I saw the BLM post on Capco's social media and have been really torn on whether I should speak up. But decided I should because they don't adhere to the values they claim.
1. I was about a month new to Capco before presented with my first project opportunity. A pre-requirement was that I had to design a deck showcasing my skills. I did that, was under the impression from multiple people that I was going to be staffed there. However, out of nowhere, a new employee with connections to the firm was staffed there on her first day. She never worked in a bank a day in her life. She completely bombed on the project.
2. My actual first project was a total nightmare where I was in a situation where the associate was constantly receiving good feedback and placed in a position above me. I escalated multiple times to no avail and ended up being removed from the project.
3. Upon my arrival to Capco I was informed that it had been at least 2 years since the last black person was hired
4. During my tenure there were no black women partners and an amazing employee who had consistently been passed up for promotions to the point where even the white consultants were taking notice
5. Racism was so rampant to the point where you could be staffed for months and a new joiner would arrive and be staffed their first week. I'd point to the Cincinnati project as an example where no matter what, the two Asian Indian 'managers' of the project would only staff other Asian consultants. Literally there weren't any other ethnicities on the project
6. My last experience with Capco was one where I was not being listened to no matter how much I advocated for the client. This resulted in a final meeting in front of various executive stakeholders where when we presented what we did, the buyer explicitly stated that what we did isn't what he wanted. It was embarrassing for the firm and I'm not sure anything happened as a consequence. While trying to escalate I was actually told that doing so would impact my reputation and cause me to lose out on future project opportunities.
7. When I arrived the other black consultants informed me that they used to be involved in the interviewing and hiring process but when they would give black candidates favorable feedback that was frowned upon and their feedback was ignored.
8. I was pre-staffed on a project where the manager left the firm. All of a sudden I was told my role was no longer needed, when really I was replaced with someone else. Apparently, the 'manager' I'd done a deck for wasn't impressed with the first iteration and gave me absolutely no feedback. Rather than provide any feedback, I guess I was completely written off and deserved to not be staffed on a project that I helped win.
If you are black, you will not get very far at Capco. If you're desperate and want to get your foot in the door, use them like they will use you and get out immediately.
