First Forward
Work area(s)
Team
Employment type
Program
Location(s)
Atlanta | Austin | Boston | Chicago | Dallas | Denver | Houston | Los Angeles | Minneapolis | New York + 4 offices
Atlanta | Austin | Boston | Chicago | Dallas | Denver | Houston | Los Angeles | Minneapolis | New York | San Francisco | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Washington, DC Show less
Description & Requirements
This program is for second-year undergraduate students who want to build connections around the experience of being the first in their family to go to college or who identify with growing up in a lower socio-economic household. This interactive program offers an opportunity to learn about strategy consulting, build leadership skills, and connect with Bain mentors who’ve walked a similar path.
Explore consulting with people who understand your path
First Forward is a 1.5-day, in-person program held January 28–29th across Bain's U.S. offices, designed to help undergraduate students explore a career in management consulting. Through interactive sessions, case discussions, and professional development workshops, you'll build business and leadership skills while connecting with members of our First at Bain affinity group.
This program is for students who are curious, driven, and excited to explore a new path. You’ll get a chance to explore what a consulting career could look like for you, strengthen your résumé, personal brand, and connect with Bain professionals who share a similar background and journey.
You don’t need any prior business experience; just an openness to learn, a willingness to grow, and an interest in discovering what’s possible with the right support and community behind you.
Learn about strategy consulting through interactive sessions and candid conversations with Bain professionals — walking away with real insight into what it means to work on teams solving big business challenges.
Build relationships with members of Bain’s First-Generation Low-Income affinity group through networking, small-group workshops, and social events.
Spend time in one of our offices to see our culture in action.
Leave with a clearer understanding of how to navigate career pathways and how your unique perspective adds value in the consulting world.
First Forward application requirements
This program is for second-year (sophomore) students who will be completing a four-year undergraduate degree in the United States or Canada by winter 2028 or spring 2029, and are the first in their families to attend college or identify with growing up in a lower socio-economic household.
The 2027 First Forward application will open in mid-October and close on November 30th, 2026 at 11:59PM PT. When applying, you’ll be asked to select up to three office preferences, as well as submit your:
- Resume
- Cover letter (optional)
- Educational information
- Unofficial transcript
- Test scores (if applicable)
After the application deadline, you'll be asked to submit responses to video prompts via HireVue, a video recording tool.
Take a closer look
To learn more about this opportunity at Bain, we invite you to join one of our upcoming marketing events. Watch this space for updates, as new events will be posted here as they are scheduled.
Frequently asked questions
-
Who is eligible to apply to First Forward?
This program is open to all second-year (sophomore) students who will be completing a four-year undergraduate degree in the United States or Canada by winter 2028 or spring 2029 and want to build connections around the experience of being the first in their family to go to college or who identify with growing up in a lower socio-economic household.
Non-U.S. and Canadian citizens are eligible to apply for the First Forward program if they are attending a university in the United States or Canada at the time of the program.
-
How do I apply to First Forward?
Bain uses a single, universal application for all three North America undergraduate exploratory programs (BEL, CREW & First Forward). Within the application, you'll be able to indicate which program(s) best align with your interests. You're welcome to express interest in one or all three programs — however, if selected, you will only participate in one.
- Am I able to participate in multiple North America undergraduate exploratory programs (BEL, CREW and First Forward)?
-
When and where will First Forward take place?
The First Forward program will be hosted across U.S. offices on January 28–29th. Participants will be placed in one of their top office preferences, and additional details will be shared with selected candidates closer to the program date.
Note: Participants who are selected for the program with a first office preference of Los Angeles, Denver, or Seattle will be hosted in the Denver office for the First Forward program.
-
Is there an interview process for the First Forward program?
There will be no formal interviews for First Forward. All applicants will be asked to answer several questions in a video format through the HireVue platform following the application deadline.
-
Will Bain cover travel expenses for First Forward participants?
Yes, Bain will provide travel support for candidates traveling within the U.S. and Canada to attend the program. Please note that international travel is not covered, so you must be based in the U.S. or Canada on January 28 – 29th to be eligible.
-
Do I need to identify as both first-generation and limited/low income to engage with this program?
No. We recognize that not every student who identifies as a first-generation college student is of limited income. Likewise, not every student who identifies with the experience of growing up in a lower socioeconomic household will be the first in their family to obtain an undergraduate degree.
-
How does Bain define first generation and low-income?
First Generation: will be first in your family to obtain a four-year degree
Low-income: identify with the experience of growing up in a lower socioeconomic household -
How can I learn more about the First at Bain community?
Visit our First at Bain page to learn more about this community and about Bain’s commitment to our Diverse Teams, One Bain operating principle.
-
If I am not selected for First Forward, can I still apply to Bain in the future?
Absolutely, and we encourage it. First Forward is highly selective and if you aren’t selected, please stay in touch and apply for the Associate Consultant Internship (ACI) position. You can find a full list of our virtual and on-campus events on your school page or our Recruiting Events page.
