Undergraduate exploratory programs
Work area(s)
Team
Employment type
Program
Location(s)
Atlanta | Austin | Boston | Chicago | Dallas | Denver | Houston | Los Angeles | Minneapolis | Montreal + 6 offices
Atlanta | Austin | Boston | Chicago | Dallas | Denver | Houston | Los Angeles | Minneapolis | Montreal | New York | San Francisco | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Toronto | Washington, DC Show less
Description & Requirements
We offer a variety of exploratory programs designed to help potential candidates learn more about management consulting, get to know Bain, and build connections with our local offices and affinity groups – all while navigating their early career journeys.
Get to know Bain
BEL
BEL is a 1.5-day, in-person program held February 4–5th across Bain’s U.S. and Canada offices, offering second-year students the opportunity to explore consulting and connect with members of our Black at Bain and Familia at Bain affinity groups.
CREW
Connecting and Resourcing Empowered Women (CREW) is a 1.5-day, in-person program held February 18–19th across Bain’s U.S. and Canada offices, offering second-year students the opportunity to explore consulting and connect with members of our Women at Bain affinity group.
First Forward
First Forward is a 1.5-day, in-person program held January 28–29th across Bain’s U.S. offices, offering second-year students who are the first in their families to attend college or identify with the experience of growing up in a lower socio-economic household the opportunity to explore a career in consulting.
How to apply for the programs
Applications will open in mid-October and close on November 30th, 2026 at 11:59PM PT.
Apply now
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.
Frequently asked questions
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How do I apply to Bain’s undergraduate exploratory programs?
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.
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Am I able to participate in multiple North America undergraduate exploratory programs (BEL, CREW, and First Forward)?
While you're welcome to apply to any or all of Bain's North America undergraduate exploratory programs (BEL, CREW, and First Forward), candidates will only be selected for one program.
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When and where will the exploratory programs take place?
Our exploratory programs will take place in person across select Bain offices on the following dates:
First Forward: January 28–29th across U.S. offices
BEL: February 4–5th across U.S. and Canada offices
CREW: February 18–19th across U.S. and Canada officesParticipants will be placed in one of their preferred program offices. We encourage applicants to select their office preferences based on where they would be most interested in living and working after graduation. Selected candidates will receive additional details, including their assigned office and program logistics, closer to the program date.
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Is there an interview process for the exploratory programs?
There will be no formal interviews for the exploratory programs. All applicants will be asked to answer questions in a video format through the HireVue platform following the application deadline.
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Will Bain cover travel expenses for program participants?
Yes, Bain will provide travel support for candidates traveling within the U.S. and Canada to attend the programs. Please note that international travel is not covered, so you must be based in the U.S. or Canada to be eligible.
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If I’m not selected for an exploratory program, can I still apply to Bain in the future?
Absolutely, and we encourage it. Bain’s exploratory programs are 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.
