Building a career at Bain after starting over in a new country
Building a career at Bain after starting over in a new country
An executive assistant reflects on immigrating to the U.S. and finding her place at Bain
Stef Pirela is an executive assistant in our Orlando office and a proud contributor to Bain's Familia at Bain affinity group. In this Q&A, she reflects on her journey from Venezuela to the U.S. and what it means to find a place where she truly belongs.
Resilience, persistence, and empathy are my greatest strengths. Behind every face, including my own, is a story deserving to be heard and honored.
Stef Pirela
Executive Assistant
What was it like coming to the United States?
At 19, I stepped onto American soil from Venezuela with just $10 in my pocket, a heart full of courage, and a fierce hope for a better future. Leaving behind my homeland meant walking away from everything familiar—my college, my friends, and the comfort of family—but the political turmoil, danger, and food scarcity left me with no choice. Staying would have meant giving up on my dreams, something I was never willing to do.
Encouraged by my sisters, who had bravely made this journey ahead of me, I took a leap of faith into a completely unknown world. However, adjusting to life in the U.S. was isolating and painfully difficult. I needed to navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and the constant ache of homesickness. I initially hoped to complete the college degree I had left unfinished, but international tuition costs quickly proved to be out of reach. This is when I enrolled in more affordable classes, immersing myself in new languages, particularly Portuguese, driven by the dream of one day traveling to Brazil and connecting with its rich culture.
How did you find your way to Bain?
My passion for travel led me to my first job in the travel industry in the U.S. However, it lacked the teamwork and respect I deeply value. Determined to find a workplace that matched my values, I discovered Bain & Company through Glassdoor, which was ranked as a top place to work. Despite my initial fear of rejection, I applied for an administrative role. The day I learned I was selected marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Stef exploring a historic landmark in Europe.
Stef scuba diving, one of many adventures since joining Bain!
What has your experience at Bain been like?
Joining Bain transformed my life. For the first time, I experienced genuine respect, unwavering support, and empowerment. Here, I also found myself surrounded by a vibrant community of Latinos and inspiring women. I've passionately contributed to Familia at Bain affinity group, our dynamic Latino community, embracing my Venezuelan traditions and creating spaces of support, empathy, and celebration. All of this made my confidence soar. Within just eight months, I earned a promotion to Executive Assistant, proof to myself that I could thrive in a nurturing environment that truly celebrated my strengths.
This moment opened the world to me. With my new ability to travel, my very first trip took me straight to Brazil, fulfilling the deeply emotional dream I'd nurtured for so long. Today, my adventures span from Costa Rica to upcoming journeys to Argentina, each trip reaffirming the strength of my determination and resilience.
My journey taught me that resilience, persistence, and empathy are my greatest strengths. Behind every face, including my own, is a story deserving to be heard and honored.
