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A Bain internship is an extraordinary opportunity to get firsthand consulting experience while also securing a full-time consulting offer. Bain internships are highly selective and competitive to get into. Less than 1-2% of applicants receive a Bain internship.
If you’re thinking about applying for a Bain internship and want to maximize your chances of getting in, then this article is for you. I’m a former Bain Manager and interviewer and in this article, I’ll explain:
If you’re looking for a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews quickly, enroll in our case interview course. These insider strategies from a former Bain interviewer have helped thousands land consulting offers while saving them hundreds of hours of prep time.
A Bain internship is a 10-week experience in which interns are placed on a real consulting team and contribute to helping solve a client’s problems. In addition, Bain internships include a week of professional training and several social events for fun and networking.
Bain internships are offered in nearly every single Bain office and typically take place during the summer.
The Bain internship program is highly selective and considered to be one of the most prestigious consulting internship programs. Since Bain is one of the top three management consulting firms, known as MBB, its internship programs are highly sought after.
Throughout the Bain internship, participants can expect to:
The vast majority of Bain interns have an overwhelmingly positive experience with the Bain internship program. It is a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience.
There are three major types of Bain internships, the Bain Associate Consultant Internship, Bain Summer Associate Internship, and shorter specialized Bain programs.
Bain Associate Consultant Internship
The Bain Associate Consultant Internship is a 10-week program for undergraduate juniors and non-MBA master’s students that consists of professional training, real client case work, and social activities.
Bain Associate Consultant Interns typically report to an Associate Consultant, Senior Associate Consultant, or Consultant.
Bain Summer Associate Internship
The Bain Summer Associate Internship is a 10-week program for first-year MBA students that consists of professional training, real client case work, and social activities.
Bain Summer Associate Interns typically report to a Consultant or Manager. The training that Summer Associate interns receive has slightly more emphasis on soft skills than hard skills compared to Associate Consultant interns.
Compared to Associate Consultant Interns, Summer Associate Interns are held to a higher bar in order to receive a full-time consulting offer.
Shorter, specialized Bain programs
In addition to the Associate Consultant Internship and Summer Associate Internship, Bain has several additional programs that are targeted towards specific groups. These programs are much shorter in length than 10-weeks, but still provide a great introduction to consulting and Bain.
Bain CREW
The Bain CREW program is an in-person, 1.5 day workshop for women in their sophomore year of undergraduate studies to hear from women leaders in consulting, get a feel for working as a consultant, and build a business toolkit.
Bain Consulting Kickstart
The Bain Consulting Kickstart program is an interactive, virtual series that provides exposure to a career in consulting for undergraduate freshmen from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic, Latin American, and Indigenous.
Bain ADvantage
The Bain ADvantage Program is a one-week internship for graduate students, post docs, and medical residents that includes business training and being staffed on an actual case team working on solving real business problems.
Bain BASE
The Bain BASE program is a one-week, in-person experience that provides incoming Black, Hispanic/Latin American, and Indigenous MBA students with a full day of consulting training before being staffed onto a real case team for a few days.
Bain BEL program
The Bain BEL program is a one-week program in which participants will receive training, work on a case team, and have the opportunity to interview for a summer internship position. It was established to provide undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds with exposure to a career in consulting.
Experience Bain
Experience Bain is a virtual summer program for incoming MBA students to learn more about management consulting at Bain, receive recruiting tips and advice for the upcoming fall recruiting season, and network with Bainies and peers in the program.
We’ve compiled the deadlines for all of Bain’s internships and programs in the table below. This table will be updated as new deadlines are announced. We’ve also listed the eligibility requirements for Bain’s internships and programs.
Internship / Program | Eligibility | 2024 Deadline | 2025 Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Bain Associate Consultant Intern |
Third-year undergraduate or first-year non-MBA masters student |
July 7 or September 8 |
To be announced |
Bain Summer Associate Intern |
First-year MBA students |
November (Expected) |
To be announced |
Experience Bain |
Incoming MBA students |
May 1 |
To be announced |
Bain BASE |
Incoming MBA students from diverse backgrounds |
May 5 |
To be announced |
Bain ADvantage |
Graduate students, post docs, and medical residents |
February 28 |
To be announced |
Bain BEL |
Second-year undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds |
February 21 |
To be announced |
Bain Consulting Kickstart |
First-year undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds |
April 15 |
To be announced |
Bain CREW |
Female second-year undergraduate students |
November (Expected) |
To be announced |
The acceptance rate for Bain’s internships is less than 2-3% if you attend a target school and less than 1-2% if you don’t attend a target school. If you attend a Bain target school, there is a 20% to 30% chance of receiving an interview, 30% to 40% chance of passing the Bain first round interview, and 20% to 30% chance of passing Bain final round interviews and receiving an offer.
