Peter Francisco
, AssociateWhy did you choose to come back to Booz Allen?
When I originally joined the firm in 2004, I was treated very well. I developed strong relationships with my manager and client staff and enjoyed being given the latitude to get the job done. It was an environment very different from normal IT positions. It was a difficult decision to leave in 2006. After the company I joined was sold, however, my first thought was to come back to Booz Allen. As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve come to appreciate a firm that stands behind its core values, and I enjoy going to work at Booz Allen every day.
What type of work do you do at Booz Allen?
My current role is that of the lead recruiter for the civil lines of business supporting the Transportation and Energy teams. I provide oversight to the two lines of business and manage all recruiting efforts to ensure that the capacity plan—i.e., hiring objective—is met. I work with the client on strategic staffing plans and direct recruiting support to meet client needs, validate any new personnel openings and closings, and establish a collaborative relationship with all hiring managers. When I present potential candidates to the client staff, I try to ensure that candidates have a positive experience throughout the process.
What excites you about your work?
I have had the opportunity to meet many different individuals and learn about their particular skills and abilities. I enjoy the art of the deal as well as finding the right people who can make an impact in supporting my teams.
Do you have a mentor at Booz Allen?
I developed a solid relationship with a principal at Booz Allen when I supported his hiring needs during my first period of employment at the firm. We maintained contact and once I returned, I felt he was the right person with whom to create a mentoring relationship. He shoots straight and gives direct answers to questions. He’s also become the “go to” person for constructive advice when I want to vent.
What differentiates Booz Allen from other companies for which you have worked—what makes Booz Allen special?
The people. There is a large collection of very smart people at Booz Allen who enjoy what they do. The staff at the firm bring a lot of diversity and industry knowledge in the civil, Department of Defense, and intelligence markets. The other companies for which I’ve worked focused primarily on IT and solving IT issues; at the firm, IT is only one part of what we do. Booz Allen also treats its staff like adults and provides us with the flexibility we need to get the job done.
How has Booz Allen helped you prepare for what’s next in your career?
My work at the firm has strengthened my ability to focus from a strategic standpoint, develop a plan of attack, and implement that plan in a focused manner. I’ve learned to look a problem-solving holistically, not selectively, and consider all factors involved.
How does the work you do help your clients prepare for what’s next? How has your work and that of your team made an impact for your clients?
The lines of business that my teams support—transportation and energy—are directly responsible for improving the infrastructure within the United States . Improving how we get to our destinations, evaluating alternative energy sources, making recommendations to the federal government—to me, that is exciting. This is one of the most important times in history for the United States to make a positive impact, and the potential value we can deliver for the nation is incredible.
Can you talk about a time when you saw one or more of our Core Values displayed?
I recently met a co-worker who switched roles internally. Not only did she provide the team she left with 45 days’ notice, she continued to support that team until an important document was delivered to the client. She pulled double duty to ensure the successful completion of that project, and she displayed integrity and teamwork.
