Building Entrepreneurial Leaders (BEL)
Employment type
Program
Description & Requirements
This program is for second-year undergraduate students who want to learn more about management consulting, explore what a career in consulting could look like, and connect with members of our Black at Bain and Familia at Bain affinity groups.
Experience Bain in real time
We founded the BEL program in 2009 to help undergraduate students explore a career in management consulting. BEL is a 1.5-day, in-person program held in one of our Bain offices across the U.S. and Canada. During your visit, you’ll gain exposure to life as a consultant—what the day-to-day looks like, the types of challenges our teams tackle, and how we drive results for our clients. Through interactive sessions and conversations with Bainies, you’ll learn how consultants think, solve problems, and build impactful careers.
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 2027 or spring 2028 and have an interest in connecting with our Black at Bain and Familia at Bain affinity groups.
Learn about the work we do, how consultants spend their time, and what makes the Bain experience unique.
Learn more about how they have navigated their career path and built successful careers at Bain.
Spend time in one of our offices to see our culture in action.
Connect with Bainies and fellow BEL participants through social and networking events.
How to apply for this program
The 2026 BEL application is now open and will close on February 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm PT.
Apply to BEL
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)
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.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about programs or our recruiting process, please reach out.
Frequently asked questions
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Who is eligible for the BEL program?
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 2027 or spring 2028 and have an interest in connecting with our Black at Bain and Familia at Bain affinity groups.
Non-US citizens are eligible to apply for the BEL program if they are attending a university in the United States at the time of the program.
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Is there an interview process for the BEL program?
There will be no formal interviews for BEL.
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Where and when is the in-person BEL program?
The BEL program will be hosted in late February across several North American offices. Participants will be placed in offices closest to their university. Additional details will be provided to candidates selected to participate in the program.
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Do I need to have any prior experience in consulting to participate?
Not at all! You don’t need a prior background in consulting to apply – we encourage you to apply no matter your major or background.
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If I’m not selected for BEL, can I still apply to Bain in the future?
Absolutely, and we encourage it. BEL is highly selective and if you aren’t selected, please stay in touch and apply for an Associate Consultant Internship (ACI) opportunity prior to your third (junior) year. You can find a full list of our virtual and on-campus events on your school page, or our Recruiting Events page.
