Marissa Tawer

Share your journey to Bain.

I earned my bachelor’s in civil and environmental engineering from Saint Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon. My time there was where I discovered a deep love for solving complex problems and collaborating with people with different backgrounds. I saw firsthand how powerful it can be when analytical thinking drives real-world change. That spark, combining problem-solving with impact, ultimately led me to consulting, and eventually, Bain.

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

"Build Your Own Bain” has meant shaping a career on what energizes me most: people, purpose, and problem-solving. I’ve found my place within the Financial Investors practice, working alongside teams that share my values, style, and partnership with clients whose missions truly interest me.

Thriving also means balance. I make time to pursue my passions outside of work and spend quality time with my family and friends. Bain’s mindset, like focusing on the 80/20 and staying true north, has helped me bring the same clarity and intention to my personal life as I do to my professional one.

Share some of your favorite work (personal or professional) you’ve done while at Bain.

Some of my most fulfilling work has been with sovereign clients, helping them shape their investment strategies. The level of impact is both national and global, the conversations are strategic, future-focused, and incredibly rewarding. Our work often centers around defining investment ambition - identifying where to play and how to win, ranging from asset allocation to sectoral strategies that can transform an economy.

Beyond client work, I’m proud to be part of the Women at Bain (WAB) core team. I’ve helped lead recruiting initiatives, university workshops, and mentorship programs to empower more women to envision and build thriving consulting careers. It’s been deeply fulfilling to see that impact grow.

What are your key considerations or preferences when it comes to living and working in the Middle East (e.g., location, lifestyle, work-life balance)? 

Working in Bain’s Dubai office has been an incredibly enriching experience. It’s one of the most diverse offices in the firm with over 50 nationalities represented. That diversity fuels creativity, learning, and connection. I learned so much about business, investments, and private equity, gaining deep insight into the industries and economics that shape the Middle East.

What truly sets Bain apart is the people. My colleagues are much more than coworkers; they’ve become close friends and family. We share not just projects, but Pilates sessions, brunches, and dinners that make work-life balance feel real and joyful. I’ve met mentors, teammates, and friends who have inspired and supported me every step of the way.

I highly recommend Bain as a workplace because it’s so much more than that. For me, it’s a second home. A place where I can be myself, continue to learn, and truly thrive in and outside of work.