![Renu's headshot.](http://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/375/cms/img/headshots/renuheadshot.jpg)
Learning, Leading and Giving Back: Renu's Dell Journey
Renu T. | Manager, Service Delivery | Bangalore, India
Originally Published: July 12, 2024
When considering your career and personal growth, you often think about securing a corporate job that offers an abundance of options and opportunities. My 14 years at Dell have been a journey of exploring this abundance and building the career of my dreams.
This is the story of my career growth, and a glimpse into the importance of company culture in bringing out your best.
How I learned on the job (literally!)
I joined Dell in an entry level engineering role with just three years of experience under my belt. I worked my way to becoming a data protection subject matter expert, then became a people leader. There are lots of reasons for this success, but the support I got for learning new things was pivotal.
Here are some of ways I accelerated my learning and growth:
![Renu poses with a group of people.](http://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/375/cms/img/photos/renut2.jpg)
- RISE Program: This program enables women to take ownership of shaping their professional and personal journey. I became more aware of my strengths, more confident and discovered my values and their importance in my life. Through RISE, I discovered the leader within me.
- Emerging Leadership Program (ELP): This program provides a strong foundation for leadership. I gained insights into various aspects of leadership, including communication, people management, and conflict resolution. After successfully completing the program, I had the opportunity to transition from an individual contributor to a manager role.
- Cross-Skilling and Upskilling: I found cross-skilling and upskilling quite easy at Dell, thanks to comprehensive training platforms and support for industry certifications. When I transitioned from data protection to cloud technologies, Dell’s cultural emphasis on learning helped me hit the ground running.
- Digital Transformation Course: I enrolled in a 4-month digital transformation course at the Indian School of Business (ISB). This broadened my horizons, exposing me to cutting-edge industry trends.
- Mentorship: While technical skills are crucial, leadership and people management are equally vital. Dell's mentor circles and the Mentor Connect program run by the Women in Action Employee Resource Group (WIA ERG) provided invaluable guidance. Real-world scenarios shared by seasoned leaders enriched my perspective and empowered me to implement best practices confidently.
![A group of school children and adults smile together.](http://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/375/cms/img/photos/renut1.jpg)
Discovering my second passion
I firmly believe learning isn’t just adding real world experience to what you studied back in school. Sometimes, it’s about discovering things you love to do that you had never thought of earlier. Thanks to the culture at Dell and my willingness to give new things a try, I discovered how much I enjoy giving back.
- Mentorship Program: In my managed services business unit (BU), I launched a mentorship program within the Diversity and Women Network. Collaborating closely with the Women in Action ERG, we effectively matched mentors and mentees. Leveraging my network from the BU, RISE and other programs, I connected with mentors across various BUs and locations, including Pune. This program empowered numerous women team members, enabling some to transition into their desired roles.
- Girl Child Program: I got an opportunity to lead the Girl Child Program for three years within Managed Services. This program aims to support the education of underprivileged girls in partnership with NGOs. Starting during the pandemic, we helped 30 girls for three quarters with their school syllabus, as attending school was a challenge. We used the proceeds to supply school essentials like uniforms, school supplies and even digital tabs.
- True Ability ERG: I’m part of the True Ability ERG, which focuses on disability inclusion. I collaborated with a peer to raise awareness within my BU. Within a year, we hired three team members with disabilities, and our successful pilot has intensified our commitment to disability inclusion.
It’s a nice feeling to reflect and see how much ground I’ve covered in my career. This is my story so far, and there’s more to come.
To learn more about life at Dell, visit Our Stories.
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