If you don’t attend a Bain target school, then your chances of receiving an interview are significantly lower, less than 5% to 10% depending on Bain’s hiring needs.
Bain internship salaries are generally close to the pro-rated base salary of the equivalent full-time positions. Bain Associate Consultant Interns are paid about $9,000 per month while Bain Summer Associates are paid roughly $16,000 per month.
These are based on the base salary of a first-year Associate Consultant being around $112,000 and the base salary of a first-year Consultant being around $192,000.
Bain internship applications require a resume/CV, cover letter, educational background information, work experience information, unofficial transcripts, test scores, and office preferences
Resume/CV
Your consulting resume is the single most important component of the Bain internship application. It is the first thing that Bain recruiters and resume reviewers will take a look at to decide whether or not you will receive an interview.
Your resume/CV summarizes your entire student and professional career, including your education, internships, work experience, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, skills, languages, and interests.
No matter how much you network, you will not land a Bain internship interview unless you have a strong resume that showcases your experiences, accomplishments, and skills.
Therefore, you’ll want to spend as much time as you can crafting your resume and ensuring that it best highlights your achievements.
Cover letter
The cover letter is another critical component of the application. Although, the cover letter is not always read by Bain recruiters, it can potentially help distinguish or separate yourself from other candidates.
Especially for candidates whose resumes are on the borderline between receiving an interview and getting rejected, a well-written consulting cover letter can help candidates receive one of the last few interview spots.
The cover letter should be concise, memorable, and tailored to Bain. It needs to introduce yourself, explain your interest in Bain, and summarize why you’d be a great fit for consulting and Bain.
Educational background information
Bain’s internship application will ask you to fill in information regarding your educational background. You’ll be asked for a list of schools you’ve attended, degrees that you’ve earned or are pursuing, and your school start and graduation dates.
Although this information may already be on your resume, you’ll be asked to enter this information in separately because it helps make your application easier to screen and filter for.
Work experience information
Bain’s internship application will also ask you to fill in information regarding your work experiences. You’ll be asked for a list of companies you’ve worked at, your start and end dates, and locations of where you have worked.
Although this information may already be on your resume, you’ll be asked to enter this information in separately because it helps make your application easier to screen and filter for.
Unofficial transcripts
Bain’s internship application will ask you to upload an unofficial school transcript. This transcript will show the classes you have taken, the grades you’ve earned in them, and your overall GPA.
You do not need to submit an official transcript. Instead, you can download an unofficial copy from your school’s website and upload it to your application.
Test scores
Bain’s internship application will also ask you to report your test scores for all of the standardized tests you have taken. These include the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT to name a few.
You do not need to submit an official test score report. Instead, you just need to enter in your score and the sub-score breakdowns.
Office preferences
Lastly, Bain’s internship application will ask you to list up to three office preferences. You should select offices based on the geographical areas that you would like to live in after finishing school and starting work full-time.
In addition, Bain will ask you to give a weight to each of your top office preferences such that the sum of all weights equals 100%. For example, you could list your top three Bain office preferences as 50% San Francisco, 40% Los Angeles, and 10% Seattle.
After submitting your Bain internship application, there are typically two rounds of Bain internship interviews.
Overall, Bain internship interviews consist of case interviews, behavioral interviews, and fit interviews.
Case interview
A case interview is a 20 to 40-minute interview in which you are placed in a hypothetical business situation and asked to develop a recommendation to solve a business problem. Case interviews are a special type of interview that all management consulting firms use in their interview process.
Examples of common types of case interview questions you could get asked include:
The business problem that you will be asked to solve can be from any industry or function. Expect to see case interviews in industries ranging from retail to pharmaceuticals to financial services. However, know that no prior knowledge or experience in the industry is required to successfully solve the case interview.
Case interviews are used because they closely simulate what the consulting job will be like. In a case interview, you’ll need to use problem solving, quantitative skills, business judgment, and communication to work through the business problem, uncover insights, and make a firm recommendation.
Consulting firms, such as Bain, like to use case interviews in their recruiting process because they can assess a variety of skills and traits that are required to be a successful management consultant.
Behavioral interview / experience interview
In addition to case interviews, you should also prepare for consulting behavioral questions. These interview questions ask you to draw upon a time or experience in the past in which you demonstrated a particular quality or trait.
For example, you may be asked common behavioral interview questions such as:
These questions are sometimes called Bain experience interview questions.
Bain asks behavioral questions because how you’ve handled situations in the past is a predictor of how you will handle problems and challenges in the future.
Additionally, these questions also give Bain interviewers a glimpse into who you are as a person. Your answers will show what qualities you demonstrate and what values you hold important to you.
Lastly, these questions give the opportunity for the interviewer to go deeper into your resume. They’ll be able to dive deeper into the details behind your accomplishments and achievements to see if you actually accomplished what was on your resume.
