Although she manages IT outsourcing relationships, Carreon doesn't have a formal IT background. Her major in college was Spanish. In her 10 years at Wells Fargo, she worked in various in-house CIO organizations and learned about IT priorities, the project management life cycle and the planning process. But she also feels her experience with languages helps her work with global suppliers.

"I have listening skills that come with my knowing another language," said Carreon, "so I can listen carefully." She sees that attribute in others who speak more than one language and says having a capacity for languages and interest in other cultures is a career plus.

"Someone with a passion for wanting to reach out to other cultures is definitely a plus -- that would be someone I would be very excited to interview," said Carreon.