What it’s really like to do a short-term office transfer at Bain
What it’s really like to do a short-term office transfer at Bain
A senior associate consultant in Austin reflects on her short-term transfer to Zurich and the lessons she brought home
At Bain, a short-term office transfer that can give consultants the chance to spend time working in another Bain office around the world. While timing and availability depend on business needs and local office capacity, it’s a unique way to gain global exposure, build international relationships, and grow in ways that go beyond a typical case rotation.
Saanya Bhargava, a senior associate consultant in our Austin office, decided to take that leap with a transfer to Zurich. In this Q&A, she shares what drew her to Switzerland, what surprised her about working in a new region, and how the experience shaped her both personally and professionally.
Office transfers are for people who are courageous and ready to step outside their comfort zone. It’s not always easy, but the growth is absolutely worth it.
Saanya Bhargava
Senior Associate Consultant
What originally motivated you to pursue an office transfer to Zurich?
While I call Texas home, I spent a large part of my childhood as an expat in Southeast Asia because of my father’s career. I saw the value of living and working abroad through my parents and was excited about the opportunity to do so myself. Europe felt like a natural fit given my interest in sustainability-related work and curiosity about European work culture. Zurich stood out to me for its central location, close-knit office environment, and strong expat community.
What type of work or cases did you support while in the Zurich office?
In Zurich, I supported a global orthotics & prosthetics provider, partnering closely with their U.S. regional teams to help clinics reach their full potential. As the only American on the working team, I could bring a U.S. perspective into the work and help bridge regional context.
In addition to this case, I contributed to a range of client development efforts within Zurich’s advanced manufacturing & services (AMS) practice. This included building Bain intellectual property on the future of industrial automation. Through this work, I gained meaningful exposure to the priorities of leading European industrial players and a deeper understanding of how Bain supports them through transformation.
Saanya taking her office transfer to new heights—literally!
How did working in Switzerland differ from your home office experience?
A "sweet" perk of her office transfer, participating in a chocolate-making class at the Lindt factory in Switzerland.
Overall, the Bain ways of working remained similar. Team stand-ups, content sessions, the emphasis on being “at cause,” and the supportive mindset were just as present in Zurich as in Austin. The consistency speaks to how well Bain has standardized practices across regions. However, two main differences stood out:
In DACH, the concept of organizations partnering with management consultants is newer than it is in the U.S. As a result, the market can be highly competitive, with clients thoughtfully evaluating where and how they engage. Through conversations with partners in Zurich, I learned that this dynamic creates an opportunity for teams to build trust and demonstrate value early and consistently throughout an engagement.
Culturally, we tend to bring more of our personal lives into work in Texas, starting every case with a round of in-depth introductions that range from where we grew up to our favorite pizza toppings. In Zurich, those personal connections developed gradually over time through team dinners and walks to lunch.
Navigating both these elements sharpened both my team and client skills, reinforcing the importance of adapting Bain’s approach to local market nuances.
What’s one moment or takeaway that really stands out from your time in Switzerland?
On a late evening in the office when I was struggling with a deliverable, I reached out to my senior manager for guidance. Without hesitation, she invited me into her office and walked through it step by step, ensuring I not only fixed the issue but understood the logic behind it.
While she was also under a tight timeline, the time she invested in me felt like a true embodiment of never letting another Bainie fail. It’s a moment that stayed with me and one that I hope to pay forward throughout my career.
What advice would you give to someone considering an office transfer?
Office transfers are for people who are courageous, looking to take on a new challenge and step out of their comfort zone. I loved exploring the gorgeous mountain towns of Switzerland and immersing myself in European culture.
However, moving to a new country by yourself, learning how to navigate, and finding community both inside and outside of work is not easy. I experienced tremendous personal and professional growth and would highly recommend it to those looking for the same.
