Elizabeth Mander

Share your journey to Bain.

As a Marketing and Information Systems double major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I have always been interested in how data can help solve problems. However, as I dove deeper into my coursework, I didn't see myself in a traditional marketing or IS role. As part of my on-campus job in the Marketing Department, I began talking to professors about potential career paths, which introduced me to consulting. Eager to learn more, I joined one of my university's consulting clubs, where we got to work on real-world consulting projects with small businesses in the Madison community. From there, I knew consulting was the right path for me. As I began the recruiting process, I found Bain to be approachable, innovative, and culture-driven. Throughout the process, I felt supported every step of the way, and it became clear that Bain was the right place for me to start my career.

“Build Your Own Bain” means creating a thriving career on your own terms. How have you been able to “Build Your Own Bain?”

Through my case work, Extra10s, and the office culture, I get to “Build My Own Bain” every day. With interests across industries, I’ve worked on projects ranging from tech and agriculture to healthcare and private equity. There's always something new and exciting to learn. Beyond cases, I help lead Chicago’s Green Team (our internal office sustainability group!), serve as a Wisconsin School Team Lead in recruiting, and am active in Women at Bain. Most importantly, the connections I’ve built, from mentors to peers, make me feel supported, inspired, and energized. Many have become not just colleagues, but true friends!

What advice would you give a candidate who is interested in recruiting for consulting?

People are the core of Bain. My biggest piece of advice during recruiting is to let your personality shine. Focus on what motivates you, what interests you, and what makes you unique. Case interviews can seem daunting, but remember that your interviewer is rooting for you. When you treat the interview as a collaborative problem-solving conversation, it becomes much easier to showcase not only how you think, but also who you are.