ATTRACT: Attracting Top Talent to BGO
Our goal is to broaden talent networks and access untapped talent pools.
We offer talented professionals access to:
- clear and accessible career paths
- skill development opportunities
- mentorship and sponsorship programs
Additionally, BGO has invested in programs to foster greater representation within the Commercial Real Estate industry. BGO's Built to Lead was established to help new talent from untapped communities embark on early pathways to a meaningful career in our industry.
BGO’s Talent Accelerator Program
BGO's Built to Lead Program Across North America and the UK, BGO is forging a path for untapped talent to find their way into a rewarding career in commercial real estate. To achieve that, we examine opportunities we create through internships, scholarships and community engagement. BGO Built to Lead (BTL) initiatives work with underserved communities across Canada, the U.S. and the UK to provide enriching opportunities for career development in a setting that is invested in their success, thanks to the support of four partner organizations: SEO, Upreach, Schulich School of Business and Project Destined.
Annual Scholarships
BGO has invested in annual scholarships in partnership with Ozîja Thiha Education Trust, Onion Lake Education Trust Fund, and University of British Columbia with a focus on First Nations/Indigenous students. At Schulich School of Business, The Gary Whitelaw Strength in Diversity scholarship is a 10-year, $250,000 commitment to supporting Black, Indigenous, or female students pursuing a career in commercial real estate.
Project Destined
BGO is a longstanding sponsor of Project Destined - an immersive learning program and business case study competition. BGO is also a founding sponsor of Project Destined’s Black Student Athlete-focused programs providing training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and real estate, and the first-ever accredited Certificate Program in commercial real estate.
RETAIN: Recognizing and retaining talent
In addition to building inclusive programs and policies, such as our BGO Culture Code, Code of Business Conduct, Global Engagement surveys, and annual performance management processes, BGO has established programs to further enhance employees' sense of belonging.
Employee Resource Groups
Accessible to all employees across the globe, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are a key way BGO fosters community. BGO has four ERGs designed to champion belonging and provide supportive environments to celebrate the strength of talent at BGO. Each ERG is employee-led and equipped with an operating budget to advance programming and events that amplify important issues to its membership.
Parental Leave
In recognition of the intersection of important life changes and feelings of inclusion, BGO has implemented a parental leave and maternity leave policy offering industry-leading salary top-ups for employees on leave. BGO offers a program for mothers transitioning back to the workplace, called the Motherhood Leadership Program in partnership with Maturn. Members of the program are offered tools and support for navigating new work-life demands, shifting priorities and career objectives.
CULTIVATE: Talent Development & Advancement
Personal and professional development is an important way to advance our culture. Therefore, inclusive principals are incorporated throughout all employee and leadership training such as onboarding, culture code training, communication styles, and feedback training.
BGO’s Global Mentorship Program
BGO’s Global Mentorship Program invests in our next-gen leaders by offering an opportunity to accelerate their career development at BGO. Access to each mentee is exclusively paired with a senior leader (Managing Director or Partner) for a year and offered networking, professional skills development and on-the-job development opportunities.
BGO's Learning Platform
BGO’s learning platform, builds employee awareness, skills, and practices for effective collaboration and leadership covering topics such as ‘Psychological Safety', 'Debiasing Feedback', and 'Mindful Communications’.
