Five questions with an associate consultant on their first year at Bain
Five questions with an associate consultant on their first year at Bain
Dima Hijazi, an associate consultant in Bain & Company’s Doha office, reflects on her transformative first year at Bain. In this Q&A, discover how she navigated the challenges, opportunities, and exciting projects that shaped her early career.
1. What were your expectations before starting at Bain, and how did they compare to the reality of your first year?
I anticipated a fast-paced environment working on exciting projects for regional clients, but my experience has far exceeded those expectations. I’ve built genuine friendships with my colleagues, received significant ownership over my work from the very beginning, and had the opportunity to travel to different destinations on weekends.
2. What types of projects have you worked on, and can you share any insights from those experiences?
I've primarily worked on two internal projects for major energy clients in the region, focused on transforming their organizational and governance structures. The most exciting project I’ve been part of was establishing national-level sustainability standards for Saudi Arabia, which gave me extensive exposure to working with government entities across the country.
3. How has your first year at Bain helped you grow professionally and personally?
Professionally, I had the opportunity to work on large-scale projects and develop the Bain toolkit. Personally, I’ve gained confidence in my work and built lifelong friendships with people who have become like family to me.
4. Have there been any standout moments or highlights that made you feel particularly proud to work at Bain?
One of the standout moments at Bain was serving as Class Captain for the associate consultants (ACs) and organizing the AC/SAC offsite for over 100 participants. I was proud to incorporate my class's preferences and successfully plan a highly productive and enjoyable offsite.
5. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in consulting or thinking of applying to Bain?
It can feel intimidating working with senior professionals and subject matter experts, but remember they are there to support you throughout your career. Never hesitate to ask questions, always be proactive, and most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy your AC years!
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