The Bain CREW program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for undergraduate women to get an early start in learning about consulting, which is a field where women have been historically underrepresented.
With mentorship, networking opportunities, and skill-building workshops, the Bain CREW program offers an insider’s perspective on Bain & Company while equipping participants with the tools to thrive in a competitive consulting landscape.
Are you an ambitious undergraduate woman dreaming of a career in consulting? Don’t miss this chance to apply. You could even secure an internship interview as part of the Bain CREW program.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- An overview of the Bain CREW program
- Who is eligible for the Bain CREW program, and key selection criteria
- A step-by-step guide to submitting a Bain CREW application
- 3 tips on applying + a bonus tip on what to do if you don’t get in
Let’s get started!
What is the Bain CREW Program?
Bain & Company: Why It’s Prestigious
Bain & Company is a leading global management consulting firm known for its results-driven approach and deep industry expertise. The firm advises a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and non-profit organizations, on critical strategic challenges across industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer products. Bain works on big-picture problems, including growth strategy, operational efficiency, mergers and acquisitions due diligence, and digital transformation.
Recognized for its high-impact consulting and collaborative culture, Bain consistently ranks among the top employers in the industry. It is #3 on Vault’s “Most Prestigious Consulting Firms” list, ranked among the top 5 across multiple practice areas, and #1 on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work.” Alongside McKinsey and BCG, Bain is part of the “MBB,” the world’s top 3 prestigious management consulting firms.
What is the Bain CREW Program?
The Bain CREW program is a 1.5-day, in-person workshop designed to give undergraduate sophomore women a glimpse into Bain & Company and the world of consulting.
The Bain CREW program involves a combination of interactive workshops and discussion panels. It provides a valuable learning opportunity where participants develop foundational business and consulting skills while exploring what a career at Bain could look like. Most importantly, participants get to network with consultants and female leaders at Bain, gaining firsthand knowledge of the career paths, culture, opportunities, and skills needed for success at the firm. Participants can start building a network of mentors.
Participants also have the opportunity to interview for the associate consultant internship at the end of the program.
Am I Eligible for the Bain CREW Program?
The Bain CREW Program targets a specific demographic: undergraduate sophomore women who show potential and interest in the consulting profession. Here’s who is eligible:
- Academic Background: Open to sophomore-year undergraduate women from diverse academic disciplines. A strong academic record strengthens your candidacy.
- Geographic Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in a 4-year degree program in the United States or Canada.
- Interest in Consulting: The program wants applicants who are curious about consulting as a career path. While prior experience in consulting isn’t required, you should be able to clearly articulate your interest in the field and how you envision your future in it.
Not sure if consulting is the career path for you? Our article on consulting pros & cons will help you decide.
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Bain CREW Program Key Application Steps
To apply for the program, you’ll need to submit your resume, cover letter, educational information, unofficial transcript, relevant test scores (if applicable), and office preferences through an online application on the Bain Career Portal.
Your resume and cover letter play a crucial role in shaping how your application is assessed, providing Bain recruiters with a clear understanding of your background and interest in the Bain CREW Program. To strengthen your application, keep the following in mind:
- Resume: Highlight experiences that resonate with consulting recruiters, such as leadership (e.g., leading a college/school club), teamwork (e.g., a team project), relevant coursework (e.g., data analysis), extracurricular activities, and internship experience.
- Cover Letter: Tailor your cover letter to articulate your interest in the company, the Bain CREW Program, and consulting as a career path. Clearly explain how the program aligns with your aspirations and what you hope to gain from the experience.
The Bain CREW program application does not include a formal interview. After submitting your application, you’ll be asked to record and submit video responses to 3 questions through HireVue. Bain uses these responses to assess candidates. Prepare for common consulting behavioral questions such as “Tell us about yourself,” “Why are you interested in consulting?” and “Why Bain?” You could also be asked to walk the viewer through your resume, highlighting your leadership and teamwork experiences.
The Bain CREW program is usually held in late February across several offices in North America. The applications typically open during the fall of the year before the internship and close in December.
3 Tips on Your Bain CREW Program Application + 1 Bonus Tip!
1. Why Bain?
Clearly articulate why you are choosing Bain & Company. Familiarize yourself with Bain’s values, and explain how they resonate with you. Bain prides itself on its results-driven approach and collaborative culture. In your resume and cover letter, highlight experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, teamwork, and how your experiences and values align with Bain’s values. For instance, if you’ve led a student organization or solved a challenging problem during an internship, be sure to include these examples.
Check out our in-depth article: Why Bain? What Bain’s Culture Is Like & Why Work There.
2. Express Genuine Interest In Consulting
Use your application to explain your interest in consulting and how the Bain CREW program aligns with your goals. By showing a genuine commitment to learning and growth, applicants can make a compelling case for why they are a strong fit for the program.
3. Leverage Your Network
Use LinkedIn to connect with CREW alumni, Bain consultants, or campus recruiters to gain insights into the program and application process. This can help you craft a more tailored application and effectively demonstrate your interest in the program.
Bonus Tip: What If You Don’t Get Into the Bain CREW Program?
The Bain CREW program is highly selective. Not getting into the program is not the end of the road towards your consulting journey, so don’t get discouraged! Here are some tips to keep building your profile:
- Build Your Skills: Focus on developing skills relevant to consulting, such as data analysis, communication, and problem-solving. Take relevant coursework, participate in case competitions, or join consulting clubs on campus. These will strengthen your resume and deepen your understanding of consulting.
- Network and Stay Connected: Continue to network with Bain consultants and recruiters. Attend their events and stay in touch. Demonstrating continued interest can be beneficial in future application cycles.
- Explore Other Bain Programs: Bain offers a range of programs and internships for students. Keep an eye out for other opportunities such as the Bain BEL Program and the Associate Consultant internship.
- Refine Your Application: Seek feedback from peers and mentors on your application materials and identify areas for improvement. Use this experience to strengthen your application for future opportunities.
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In this article, we’ve covered:
- Introduction to the Bain CREW program
- Eligibility requirements and key criteria
- A detailed guide to the Bain CREW program application
- 3 tips for a successful application, plus a bonus tip for handling rejection from the Bain CREW program
Still have questions?
If you have more questions about the Bain CREW program, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.
Other people prepping for the Bain CREW program found the following pages helpful:
Help with Your Consulting Application
Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for advice on the Bain CREW program. My Consulting Offer has helped 89.6% of the people we’ve worked with to get a job in management consulting. We want you to be successful in your consulting interviews too. For example, here is how Arjun got his offer from Bain.
Get access to
Exclusive Free Training
on passing consulting
case interview.
Get access to
Exclusive Free Training on passing consulting case interview.
Exclusive Free Training on passing consulting case interview.