Jorge Perez Buitrago is on a journey. A journey that has taken him from his family home in Puerto Rico to the United States from Florida to Wisconsin.
“I got to know ABB during a job fair at my university in Puerto Rico and was offered a 3-month internship in Project Management at ABB Lake Mary,” said Jorge. So, after completing his studies he applied and was given an offer to join the U.S. ABB early talents rotational program called ABB Discovery. This program allows early-level employees to complete three 8-month rotations in different areas of ABB US.
“Within the rotational program, I had the chance to get to know different job fields,” says Jorge. “I wanted to learn more about the role of a mechanical design engineer, so I did my first assignment in the Research & Development in Milwaukee. After that, I had the opportunity to explore what it is like to be a Solutions Product Manager in the Electrification Business in Philadelphia. Now that I've graduated from the ABB Discovery program, I'm working full-time as a Technical Sales Support Specialist."
But Jorge is motivated by more than the chance to continue learning. At ABB, he can also be himself at work. As a member of the LGBTQI+ community, he is the spokesperson for the internal employee group called Encompass Pride. In this role, he manages the group’s communication strategy and works closely with the executive board and other colleagues throughout the organization.
“Our colleagues can bombard us with their questions, including the uncomfortable ones,” he explains. “We want to provide a welcoming space where we engage, are curious, and learn from each other.”
Jorge believes it is important to become active and to support others. “Since I started at ABB people have always treated me so well. And I just want everyone to feel as comfortable as I do,” says Jorge. “Even in the very short time I have been at ABB I have not only made colleagues but friends.” In fact, he and his friends have already been on a skiing trip to the Rocky Mountains. “We made the best of the days there, but the next trip will probably be a bit more tropical!”
