Booz Allen Named to BusinessWeek's 2007 List of Best Places to Launch a Career
A reputation for meeting the expectations of young professionals makes the firm a preferred employer for the second year in a row.
For the second consecutive year, Booz Allen Hamilton has been included on BusinessWeek’s annual list of the 95 “Best Places to Launch a Career.”
One of the top professional services firms on the BusinessWeek list, Booz Allen is also a leading consulting firm with the federal government, says principal and recruiting director Liz Miller. “More than half of the firm’s new hires—about 2,000 people—were referred by staff members who already work at Booz Allen. That says a lot about how much our employees enjoy their jobs, and explains why the firm’s turnover rate remains so low when compared to the industry average.”
The list was based on surveys of three distinct groups: Career services directors at U.S. colleges; employers that the directors identify as the best for new graduates; and the college students themselves.
The firm’s reputation for being a great place to start a career is partially due to its consistency in meeting the expectations of young professionals. From supporting healthcare initiatives to preventing traffic accidents, ensuring airline safety, and much more, the firm is recognized for providing staff members with meaningful work that makes a big impact.
In addition, “Entry-level consultants have face-to-face access to both clients and senior executives from the day they join the firm,” associate and campus recruiting lead Chris Carlson says. “Each individual has the opportunity to build a career and move up as quickly as their competency allows; unlike other companies, we do not have strict guidelines that link an individual’s promotion to a timetable. In addition, our core values set us apart from other organizations.”
“Young professionals want challenge,” Miller adds. “They want to work within a team of colleagues with different experiences, expertise, and backgrounds and collaborate on how best to meet a client’s mission. They want flexibility to move from project to project; honest feedback on performance; and a spirit of service—this generation is committed to helping their communities, country, and the world. Booz Allen provides an environment that addresses all this and more.”
Another attraction for college graduates interested in pursuing further education is the firm’s tuition and professional certification reimbursement bonus of $5,000.
In its profile, BusinessWeek noted that Booz Allen offered 114 undergraduate internships in 2007. In 2006, 35% of eligible interns received full-time job offers. The firm receives about 3,000 applications annually for entry-level jobs.
According to the profile, the most important characteristics for new hires at Booz Allen are excellent communication skills and analytical skills, and an applicable college major. In 2006, most new hires majored in business, computer science, engineering, liberal arts, economics, or science.
Individuals interested in entry-level positions are encouraged to explore the firm’s career opportunities, which currently are numerous and continue to grow.
One Individual’s Rewarding Booz Allen Experience
BusinessWeek interviewed Booz Allen consultant Mimi Harrington about her experiences at the firm.
BusinessWeek: Why do you think your company is a top entry-level employer?
Mimi Harrington: Booz Allen recognizes a candidate’s potential and utilizes its resources at all levels to nurture the individual’s talents. This is evident through the firm’s extensive training classes and its encouragement for all new hires to establish a mentor within or outside their team. The firm views employees as an investment.
BusinessWeek: Describe your firm’s work culture.
Harrington: An expectation of excellence and integrity at all levels contributes to the firm’s core values, and an environment of collaboration within teams helps deliver stellar client service and deliverables. As Booz Allen employees, we set examples for one another to attain the expected level of professionalism, fairness, and respect both for each other and our clients.
BusinessWeek: Why is your job cool?
Harrington: As a member of Community Relations, I am involved in many volunteer-driven activities and outreach programs. I’m fortunate to help allocate resources to organizations that assist individuals and the community. An aspect of my job that I really enjoy is the many interesting and diverse people I have met.
BusinessWeek: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve encountered on the job?
Harrington: While not necessarily weird, it was unusual to be recruited for a fashion show for an upcoming administrative professional conference within my first week at the firm. The purpose of the show was to demonstrate work-appropriate attire for the summer. It was unexpected but fun, and it introduced me to many colleagues in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
BusinessWeek: How can an ambitious young person get noticed at your company?
Harrington: Although large, Booz Allen is structured to recognize and reward individuals. In my opinion, the environment gives a motivated, hard-working individual every opportunity to achieve his or her full potential.
story posted October 11, 2007
