How to Land a Bain Internship (2025)
Learn how to land a Bain internship with this step-by-step guide. Get tips on applications, interviews, and securing your spot in consulting!
Posted February 18, 2025
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A Bain internship is one of the most prestigious opportunities in the consulting industry. Bain & Company is renowned for its highly competitive internship programs, emphasizing the prestige associated with the firm.
The Bain internship program offers participants hands-on experience in solving business problems, direct mentorship from experienced consultants, and a pathway to securing a full-time consulting offer. Bain internships are highly selective, with less than 1-2% of applicants successfully landing a spot.
What is a Bain Internship?
A Bain internship is a 10-week experience designed to give participants broad exposure to the consulting industry. Interns are placed on case teams to work collaboratively on real client projects, gaining hands-on involvement with business strategy. Interns are placed on active consulting teams where they work directly with clients to solve business problems. In addition to client work, interns receive professional training and participate in social events that enhance their professional and personal development.
Bain internships are offered in most Bain offices worldwide, typically during the summer. As part of the program, interns can expect:
- Training: A week-long session on business strategy, financial modeling, presentation skills, and client interaction.
- Client Work: Contributions to real consulting projects, solving critical business challenges.
- Mentorship: Direct guidance and feedback from Bain consultants and senior associate consultants.
- Networking: Social and professional events to connect with other interns and Bain colleagues.
- Evaluation: Regular feedback and performance reviews, with the opportunity to secure a full-time offer upon successful completion.
Types of Bain Internships
Bain Associate Consultant Internship
- Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors and non-MBA master’s students.
- Include relevant test scores: Along with your resume and cover letter, include any relevant test scores to strengthen your application.
- Duration: 10 weeks.
- Responsibilities: Work on client projects, analyze data, and contribute to business strategy discussions. Training focuses on quantitative and presentation skills.
Bain Summer Associate Internship
- Eligibility: First-year MBA students and advanced degree candidates (e.g., graduate students, medical residents).
- Duration: 10 weeks.
- Structure: The Bain Summer Associate Internship is a competitive summer internship designed for first-year MBA students. It includes professional training and real client casework, focusing on different expectations and skill development compared to other types of internships.
- Responsibilities: Collaborate with Bain case teams and interact directly with clients. Emphasis on leadership and communication skills.
Specialized Bain Programs
Bain offers a variety of internship programs that provide enriching experiences and valuable skills, catering to different lengths and types of internships.
Bain also offers shorter programs targeted at specific groups:
- Bain BEL Program (Building Entrepreneurial Leaders): For underrepresented undergraduate students, including training and casework.
- Bain CREW: A program for women to explore consulting careers through mentorship and training.
- Bain ADvantage: A one-week internship for graduate students and medical residents.
- Bain BASE: Focused on incoming MBA students from diverse backgrounds.
- Bain Consulting Kickstart: Designed for first-year undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Bain Internship Eligibility and Deadlines
| Internship / Program | Eligibility | 2024 Deadline | 2025 Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bain Associate Consultant Intern | Third-year undergraduate or first-year non-MBA master’s student | July 7 or September 8 | July or September (expected) |
| Bain Summer Associate Intern | First-year MBA students | November 17 | November (expected) |
| Experience Bain | Incoming MBA students | May 1 | Applications open in March 2025 |
| Bain BASE | Incoming MBA students from diverse backgrounds | May 5 | Applications open in early Spring 2025 |
| Bain ADvantage | Graduate students, postdocs, and medical residents | February 28 | February 23 |
| Bain BEL | Second-year undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds | February 21 | Applications open in early 2025 |
| Bain Consulting Kickstart | First-year undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds | April 15 | Applications open in Spring 2025 |
| Bain CREW | Female second-year undergraduate students | December 3 | Applications open in Fall 2025 |
If you’re applying for any of these programs, make sure to check the exact deadlines and prepare your materials in advance. Each program has specific eligibility criteria designed to accommodate students at various academic levels and career stages.
Bain Internship Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Bain internships underscores the program’s highly competitive nature. If you attend a Bain target school, the acceptance rate for internships is approximately 2-3%. Within this group:
- Interview chances: 20-30%.
- First-round success: 30-40%.
- Final-round success: 20-30%.
If you do not attend a Bain target school, the likelihood of receiving an interview drops to less than 5-10%, depending on Bain’s hiring needs for the season. The acceptance rate for these applicants is less than 1-2%.
Expert Tips: Attending a target school can provide a significant advantage in the recruitment process. However, even without this advantage, a strong resume, networking efforts, and exceptional interview performance can improve your chances.
