Stephanie Staibano

Share your journey to Bain.

I studied finance and economics at the University of Toronto, where I first became curious about consulting. I joined the Global Research and Consulting club to explore this interest and had the chance to work on various pro bono cases. Those projects showed me how consulting could create real impact, and that is what first sparked my interest.

From there, I interned in consulting and quickly realized how much I enjoyed it. The work let me dig into complex problems, sharpen my strategic thinking, and collaborate with diverse teams. That experience confirmed for me that consulting was the right path.

Joining Bain as an Associate Consultant felt like the perfect next step. I wanted to build a strong analytical and strategic foundation, and Bain offered exactly that—along with the chance to create meaningful impact on a global scale while working with people who inspire me every day.

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

For me, it really came down to the people—and I know everyone says that, but it is so true! Every interaction I had during recruiting felt welcoming and genuine. I left each conversation feeling supported, like my interviewers were truly rooting for me throughout the process.

I was also drawn to Bain’s emphasis on mentorship and professional development. That stood out to me as a candidate, and it has proven to be true since joining. During my first case, I worked with an incredible supervisor who invested time in mentoring me, and that experience made a huge difference in my growth.

On top of that, Bain’s combination of a global platform and strong local office culture made it feel like the best of both worlds. I knew I would have the opportunity to build a broad, international network, while also forming lasting relationships in my office and continuing to learn from colleagues even after our cases together wrapped up.

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

It is easy to get caught up in the number of cases you have done to prepare, especially when you start comparing yourself to your peers. My advice is to focus on the quality of your preparation rather than the quantity. Pick a case from each function, study it thoroughly, and take the time to reflect on where you could have improved. Do not be afraid to try the same case again and see if you can come up with a stronger answer the second time.

Equally important is preparing for the behavioral interview. Bain truly wants to get to know you as a person, so there is no need to be anyone other than yourself. Share your unique experiences, your authentic stories, and your genuine interest in the firm. That is what will help you stand out—and it will also take a lot of the pressure off.

Most of all, try to enjoy the process and believe in yourself! Recruiting is a learning experience in itself, and showing up with confidence and authenticity will make all the difference.