Booz Allen Hamilton: An insider guide - Gymkhana

[for work].” Several insiders emphasize that atBooz Allen you have the ability to adjust thepressure and that managers are receptive torequests for help. Says one, “Now that I’m moresenior, and I’ve built up a decent reputation, I cansay, ‘I will do this tonight, but I won’t be able to getthe other stuff done,’ because I won’t stay up allnight anymore. It becomes more manageable whenyou have the courage to say, ‘This is what I canachieve tonight, and this is what I plan to achievein the next few days. I’m overwhelmed. Can youhelp me prioritize?’ The managers don’t alwaysrealize when they’re overloading you.”“ ”You’re generally atthe client site Mondaythrough Thursday,and then you’relooking at 12- to 14-hour days, maybe alittle less on Mondaybecause you’re on anearly flight. Friday,you’re looking at a10-hour day.A senior associate on the government side says, “The number-one thing I likeabout Booz Allen is the flexible work/life balance. I haven’t been at a 100 percent[work time] in the 3 years since my son was born. I’m home Wednesdays andFridays with the baby.” She notes, however, that she works in an area that allowsemployees to manage the work/life balance. Not every team can do that. “Thereare some legitimate reasons why that is not uniform across WTB, given certaincontract and classified requirements. For example, you’ve got to do classifiedwork in the office. But let me tell you, there are some teams that are not up tospeed with that [work/life balance].”The WorkplaceStill, when the hours get intense, Booz Allen provides support. “We saywork/life balance is important,” says an insider, “but there’s the reality ofconsulting. [The firm] really values employees. It will provide company cars ifyou leave after dark and dinner allowances when you work late.”39