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Article: Arden M. Hoffman, MBA student

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Arden M. Hoffman, MBA student

Vault: Was there any lapse of time between college and business school?

A: Yes, there was a six-year lapse.  I became a writer and editor at PC World magazine.  Actually, I started out as a researcher - verifying information in magazines, etc.

Vault: What did you do next?

A: I made my way into the public interest world.  I worked for the Gill Foundation, which was created by a gay man, Tim Gill, who was also the founder and chairman of Quark.  I also worked for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, an extremely well run organization

Vault: As an MBA, does your sexual orientation influence your employment decisions?

A: My personal identity doesn't lead me to, or away from, specific jobs, but it will effect my decision to take a job at a specific company. I want and employer to support its gay employees, and if they can't do so publicly, I would rather not work there.  I want to go into the private sector after business school, but I'll still be involved in non-profits.  I can see going back to the non-profit sector later on, but as an executive director.  I think most nonprofits can benefit a lot by for-profit tools and procedures.

Vault: Tell me about Out for Business, the gay and lesbian group at Wharton Business School.

A: We're a professional and networking organization.  We remind the Wharton community about lesbian and gay issues, work with recruiters who are interested in recruiting gays and lesbians, offer resume reviews and professional support to one another, participate in gay and lesbian business conferences, and Wharton-wide activities.  We are also a reminder that gays and lesbians exist in the workplace.  Many people don't need the reminder, but others do. ~

Vault: How is Wharton on diversity issues?

A: I think Wharton is a great place for diversity.  Everyone is smart and aware enough to know that sexual orientation doesn't hinder someone else's work or life. The school itself is also very supportive of all its students.

Vault: Do you think that you have a good network of people at school?

A: As far as Out for Business at Wharton, I love it, and feel I have a great network. And, the school as a whole is a huge network. Do I wish there were more out women at Wharton? Absolutely. That stems more from a personal preference than a professional one. My whole network at home is professional out lesbians who have great careers. So when I deal with the women's group on campus, I find myself not needing that network in the way heterosexual women do. I don't need women mentors, and I am not at a place in my life where I am trying to balance life and family

Vault: Why are there so few women who are out at Wharton?

A: I honestly don't know.  To me, Wharton seems like an easy place to be out.  I think that a lot of the struggle is less environmental and more personal.

Vault: What do you look for in an employer?

A: I want a firm that supports its gay and lesbian employees openly and sends that message to the entire company through its policies - domestic partnership benefits, "sexual orientation" included in its non-discrimination policy.  A good fit is also especially important. I am reserved to try some more traditional fields, such as I-banking, although I am open to companies who have good reputations with gays and lesbians.  I hear banking is a horrible place for gay people; and when you add the [rigorous] lifestyle on top of it, it isn't worth it.  And, if I am giving my time and energy and talent to a company, I want to be treated respectfully.