences in each employee’s background, perspective and expertise,” says Ci Ci Holloway, managing director and head of diversity and inclusion for the Americas. “We do this by hiring the best minds in the industry and developing and advancing them once they’re here.”

Despite the challenging economic climate, the firm is actively recruiting for a number of technology positions. There are needs in the area of IT risk, and openings for developers who know Java, C# and C++.

D/C