Fit interview
Bain asks fit interview questions to assess your genuine passion for consulting and to see if you are actually interested in working at the firm.
Bain internships have an extremely limited number of spots. Therefore, Bain wants to ensure that the applicants that they accept will have a high likelihood of wanting to work at Bain full-time after graduation.
There are two common motivational questions that you should prepare for:
The first question evaluates whether you know what you are getting into. Do you actually have an idea of what consultants do and what you should expect on the job?
The reasons you provide for why you are interested in consulting will also help interviewers determine if you are interested in consulting for the right reasons. Are you motivated by the challenging, fulfilling business problems that you will solve? Or, are you motivated by the wrong reasons, such as the money or prestige.
The second question evaluates whether you’ve done your research on Bain. Do you know what makes Bain special among all the other management consulting firms? Are you interested in Bain for the right reasons?
To get a Bain internship, build up your skills and experiences, perfect your consulting resume, network to get referrals, pass your Bain first round interviews, pass your Bain final round interviews, and then accept your Bain internship offer.
1. Build up your skills and experiences
The first step in getting a Bain internship is to build up your skills and experiences. This will significantly increase your chances of landing a Bain internship interview. You should focus on your academic qualifications, leadership experience, and internships and work experiences.
Academic qualifications
Pursue degrees in fields such as business, economics, math, and engineering, which provide a strong foundation for a consulting career. Take advantage of coursework that develops your analytical and problem solving abilities
Engage in case competitions, research projects, or independent studies that allow you to apply theoretical knowledge to solving real world business problems. This helps demonstrate your ability to analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions.
Leadership experience
Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles in student organizations, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs. Leading teams, managing projects, and driving initiatives showcase your ability to influence and inspire others.
Furthermore, involvement in leadership roles highlights your ability to handle responsibility, make decisions, and deliver results, all of which are highly desirable attributes for Bain interns.
Internships and work experiences
Internships and work experiences provide valuable insights and practical skills that can improve your candidacy for a Bain internship. Look for opportunities to gain exposure to consulting through internships, co-op programs, or part-time jobs. These experiences will provide you with exposure to consulting methodologies, client interactions, and project management.
Additionally, internships provide opportunities to develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management. These are all essential for success at Bain and for consulting in general.
2. Perfect your consulting resume
Your Bain resume is the single most important component that will determine whether or not you are extended an interview for a Bain internship.
Therefore, you’ll want to dedicate at least a few days perfecting your resume while also getting feedback from peers, your school’s career center, or even consultants that you know.
Make sure to follow the tips below to perfect your consulting resume.
If you need professional help crafting the perfect resume that will land you consulting interviews, check out our resume review and editing service.
3. Network to get referrals
Consulting networking can make a significant difference in terms of increasing your chances of landing an interview for a Bain internship. Referrals carry significant weight in Bain’s recruiting process and meaningfully increases your chances of securing an interview.
Attend events hosted by your school, such as career fairs, alumni panels, and networking mixers. These events provide valuable opportunities to connect with Bain consultants and alumni who can provide insights into the firm and potentially refer you for an internship. Be proactive in introducing yourself, engaging in meaningful conversations, and expressing your interest in pursuing a career at Bain.
Utilize online platforms, such as LinkedIn, to expand your network. Connect with current Bain consultants, alumni, and recruiters on LinkedIn, and personalize your connection requests to express your genuine interest in learning more about Bain and exploring internship opportunities.
Informational interviews are an effective networking strategy for obtaining referrals for a Bain internship. Reach out to Bain consultants or alumni to request informational interviews, during which you can learn more about their experiences at Bain, gain insights into the company culture, and express your interest in pursuing an internship.
Use these conversations to ask thoughtful questions, showcase your enthusiasm and curiosity, and demonstrate your fit with Bain's values and culture. This helps build rapport and establish a connection that may lead to a referral down the line.
Lastly, leverage your existing network of friends, family, classmates, and professors to expand your reach. Let them know about your interest in consulting and ask if they have any connections at Bain or know someone who does. Be proactive in following up on leads and expressing gratitude for any referrals or introductions.
4. Pass your Bain first round interviews
Bain first round interviews primarily consist of case interviews. Bain first round interviews are used as a screener to determine whether or not you can solve case interviews effectively and whether or not you have the potential to be a great consultant.
Case interviews are difficult and require a lot of time and practice to do well in them. Unlike behavioral or fit questions, it is extremely unlikely you will nail your Bain case interviews unless you have practiced at least 5 to 20+ cases.
Below, we’ve put together a 30-minute video giving you a solid introduction to case interviews.
If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to learn case interviews quickly and save yourself hundreds of hours, make sure to check out our comprehensive case interview course. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, learn the most effective case interview strategies and become a top 1% caser.