Bain Internship Salaries
- Bain Associate Consultant Interns: Paid approximately $9,000 per month, based on a pro-rated annual base salary of $112,000 for first-year Associate Consultants.
- Bain Summer Associates: Paid roughly $16,000 per month, based on a pro-rated annual base salary of $192,000 for first-year Consultants.
Note: These salaries reflect the high expectations and rigorous work Bain interns undertake during their 10-week internships. Compensation is one of the many ways Bain attracts top talent to its programs.
Bain Internship Application Details
Key Components of the Application
Resume/CV:
- Keep it concise (one page).
- Highlight leadership roles, measurable achievements, and relevant experiences.
- Use action verbs and include quantifiable results (e.g., “Led a team of 10 students to implement a business strategy that increased efficiency by 20%”).
Cover Letter:
- Tailor it to Bain, emphasizing your interest in the consulting firm and your fit.
- Showcase your unique background and skills.
Educational Background Information:
- Provide details about degrees, institutions, coursework relevant to consulting, and relevant test scores.
Work Experience:
- Highlight internships or roles that demonstrate problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Test Scores (if applicable):
- Include SAT, ACT, GMAT, or GRE scores if requested.
Office Preferences
Bain allows applicants to rank their office preferences. Choose locations where you’d like to work full-time and ensure you meet any language or work authorization requirements for those offices.
Bain Internship Interviews
First Round Interviews
- Two 40-minute case interviews focusing on problem-solving and communication skills.
- May include one or two behavioral questions.
Final Round Interviews
- Three to four interviews with more senior consultants.
- Case interviews may be less structured, with a focus on strategic thinking and cultural fit.
Case Interviews
What to Expect:
- Example questions: “How can a company increase profitability?” “Should we launch a new product?”
- Skills tested: Logical reasoning, quantitative analysis, communication.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice 5–20+ cases to build confidence.
- Use resources like case interview prep courses or books such as Hacking the Case Interview.
Behavioral Interviews
Common questions include:
- “Tell me about a time you led a team.”
- “Why do you want to work at Bain?”
Focus on showcasing leadership, teamwork, and your fit with Bain’s culture.
How to Get a Bain Internship
1. Develop Practical Skills
- Pursue Relevant Coursework: Enroll in classes that strengthen your quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Fields like business, economics, engineering, data analysis, and mathematics are highly regarded in consulting. Courses on financial modeling, strategy, and communication can also be helpful.
- Engage in Case Competitions: Participate in university or industry-sponsored case competitions to simulate the consulting experience. These events teach you how to solve business problems, work under tight deadlines, and present solutions—a skill set highly relevant to Bain’s work.
- Take Leadership Roles: Join and actively lead student organizations, clubs, or teams. Examples include business clubs, consulting groups, and non-profits. Leadership roles demonstrate your ability to manage teams, make decisions, and deliver results.
- Gain Work Experience: Internships in consulting, finance, or strategy-related roles provide hands-on experience and demonstrate your ability to contribute to real-world projects. If possible, work on high-impact projects or initiatives that involve problem-solving or client interaction.
- Bain's internship program teaches business strategy through hands-on experience with real case teams, providing significant exposure to the consulting industry.
Expert Tips: Bain looks for candidates with strong analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Focus on building a solid foundation through academics, extracurricular activities, and personal development.
2. Build a Strong Network
- Attend Bain-Hosted Events and Webinars: Bain regularly organizes events such as workshops, information sessions, and virtual webinars. These events are an excellent opportunity to meet Bain consultants and recruiters, learn about the firm’s culture, and make a strong impression.
- Connect with Bain Alumni and Consultants: Use platforms like LinkedIn to find Bain alumni from your school or individuals working at Bain offices where you’d like to apply. Send personalized connection requests, mentioning shared experiences, interests, or your curiosity about your role at Bain.
- Request Informational Interviews: Schedule informational interviews with Bain employees to understand their experiences and gain insights into the firm. Ask thoughtful questions about their role, career trajectory, and tips for succeeding in the recruitment process. Use these conversations to demonstrate your genuine interest in Bain and consulting.
- Leverage Your School Network: If your school is a Bain target school, engage with alumni or Bain ambassadors who visit campus. These individuals often have insights into what Bain is looking for and can provide tailored advice.
Expert Tips: Networking plays a significant role in the consulting recruitment process, and a strong referral can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.
