“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
Incoming AC to a big northeast office. Don’t do the “apply to a smaller office to improve your chances” move. I did this for two years, and never got an offer, then applied to an office I really wanted to be at (even though it was more competitive) and got an offer. Apply where you really want to be.
Pick the offices you want to work in. Smaller offices have less spots open and they're pretty good at sniffing out people who try to game the system
The one where you want to live or have a connection to (school/family/friends).
If you have an idea of what industries/functions you want to work in (and are location-agnostic otherwise) check out the partners in each location on Bain's website. They are who you'd be working with as Bain has local office staffing
also agree with diligencing the industry mix of the offices youre looking at, in terms of the partners and their practice areas - this is where Bain is in fact very different from MB
otherwise, i've heard great things about bain sf, ny, and bos. it truly depends on what you want to do and where you want to be
Former Bainie here. To be honest the differences between offices aren't that big, and you should 100% choose based on where you want to live, but if you want the quick soundbite on each office here's what I can tell you:
New York: Probably work the hardest of any US office given NYC work culture. High-caliber talent
SF: Work less than NY because they have to compete with tech. High-caliber talent
Boston: Work hard but not quite as hard as NYC. Known as the "culture center" of Bain given it's HQ. High-caliber talent.
Chicago: Pretty similar to Boston in most ways, maybe a notch lower on perceived talent. Known internally for great culture.
LA: Similar to SF office (a bit more relaxed) except again maybe a notch lower for perceived talent.
DC: Pretty average on all dimensions.
ATL: Smaller office, but known to be tight-knit.
Texas offices: Similar to ATL with obvious case focus on O&G / Airlines. All the good and bad of Texas culture comes with it.
SEA: New, smaller office. Cool projects in tech though with fun culture.
Really helpful stuff here, much appreciated! Any insights into how long you should stay at an office for before attempting a switch? I am going to one of the major offices after I finish my MBA this fall, but in all honesty I kind of wish I was going to a different office. However, with the home office recruiting, I felt like I had to pick one office and stick with it. I did not intern at Bain, I did something different, so this is my first experience at Bain. Thx so much.
NY
You should optimize for 1) personal ties to the region and 2) industry mix preference. Offices like LA, DC, ATL, TEX are going to have a more focused industry coverage given smaller size and local economies.
Industry mix of Bain offices is more of a function of what Partners are in the office than where the office is located. I recommend looking up the Partners in each office and what industries they cover.
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