The course also includes plenty of practice cases that you can do without a case partner. This will significantly speed up how quickly you can master case interviews.
5. Pass your Bain final round interviews
There are four important distinctions between your first round Bain interview and your final round Bain interview.
One, your interviewers will likely be more senior people at Bain. This means that the case interviews you receive may be a bit less structured and more qualitative in nature. The case interview may feel more like a discussion where you and the interviewer are discussing your opinions and ideas on a business problem.
Two, your interviewers may read the notes that your interviewers wrote during your Bain first round interview. If there was a particular area of the case interview that you struggled with, interviewers may want to test you again on it to make sure that it is not a significant weakness.
Three, there will be more of an emphasis on assessing your fit with the firm. Bain interviewers will be determining whether or not you would be a great fit with the office. Are you coachable and easy to work with? Are you collaborative? These are a few of the qualities that interviewers want to see.
Four, your interviewers will be assessing your interest in consulting and Bain. Make sure that you have genuine, compelling reasons to answer the “why consulting” and “why Bain” questions.
There are a variety of different reasons you could give for why you’re interested in consulting:
There are also a variety of different reasons you could give for why you’re interested in Bain:
If you want to learn how to answer 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours, check out our behavioral interview course.
6. Accept your Bain internship offer
After finishing your Bain final round interview, all you have left to do is to wait for your Bain internship offer. Bain typically calls candidates to tell them that they are being extended an internship offer before emailing them.
Some candidates receive a phone call with good news on the same day of their final round interview. Most candidates receive their call within a few days.
If you have not heard back from Bain after a few days, that does not necessarily mean that you did not receive a Bain offer. Sometimes, you may be on the borderline of receiving an offer and Bain would like to finish interviewing other people before deciding whether or not to give you an offer.
Be patient on waiting for Bain to get back to you. If you have not heard back in a week, you can send a follow-up email with the recruiter to ask if there are any updates.
When you finally get your call and offer letter, all that is left to do is sign to secure your internship at Bain!
See below for answers to some of the most commonly asked Bain internship questions.
Do I need prior experience in consulting to apply for a Bain internship?
No, prior experience in consulting is not required to apply for a Bain internship. Bain values diverse backgrounds and experiences. The firm looks for candidates with strong academic performance, analytical and problem solving skills, leadership experience, and effective communication abilities.
Bain provides extensive training and mentorship during the internship, so even if you have no prior consulting experience, you will be well-supported in developing the necessary skills to succeed.
What qualifications do I need to be eligible for a Bain internship?
While there are no specific qualifications that are required to be eligible for a Bain internship, ideal candidates tend to meet the following qualifications:
If I am not selected for a Bain internship, can I still apply for a Bain full-time position?
Yes, you can still apply for a full-time position at Bain even if you are not selected for an internship. Bain internships are even more competitive than full-time positions. There are many more qualified applicants than there are positions available.
Therefore, Bain encourages candidates to reapply for full-time roles. Many Bain full-time offerees were not selected for a Bain internship, but reapplied and successfully landed full-time positions the following year.
What office should I apply to for my Bain internship?
The office you should apply to for your Bain internship depends on your geographic preference, language skills, and work authorization.
Do not apply to an office because you think it will be easier to get into. It is nearly impossible to predict which offices are more difficult to get into because it is based on the number of open positions and the amount of interest.
Instead of trying to game the application system, simply apply to the office that you’d like to work at.
What are the chances of receiving a full-time offer after completing a Bain internship?
While a Bain internship does not guarantee a full-time offer, your chances of converting an internship into a full-time offer are very high. Historically, over 90% of interns receive a full-time offer.
As long as you don’t raise any red flags or demonstrate significant skill deficiencies, you should have a very high chance of securing a full-time offer after completing your Bain internship.
What kinds of projects will I be working on during my internship?
As a Bain intern, you will work on real client projects that provide valuable experience and insights into the consulting industry. You will be part of a case team working on projects that range from strategy to operational improvements.
Expect to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to help understand client issues and develop actionable recommendations. This includes market research, conducting interviews, and financial modeling. Expect to prepare presentations that summarize findings and recommendations for clients.
Do Bain interns get to choose their project?
Bain interns do not get to choose their specific projects because project assignments are based on business needs and availability at the time. However, Bain does take into consideration interns’ backgrounds, interests, and skills when making project assignments to ensure a good fit.
To give yourself the best chance of landing a Bain internship, look into the resources listed below.
You don’t have to prepare your application and prepare for interviews by yourself. Getting professional help from a former Bain interviewer can significantly increase your chances of getting an internship and kicking off your consulting career.
For help landing consulting interviews
For help passing case interviews
For help passing consulting behavioral & fit interviews