Posts tagged gay

The economy tumbled, businesses shut down, and people are out of work.  This is a time when companies cut their non-critical functions and get back to basics.  A time when only the important expenses are kept.  This is the time to see what a company truly values.

Unexpectedly, the amount of LGBT specific programs for business students has been astonishing this year.  I’ve have three opportunities in just the past six months to attend LGBT recruiting and networking events in New York, all expenses paid.  I’ve been amazed how committed giant companies can be to gay issues.  I’m talking about major names in business: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, McKinsey, etc.

First, in October I attended the Out for Undergraduate Business Conference in New York City.  It was the first time I heard of an LGBT business conference and I was astonished by getting sponsored by McKinsey, meaning they paid for flights, hotels, taxis, etc.  Not only did I learn about investment banking and consulting, I learned what it meant to be a part of the gay community.  I had never felt like I was apart of such a caring and accepting community.  Hundreds of students from around the country attended along with plenty of professionals.  Their were numerous companies that put up large sums of capital to support the event, LGBT diversity wasn’t just some line they put on their website.  It’s something they actively support.

Later I attended the Goldman Sachs Pride Summit and an event with the Morgan Stanley Pride Network (the people at Morgan Stanley are so nice!).  I never thought being gay could open up so many opportunities, especially in fields thought of as conservative.  My perception of banking and consulting has completely changed.  More importantly, I feel confident in my ability to succeed in business while still being openly gay.  There exists a large and supportive community of LGBT professionals which I can’t wait to be a part of.  Being gay is awesome!