Joining a new industry isn’t easy, especially when it’s one that you have little knowledge of or familiarity with. That’s how I felt when I made the decision to join Altieri, an engineering firm whose niche is one I had never heard of before. On top of that, I would be the sole human resources professional in the company when, in my past, I had been a part of a team of peers. Needless to say, I felt anxious and intimidated.
However, Altieri challenged my expectations and assumptions about engineering from Day 1. My interview panel consisted of mainly women which surprised me as my knowledge of engineering was that it is a male-dominated field. My preconceived notions continued to break down when I started my new job and saw how important women’s voices are at Altieri. Waiting for me at my desk was a wom(EN)gineer mug and a flyer explaining that it was a blog to highlight women staff in the firm. This small gesture helped my nerves evaporate.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion have always been an important part of my life. During my undergraduate years, I was the president of a multicultural awareness student alliance, and I worked with my friends and collaborated with other diversity clubs to put on educational (and fun!) events. Joining Altieri and learning about the Initiative Teams program and Women in Engineering (WIE) employee resource group felt like returning to my roots. It was also very refreshing. In a time when several of my friends have told me about their companies rolling back diversity-related initiatives, I feel proud to be part of a firm that truly cares about all its employees regardless of their backgrounds and identities, and is willing to do the work to support and celebrate them.
Even though I am new to Altieri, I feel that I have been able to find my place easily. I felt welcome from Day 1, something that I have not experienced before in my career. The Women in Engineering group makes me feel like I belong. My work is contributing towards a goal that reflects my values and one that I am proud of.