How Carmen Thrives in a Multilingual Environment
Carmen Ramirez | Advisor, Accounting Development Program | Texas, United States
Originally Published: July 23, 2024
I am a Texas A&M University Aggie from the class of 2020. I earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting and business honors. In 2021, I completed my master’s degree in non-profit tax. Following college, I undertook a rigorous two-year journey at Dell, diligently studying and successfully obtaining my CPA license.
Outside of work, I find joy in going to the gym, preparing healthier meals, watching movies and spending quality time with my partner while enjoying Netflix. I also love to travel—I’ve been to eight different countries and will explore five more this summer. Additionally, you’ll often find me visiting San Antonio, Dallas, Houston or returning to my hometown in the valley, Pharr, TX. My family remains my primary motivator, and their unwavering support fuels my determination to embrace challenges and cherish life’s small moments.
The most rewarding aspect is getting to speak in Spanish with my coworkers and connect with them. It feels rewarding to join a call at the office and explain an entire process I’ve been working on entirely in Spanish, and then be able to explain this same process to someone else at the office, but this time in English.
Carmen R.
Tell us about your current role and past rotations.
I am currently in my third rotation of the Accounting Development Program, assigned to the Mexico Statutory team. My responsibilities include preparing financial statements for Dell Financial Services Mexico and reconciling GAAP and Statutory accounts, addressing differences primarily related to timing. Additionally, I am actively involved in the Revenue Tie Out process for EMC Mexico (MX10), ensuring that revenue recorded across our four systems aligns with the trial balance for MX10. This involves considering backlog, canceled orders and un-invoiced orders.
Recently, I’ve been engaged in two automation projects using Power BI. By creating rules in Power Query, we streamline the categorization of entries, transitioning from a manual process to an automated one. These efforts apply to both revenues and costs.
In my second rotation, I worked with the Equity team, delving into shares, RSUs, non-controlling interest and Intercompany accounts. Presenting to senior leaders like Vice President Troy Sharp and Chief Accounting Officer Bruny Rios, even if it was just a couple of slides, was nerve-wracking but incredibly impactful. It prepared me for future interactions at higher levels.
My initial role at Dell was on the Revenue team. There, I gained practical experience in creating and supporting journal entries, understanding their significance and grasping the rationale behind each entry. I also learned the value of proactivity and advocating for additional tasks when time allowed. These foundational lessons, along with the acceptance of learning from mistakes, have guided me through subsequent rotations.
The support and networking within Dell have been remarkable. Melissa Heavin, a mentor from the Revenue team, has been instrumental in my journey through ADP. Additionally, Mona Baudek (also from Revenue) invited me to join her team at the office, bridging geographical gaps. These experiences exemplify why Dell is an excellent place for personal growth and professional development.
What opportunities are available at Dell for people who are bilingual? What have your opportunities looked like?
There are plenty of opportunities for those who are bilingual at Dell, from joining a team from a different region to networking and creating friendships with those who speak the same foreign language you speak. For example, I’ve met several people in the Finance Development Program and Accounting Development Program who speak Spanish, and that has made me develop a connection and friendship with them. I became so close to Jackie Benitez (FDP Alumni), that I even traveled this year to Panama to visit her and celebrate my birthday over there.
At work, speaking a second or third language gives you a competitive advantage because you are able to work well with people from different regions all over the world. And yes, while everyone or mostly everyone speaks English at Dell, being able to speak the language of a different country or region allows you participate in their events and celebrations. For example, the LATAM team recently did a farewell call to Joao Ribeiro, our then VP of Global Statutory Accounting. It was entirely in Spanish. Had I not known Spanish, I would not have understood all the heartfelt messages he received as well as all the stories shared by team members and Joao himself. I also previously held quarterly 1x1’s with Joao, where we both spoke in Spanish. Having a VP who speaks the same foreign language you do, who shares advice and is interested in learning what you are working on and how you are supporting your team has been incredibly impactful for me. Being bilingual not only gives you a competitive advantage and may allow you to land a role that you want, but it also opens networking opportunities with many team members around the world.
What are the challenges of being bilingual and working in multiple languages?
Individual experiences may differ, but occasionally, I find myself at a loss for words in Spanish. When that happens, I’ll slip in an English word if I can’t recall the Spanish equivalent. Fortunately, my team members also speak and understand English, so it’s not a major issue. It amuses me how I can be explaining a process and suddenly draw a blank on a specific Spanish word.
The networking and support I’ve gotten from all my team members in every role has been incredible and heartwarming. Melissa Heavin from the Revenue team has become my mentor throughout my journey in ADP, and Mona Baudek (also in Revenue) invited me to sit with her team at the office since my current team is in a different country. Experiences like these are what makes Dell a great place to grow and work for.
Carmen R.
Was working in multiple languages something that you always wanted to do?
Absolutely! Since high school, I’ve understood the significance of being multilingual and how it provides a competitive edge over those who only speak English. Little did I know that I’d eventually work in my native language. It’s been an enriching experience. Spanish offers a wealth of phrases, memes and jokes that don’t quite translate to English, allowing me to fully embrace my culture while making a meaningful impact at work.
What advice would you give to someone new in their career who is bilingual or wants to work in multiple languages?
If you aspire to work in multiple languages, have an open conversation with your manager. Express your interest in collaborating with the ‘x’ team because of your language proficiency, emphasizing how you can contribute and make an impact. Beyond language skills, share what you hope to learn from the team and highlight your unique strengths. In most cases, this proactive approach will lead to exciting opportunities.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of working in multiple languages?
The most rewarding aspect is conversing with my coworkers in Spanish and building connections. It feels fulfilling to participate in office calls, explaining an entire process entirely in Spanish and then seamlessly switch to English to convey the same information to another colleague at the office. Additionally, I find satisfaction in teaching and learning from my team members useful tricks and tools, I share the ones I’ve learned during English meetings, and they share the ones learned in other Spanish speaking teams.
Next, learn about Lauren's experience in the Accounting Development Program.
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