Meet Sofia. She has been working for Ingram Micro Netherlands for over two years. She is the logistics employee for our ITAD team and works in our warehouse in Tilburg.

Who is Sofia?
Sofia is a cheerful and hard-working woman who is always curious and knows how to get things done. She was born and raised in Tilburg with Moroccan roots and is happily married.

How did your journey in the IT industry start?
I came across Ingram Micro by chance through a job posting online. You often see warehouse positions that work with shifts, but for this role in the IT department there was only a day shift, so that was perfect for me. During my conversation it quickly became clear how varied and dynamic the work would be. I am a person who absolutely cannot sit still and likes to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

In the beginning it was very exciting to learn everything. I had no background in IT and had never worked in a large international warehouse. From my first day onwards, I have been very well taken care of by my manager and colleagues. They made sure that I would learn everything about IT. Because I am also curious and know how to get things done, I was quickly up and running.

The best thing about my job is that I never know how my day will go. The organization and my work are dynamic, which means that it is not routine work. One time I'm busy replacing a hard drive or battery, the other time I'm disassembling a laptop or sorting orders.

How do you feel being a woman and working at Ingram Micro?
I feel completely at home at Ingram Micro. I don't notice a difference just because I'm a woman. I feel heard and seen. There is an open culture within the warehouse. Everyone is very social and helpful. You are judged on your knowledge and skills and not on your gender. I also see that there is a very good balance between men and women within the warehouse. You don't only see men or only see women. If you think that an (IT) warehouse is a man's world, you will be surprised with us. Women have different qualities than men and you need both to keep a warehouse up and running. One cannot do without the other.

How important is International Women's Day for you and why?
For me personally, International Women's Day is no different than any other day. Maybe this is because I've always had a mother who worked and was a mother at the same time. Of course, it is very important to stop and think about whether there is equality and what we can do, but that is broader than just equality between men and women.

What tip and/or suggestion would you give to another woman who is thinking of joining the IT industry?
You have to dare to take risks, just do it and don't make assumptions!

If you don't try things, you will never find out if you like something and if you are good at it or not.