Five recruiting tips from a consultant at Bain
Five recruiting tips from a consultant at Bain
A consultant in our Chicago office shares five practical tips for navigating the recruiting process
Meet Benedict Ashiedu, a consultant in our Chicago office who began his career as an engineer before moving into consulting. Reflecting on his own journey, he shares five tips to help candidates navigate the recruiting process and find the path that feels right for them.
From engineer to consultant: Benedict’s journey to Bain
I studied Electrical Engineering at Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Nigeria and started my career as a telecommunications engineer in Nigeria and Ghana. After a few years, I realized I was often solving tactical problems that sat downstream of bigger strategic questions, and I wanted to be the person helping shape those upstream decisions.
In 2020, I quit my job and returned home to pivot into consulting. I joined the Deals Advisory team at a Big 4 firm, where I was thrown into the deep end fast and loved it. But I knew that to really thrive in this space, I needed formal business training. I applied to business school and was fortunate to be accepted at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.
Initially, I didn’t know much about Bain. But as I started researching firms, talking to people, and listening to Beyond the Bio, I realized Bain was exactly what I was looking for. A pivotal moment came during a 30-minute coffee chat with Gracie Goldberg, who was the Fuqua recruiting lead at the time. That conversation turned unexpectedly deep, and we both ended it with tears in our eyes. In 2023, I interviewed with Bain. When I got the offer call, it was one of the most meaningful moments of my life.
Five pieces of advice for future recruits
1. Do your research. Then go deeper.
This might sound obvious, but it cannot be overstated. Knowing what you're looking for and understanding how different firms stack up is the foundation of a good recruiting process. I started with a short list, thinking I was headed elsewhere. But the more I learned about Bain, the more time I spent digging in.
I attended events, scheduled chats, and read about the work. That organic curiosity helped me invest time where it mattered most. Research isn’t just about preparing for interviews. It helps you mentally prepare for what it would feel like to work at that firm. You don’t want to be in a position where you are learning key things about the firm after you join, depending on what those things are, they could really change the rest of your experience.
2. Talk to real people and listen beyond the surface.
Bain makes it easy to connect through recruiting events, and I took full advantage of those opportunities. Early in the process, there were info sessions where we learned about the firm, followed by coffee chats that we could sign up for through the website. I used those conversations to really understand what life at Bain felt like.
What stood out to me wasn’t just what people said, but how they made me feel. Time and again, Bainies reminded me of the friends I grew up with: smart, down-to-earth, and genuinely warm. Some of my best recruiting conversations came when I treated them as more than just a box to check. Instead, I focused on shared experiences, honest questions, and even moments of uncertainty. That’s what made my chat with Gracie so meaningful.
If you’re going through the process, be on the lookout for these chances to connect. When you approach conversations with genuine curiosity instead of pressure to perform, people notice and they respond in kind.
3. Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for intentional.
Perfection is overrated. What matters is being clear on your values, your growth, and your “why.” Recruiting is a chance to explore. Not just to convince firms you're good enough, but to find the place that feels right for you.
The entire recruiting process was one where I felt at ease to be myself and didn’t feel like I should try to be someone else, this allowed my intentionality to naturally show. If you focus on your story, your learning, and your fit, you’ll land where you belong. Fingers crossed its Bain, but either way, intentionality wins.
4. Trust your gut, not just the data.
Sometimes we over-index on prestige, exit opportunities, or rankings. Those matter, but so does how a place makes you feel. For me, Bain’s culture wasn’t just something people talked about. It was something I felt in every interaction. That feeling stuck with me and helped me make my decision.
5. When you have the job, lean into the experience.
Congratulations, you got the job! Now comes the opportunity to build your career here. Do not overthink it. This is a marathon, not a sprint, so give yourself the space to learn and grow.
Explore industries and capabilities that spark your curiosity, raise your hand for growth opportunities, and say yes to new experiences. I have had a lot of fun with my start class. Whether it was meeting up to play pickleball or even jumping out of a plane together, we are always finding new excuses to spend time together
Remember, you have multiple layers of support at Bain to help you shape the career you want. Trust the process, lean into the journey, and enjoy it along the way.
