It is great that Bain talks the diversity talk, but what I really appreciate are such examples of how Bain actually walks the diversity walk.

• Why Bain?

  Word of mouth brought me to Bain. Having worked in technology consulting prior to business school, I was familiar with the consulting lifestyle.  So in moving to strategy consulting, I understood how important firm culture was. In investigating possibilities, I talked to classmates who had been Bainies.  What I quickly noticed that these Bainies had many admirable qualities: leadership skills, analytical chops, willingness to help others, and (a real plus) the ability to party with the best of them and still make it to class on time with assignments done.  Though I had many good reasons to choose Bain, it came down to three: I get to work with amazingly smart and fun people, I am supported in my career goals, and I'm immersed in a work style that's very collaborative, both internally and with clients. 

• My passion

  I'm passionate about minority development and increasing diversity in all its aspects.  Bain allows me to exercise this passion through involvement in Bain diversity recruiting.  I also pursue this passion outside Bain through my work on the Leadership Council of Posse Atlanta. The latter is something I'd have little time for if Bain did not respect and value personal commitments and interests.  I also enjoy nature photography and like to travel on every opportunity I can.

• My favorite case

  My current case is a pricing strategy for an electronics manufacturing company.  Though seemingly not the most glamorous of industries, it has proved to be very interesting, as they provide services to a wide range of customers and industries.  I was very proud that we identified more than 40 basis points of margin improvement potential in the first phase of the project; however I was especially geeked about being given a tour of one of their manufacturing facilities. I am still a computer engineering nerd at heart!

  Stimulating work and positive results for the client are what make the job interesting. But the people you work with day to day are what make it sustainable.  I've enjoyed working with, learning from, and especially having fun with my team.  Recently, an AC on our team has taken team activities one step further than dinner and drinks: He has taken over the hotel gym on Wednesday nights for group "P90x plyometrics" workouts.  If the guitar jumps and frog squats don't burn enough calories, the laughing at how ridiculous we all look certainly makes up the balance!
  

• My personal results story

  Having come from a technical implementation background; I was concerned that my experience would add little value in a strategy case.  However, because Bain focuses on developing actionable client solutions, I learned on my first case that my experience could provide a meaningful contribution. As our team worked alongside the client to guide them through our recommended solutions, I provided key insights into the implementation plan.

• My perspective on diversity at Bain

  Recently, I approached my manager for time off from client work to attend a diversity event.  His response: "It would take an emergency at the client for me to even consider asking you not to go, and even then I would have the team cover for you".  It is great that Bain talks the diversity talk, but what I really appreciate are such examples of how Bain actually walks the diversity walk.

• A final thought

  Choosing the next step in one's career path is important, and at times stressful.  But I encourage anyone facing this decision to take the time to really understand what's important to you, both from a career development and personal perspective.  Then, take an honest look at each of your options.  There are many great companies that would be lucky to have you, but the goal should be to wind up at a place where the feeling is mutual.