First Forward

The First Forward program invites second-year undergraduate students to join a 1.5-day in-person summit focusing on strategy consulting. This interactive program offers learning and networking opportunities.

About the Role

This program aims to provide an insider's look at strategy consulting and offers a supportive environment for students interested in exploring a consulting career.

Responsibilities

• Engage in immersive sessions and case discussions
• Participate in professional development workshops
• Connect with Bain mentors and professionals from similar backgrounds
• Explore what a consulting career might look like
• Build your resume and personal brand
• Network with other students and professionals

Requirements

• Be a sophomore (second-year) student attending a school in the U.S. or Canada
• Have an anticipated graduation date between December 2027 and Summer 2028
• Identify as the first in your family to attend college or relate to growing up in a lower socio-economic household

Qualifications

• No prior business experience required
• An openness to learn and grow
• An interest in discovering what’s possible with support and community

Benefits

• Deepen your knowledge of consulting
• Strengthen your resume and personal brand
• Learn practical skills for future recruiting and leadership opportunities
• Gain clarity on career pathways and the value of your unique perspective

Skills

• Openness to learning
• Willingness to grow
• Interest in consulting

Benefits

• Networking opportunities
• Professional development workshops
• Candid conversations with Bain professionals

Pay

Not specified

Schedule

May 28th & 29th

Location

• Boston
• Chicago
• Denver
• New York
• San Francisco
• Washington DC

How to Apply

Applications for the First Forward program are now closed. Please check back for details about the next application cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is eligible?: Second-year students attending a school in the U.S. or Canada with an anticipated graduation date between December 2027 and Summer 2028 and who identify as the first in their families to attend college or relate to growing up in a lower socio-economic household.
• When and where will it take place?: The in-person program will take place on May 28th & 29th in various U.S. Bain offices.
• What is the interview process?: There will be no formal interviews. Applicants will answer questions via video through the HireVue platform following the application deadline.
• Can I participate if I've been accepted into the BEL and/or CREW program?: No, but we encourage participation in First Forward if you haven't been accepted into these programs.
• If I'm not selected, can I still apply to Bain in the future?: Yes, and we encourage it. If not selected, apply for an Associate Consultant Internship (ACI) opportunity in the summer prior to your third (junior) year.