India, the Elephant and me

In less than two weeks I’ll be leaving on special assignment to India for the IBM Corporate Service Corps. What’s that, you say? The Corporate Service Corps (CSC) is the “jewel in the crown” of IBM’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program. It’s a four week assignment where a team of IBMers share their business skills with people in an emerging country. IBMers are partnered with the local in-country non-government organization (NGO) – kind of like the Peace Corps. 

I heard about CSC during a blue-washing event. Seriously, that’s what IBM calls its orientation for newly acquired employees. The company I was working for, Initiate Systems, was acquired over two years ago. Joining this big corporation after spending most of my career in entrepreneurial software companies was a shock.  But, I have always been open-minded, so I figured I’ll go with the flow. 

Back to that blue-washing where new employees spend the day hearing about the great things IBM has done over the past 100 years. All truly magnificent technological and cultural achievements; even so it’s hard not to be cynical in these times when we are trying  to figure out what’s worse corporations or governments.

When our lively presenter got to the part about the CSC, me bleeding heart jumped for joy.  Wow, IBM actually sends its people into developing countries to help out. Sign me up! Nabbing a CSC assignment is not that easy. There is a process. Of course, there is a process for processes at IBM. 

Each spring IBM announces to its 400,000 active employees worldwide that the CSC application process is open. Right off the bat I figured the odds were not in my favor. But that did not stop me from taking the application process seriously. I wrote and rewrote my essays many times before I felt confident enough to submit. Even then I figured “what the heck,” at least I tried. 

On May 26^th 2011, I was notified that I was accepted. I was blown away but I kept thinking I must have gotten the notice by accident, until October when I was notified that my destination was India. Finally, it began to feel real.  About two weeks ago I learned that I’ll be working on a water usage, water management project that is part of India’s vision for urbanization and a sustainable environment. I am thrilled! It is a wonderful fit with my interest in architecture and green building and will tap my personal experience working with local government and community groups. Besides, it’s India and it’s incredible! 

The next best part of this whole experience is our India17 team. Twelve IBMers from across the world who have gotten to know each other through weekly conference calls that began in November. I can’t wait to meet them in person. We are already bonded by our compassion for others, love for adventure and our commitment to purpose.   

Now about the Elephant; I am referring to that jumbo company that is sending us on this mission. This wonderful program is another cultural accomplishment for IBM.  The Elephant is dancing and so is my heart. 

Namaste,

Maria

Tagged: #ibmcsc india