Katrina Milliner

Share your journey to Bain.

Hi, I’m Katrina. Before joining Bain, I found myself constantly exploring different interests, unsure of which path to pursue. My curiosity would often lead me to new topics, and my focus would shift every few months. It wasn’t until my sister, who is also at Bain, introduced me to consulting that I realized I didn’t have to choose just one industry or specialization. What drew me to consulting, and to Bain specifically, was the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds while tackling complex, meaningful challenges across diverse topics.

How did you know that Bain was the right company for you?

Three things made it clear that Bain was the right company for me. Firstly, the people - every person I met was passionate, collaborative and welcoming. Simply put, they were people I wanted to work with. Secondly, was the concept of "True North". The idea that we should aim for the right answer, rather than the easiest or most convenient, really resonated with me. I really appreciated that a company would elevate that thinking to a core principle. Thirdly, was the clear commitment to professional and personal development. I entered Bain through the True North Scholarship program and was fortunate to have two mentors, who were there for support and advice, well before I even started at Bain. And since Day 1, I have had a growing list of mentors (formal and informal) who I know are sincerely invested in my success - both at Bain and in life.

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

During my time at Bain, one of the most rewarding experiences was the development of a Generative AI chatbot for a large property and casualty (P&C) insurance company. I had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional international team of app engineers and data scientists to create an entirely new solution from the ground up. We worked closely with end users throughout the process, ensuring that the chatbot not only met their needs but also genuinely improved their day-to-day lives. One of the most fulfilling aspects was helping the client build their internal GenAI capabilities. After a successful pilot with over 100 users, we handed the project over, and they've since expanded it nationally, adding new features and scaling the platform. As one of Bain's first GenAI builds in APAC, the project was a professional and personal highlight for me. It allowed me to work in an area I'm deeply passionate about and taught me an incredible amount about AI, user-centric design, and large-scale implementation.

Another highlight was recent pro bono work with a large state-based not-for-profit that provides support services and advocacy for transgender, gender-diverse and non-binary people. It was deeply impactful to see the best of Bain working together on such a meaningful project. On a personal level, it was especially significant to give back to a community that is close to my heart. The project also sparked important conversations within the office around inclusion and support for marginalized groups, raising awareness and building greater empathy. Contributing to this cause, while also seeing our team's enthusiasm and support, made the experience truly fulfilling.

Can you describe how you think your previous engineering background supports the work you do here at Bain?

My engineering background has contributed to my success at Bain in three key ways. First, both engineering and consulting are fundamentally about problem-solving. Engineering taught me to approach challenges by being hypothesis-driven and focused on finding the right answer first. The ability to make assumptions, test them, and refine solutions has been invaluable in my consulting work. Second, the quantitative and analytical skills I developed through engineering were immediately applicable. Whether it’s financial modeling, market analysis, or operational assessments, my comfort with data and ability to draw actionable insights have been critical. Additionally, my experience with tools like Excel, Python, and data visualization software gave me confidence from Day 1. Finally, engineering instilled in me a deep sense of curiosity and creativity. The discipline is built on exploring how things work and how they can be improved, and this innovative mindset has supported my work at Bain, where we constantly seek not just the easy solution, but the right solution

What’s the best part of the local Bain Sydney office culture?

Bain Sydney never feels like a big office. Yes we have a lot of people, but everyone knows your name and is always up for a chat, no matter what tenure or part of the business. The number of times I've had a lengthy discussion with one of the most senior Bainies in Australia, casually in the breakout room... its truly amazing. I'd also like to call out the front of house team, who go out of their way to create a welcoming and high energy environment. They make me excited to come into the office - whether for a Monday 9am meeting or for Friday night drinks!

How has Bain supported you in your career and helped you Be More? 

Bain has enabled me to Be More Creative. I never would have thought my workplace would let me live out my childhood dreams of being a rockstar. But as part of Bain Band, I have played in front of 500+ people, battled it out in a Battle of the Bands, and get to jam regularly with friends across the office. The fact that Bain not only allows this but actually encourages it is amazing. I have made new connections, learnt new skills (hey if no one else can play the trumpet...), and feel comfortable bringing my full self to work every day.