3. Prepare for Interviews
- Master Case Interviews: Bain’s interviews rely heavily on case studies that test your problem-solving, communication, and analytical abilities. To excel:
- Practice with real case interview prompts. Resources like Case in Point or online platforms are great tools.
- Focus on breaking down problems into structured frameworks, performing quick mental math, and articulating your thought process clearly.
- Join case prep groups or work with a partner to simulate real interviews.
- Develop Answers for Behavioral Questions: Bain values leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Prepare concise yet impactful answers for common behavioral questions like:
- “Tell me about a time you led a team through a challenging situation.”
- “What motivates you to work in consulting and at Bain specifically?”Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight the value you added in each example.
- Familiarize Yourself with Bain’s Culture: Bain prioritizes values like collaboration, mentorship, and innovation. Research Bain’s culture and be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs. Highlight examples that demonstrate your adaptability and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
Note: The interview process is a critical hurdle in landing a Bain internship, and it requires deliberate practice and preparation.
4. Submit a Polished Application
Perfect Your Resume:
- Limit it to one page.
- Start each bullet point with action verbs and quantify results wherever possible. For example: “Led a team of 10 to develop a market entry strategy, resulting in a 20% revenue increase.”
- Focus on experiences that showcase leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Include a mix of quantitative and qualitative achievements.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:
- Introduce yourself, explain your interest in consulting, and articulate why you’re drawn to Bain specifically.
- Highlight how your skills, experiences, and goals align with Bain’s work and values.
- Use specific examples to back up your claims (e.g., “My internship at XYZ Company allowed me to analyze financial data, similar to the work Bain consultants do on case teams.”).
Double-Check Your Materials:
- Proofread your resume and cover letter to eliminate errors.
- Ensure consistency in formatting, tone, and style.
5. Be Strategic About Office Preferences
During the application process, Bain will ask you to rank your office preferences. Be thoughtful in your choices:
- Select offices where you have geographic or cultural ties. Offices are more likely to favor candidates with a connection to their region.
- Understand each office’s industry focus and apply to locations aligned with your interests (e.g., private equity in New York, and technology in San Francisco).
6. Seek Guidance and Support
- Career Services: Use your school’s career center for resume reviews, mock interviews, and networking opportunities.
- Coaches and Mentors: Consider working with a career coach or mentor, particularly someone with consulting experience, for tailored advice and feedback.
- Online Resources: Use platforms like case prep courses, books, and webinars to deepen your understanding of the recruitment process.
Work with Management Consulting Coaches
Landing a job in management consulting can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Management Consulting Coaches are here to help you at every step, from creating a strong application to acing your interviews. With their insider knowledge and support, you’ll be ready to stand out and succeed.
Related Articles
If you’re preparing for a Bain internship or exploring opportunities in management consulting, these articles can provide additional insights and guidance:
- How to Succeed in a Consulting Career - An Expert Coach's Guide
- How to Pass the Consulting Screening Interview (2025)
- How to Write a Winning Consulting Cover Letter
- How to Get into Consulting — 5 Steps and Expert Tips
- How to Get Into Consulting in 2025
- What is Management Consulting?
- The Ultimate Timeline for Full-Time Consulting Recruiting
- Management Consulting Salary Breakdown [2025]
FAQs
Is it hard to get an internship at Bain?
- Yes, landing a Bain internship is highly competitive. Bain’s acceptance rate for internships is less than 2-3% for applicants from target schools and less than 1-2% for those from non-target schools. The process requires a strong application, excellent networking, and outstanding performance in case and behavioral interviews. However, with the right preparation and strategy, it’s possible to secure a spot.
Does Bain pay interns?
- Yes, Bain provides competitive compensation for its interns. Interns are paid pro-rated salaries that align closely with full-time consulting positions. This pay reflects the high expectations and rigorous work interns undertake during the program.
How much do Bain Capital interns get paid?
- Although Bain Capital internships are separate from Bain & Company, they also offer highly competitive compensation. For Bain & Company internships, Associate Consultant Interns are paid approximately $9,000 per month, while Summer Associate Interns receive around $16,000 per month. If you’re interested in Bain Capital specifically, salaries may vary depending on location and program type but are still among the top-paying internships in the industry.
What is the acceptance rate for Bain interns?
- The overall acceptance rate for Bain internships is exceptionally low, with less than 2-3% of applicants from target schools securing a spot, and less than 1-2% of applicants from non-target schools being accepted. Attending a Bain target school significantly increases your chances of receiving an interview and advancing through the recruitment process. However, networking, strong application materials, and exceptional interview performance can help improve your odds, even if you don’t attend a target school.
