LGBT Initiative

Why should a gay person consider applying to BCG?
First, I think this is not a question of being gay or not. One should apply to BCG because of a desire to work in a demanding, challenging, but also highly rewarding and interesting service profession. Beyond that, I believe that BCG is a perfect place for gays and lesbians to work. Although sexual orientation is regarded as a nonissue in terms of career decisions and the like (and not only in policies!), BCG offers a warm and open working atmosphere in which respect for the individual is deeply rooted in the company culture. What more could one ask for?

Why is the LGBT initiative important to BCG?
The LGBT is an important platform for internal networking and mentoring. I have been approached several times already by new (gay) recruits who needed some orientation. It's good for "newbies" to know that there are gay people around and that there is someone to talk with about being out, in the office and with clients.

Has being gay been an issue for you at BCG?
Yes, but in a very positive sense. I remember two occasions very clearly. One was in my early days with BCG. It was during a project event when I was chatting with one of our partners. He asked me whether I had a girlfriend, and I told him, "No, I have a boyfriend." I got this astonished look, and he paused for just two seconds. Then he proceeded normally, and we talked about my boyfriend as we would have if I had had a girlfriend.

The other occasion was during a feedback session with one of my consultants. He told me that he really appreciated my openness about being gay and said that it made him very comfortable in working with me. He talked about a good friend of his who is not open in the workplace and who brings women to social functions, which, he said, made this guy inauthentic in personal conversations.

Has being gay been an issue for you at BCG?
Being gay and "out" at BCG has been a very positive and impactful experience for me. Prior to business school, I worked in a manufacturing environment and then in sales for an industrial textile company. The atmosphere was very different and not very accepting compared to what BCG has shown me a work environment can be.

BCG's basic model is built on leveraging the creativity, experiences and ideas from a wide range of individuals. This is in the basic fiber of the firm—part of our DNA. Because of this, everyone at BCG is very open to learning from one another. In the process of reaching insights and having significant impact for our clients, there are no boundaries based on tenure, age, nationality, gender or sexual orientation.

If anything, I believe that being gay at BCG has been beneficial to my career. I am more conscious of the needs from the diverse group of individuals with whom I work. I believe that my openness to others in being gay allows me to be present 100 percent as myself which in turn allows those with whom I'm working to feel free to be 100 percent of themselves—removing these barriers enables us to reach richer solutions in a more relaxed environment.

Why should a gay person consider applying to BCG?
BCG embraces diversity in many different forms. The impact that we have with our clients is based on a tapestry of different experiences, ideas and viewpoints. Because of this, the culture is very open and accepting.

BCG is also a meritocracy, where one is rewarded for his/her contributions. I have also found this to be the same in working with our clients—that they are interesting in having curious, creative individuals working with them to solve their key business problems. Additionally, the LGBT Network within BCG provides a formal and an informal connection to other LGBT members around the globe. Through the network, we are able to provide additional mentors beyond those in your local office, work together on recruiting, attend events with other professional LGBT colleagues and discuss key issues regarding the LGBT community during our annual retreat.

What support have you received as a member of the LGBT Network?
As I chart my personal course through BCG, I know that my career development is being strongly supported by both the formal mentor network in my office, and also through the formal and informal mentoring provided by the LGBT network. Through the LGBT network, I’ve established relationships with a number of senior leaders in the firm who have demonstrated a clear interest in ensuring that I am growing as a consulting professional, finding intellectual challenges, and having a positive experience at BCG.