Saying good-bye

Moving on is never easy, but Bainies have a happy tradition that accompanies their transition into post-Bain careers. It's to encapsulate in a few memorable words not only what's next for them, but the essence of what they've learned during their time at Bain. Sent as a broadcast email to colleagues, mentors and an entire office, these goodbye messages are both poignant and upbeat. Some are witty, many are moving. Yet they share a common essence displayed in this recent example: "I most value having worked with people who display such a rare mix of intelligence, passion and [the] ability to smile on the job."

For soon-to-be-former Bainies, summing up the training, the experience and the lasting friendships made at Bain isn't easy. And while there's also absolutely nothing to be gained from composing these messages, most departing Bainies simply want to express gratitude to a culture whose essence is, "A Bainie will never let another Bainie fail." But whether their efforts are expansive or terse, no one does a bad job of it.