Case team leader

The case team leader (CTL) role serves as Bain's breeding ground for top-talent management. Own a significant portion of a case and assume a leadership role on the team: that's what it means to be a CTL.

CTLs make the important transition from being individual contributors to team leaders who coordinate the activities of others. Bain invests heavily in this program and encourages you to take on as much responsibility as possible. As a result, you evolve quickly as you progress through the program.

Learning to be a leader

As a Bain CTL, you are a manager in training. You learn to manage the entire analytical process, become an expert on the client's issues and industry, and recommend solutions that make a real impact. It's a great deal of responsibility.

However, as with all roles at Bain, you're never on your own as a CTL. Bain managers and partners provide active mentorship on a daily basis. Extensive formal training is also part of the package. In short, we give you the support needed to succeed in this challenging role.

CTLs are exposed to more complex client interactions. You'll play a key role in influencing senior-level thinking and moving clients to action. You not only provide answers to questions but detail the strategic implications of your decisions.

Finally, CTLs learn the countless nuances of effective leadership. How do you motivate team members? How can you best leverage the time and skills of the team? As you grow as a CTL, you'll learn the answers.

What comes next

The next step for a successful CTL is promotion to manager, which may occur in 12 to 18 months. After that, the road to partner takes about three to five years, depending on performance.

Should you decide to leave the firm, your leadership and management experience will serve you well. Upon leaving Bain, some CTLs assume higher-level positions in small and medium-sized businesses where Bain's entrepreneurial spirit is valued. Others move to leadership positions in large corporations, nonprofits and private equity firms.

And no matter where your path leads, you'll always benefit from your relationships with Bain colleagues and members of our diverse alumni network.