Accelerating Diversity in Tech Leadership through a Strategic Internship Program
Company: CDW Legacy Excellence Program
Industry: Technology
Size: Fortune 500 Company
Challenge: Improving retention and promotion of Black and Brown tech talent
The Challenge
Our client, a leading Fortune 500 technology company, faced a significant challenge in retaining and promoting diverse talent, specifically, black and brown employees were leaving the company at higher rates than their white peers. There was a lack of diverse representation in leadership roles and a strong need to establish the company as a top destination for black and brown talent.
Our Approach
We executed a multifaceted strategy to address these challenges:
Targeted Internship Program: Designed a new program focusing on recruiting and developing talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Holistic Program Management: Addressed complex elements including potential revenue growth in HBCUs as an untapped source of high potential talent
Change Management: Implemented strategies to overcome internal resistance and coordinate effectively across the large organization
Risk Mitigation: Developed plans to manage reputational risk associated with the new program launch
The Implementation Process
Phase 1: Program Design and Foundation Building
Established relationships across the organization
Designed intern recruitment process
Developed framework for intern experience
Phase 2: Research and Development
Conducted research on support needed for HBCU student interns
Created leadership track development plan
Established connection between student support and company revenue
Phase 3: Pilot Program Launch
Facilitated intern recruitment and onboarding
Implemented support systems for interns
Monitored and evaluated program effectiveness
Phase 4: Process Standardization
Identified processes and standardization
Aligned program processes with company standards
Implemented cost and labor mitigation strategies
Results
Our execution of strategy yielded significant improvements
Client Testimonial
“We have been working with Culminate Strategy Group since 2021. They have been instrumental in the successful launch of the Legacy Excellence Program. Their team swiftly produced comprehensive marketing materials and compelling presentations, ensuring a seamless introduction. Their efficiency and dedication were evident in every aspect of their support, making the entire process remarkably smooth and effective. Culminate Strategy Group continues to exceed expectations on every piece of the CDW Legacy Excellence Program.”
Dione Dyson
One CDW Talent Manager
Key Takeaways
Holistic Approach
Addressing diversity requires a multifaceted strategy
Dual Impact
Diversity initiatives can drive both social impact and business growth
Change Management is Crucial
Overcoming internal resistance is key to program success
Data-Driven Decisions
Continuous research and evaluation are essential for program refinement
Long-term Vision
Establishing processes for sustainability ensures program longevity
Conclusion
By implementing this strategic internship program with a focus on HBCUs, we helped our client take a significant step towards becoming a destination for strong Black and Brown tech talent. This case study demonstrates the power of combining targeted recruitment, comprehensive support, and effective change management in driving organizational diversity and inclusion.