Share your journey to Bain.
Before Bain, I spent 10+ years as a UX/product designer for a variety of startups, mid-size companies and large enterprises across several industries from tackling homelessness at a small 6-person startup, to designing SaaS collaboration tools a Silicon Valley tech giant and envisioning the future of cloud-based video editing at a consumer electronics company. One thing I found, though, is that I would get tired of working on the same problems after a year or two and would go looking for my next challenge. When I heard about Innovation & Design at Bain, it sounded like a perfect fit. I'd be able to tackle new problems in challenging spaces while maintaining the stability of a full-time role.
How did you know that Bain was the right company for you?
During my interview process, I made it a point to ask every single person I spoke to what the best thing about Bain was. Without fail, every single one answered, "the people." For me, that was a huge testament to the culture here, and as an unofficial "culture nerd" for pretty much every team I've worked with, it spoke to me on a very deep level. Nearly three years later, I know for certain my interviewers were being truthful with their answers, too because I have the same answer!
Do you feel like you can do impactful work at Bain? What opportunities excite you?
Prior to Bain, I always thought that working for a large company would mean that I'd be relegated to small decisions without much impact like the color of a button or a single flow in a larger design ecosystem. At Bain, I've been in the room and at the table with Fortune 500 C-level executives to guide them toward the future of their companies through human-centered strategic design. In terms of business, it doesn't get much more impactful than that!
Additionally, I've been fortunate enough to work on two cases for nonprofits so far - one related to helping secure and manufacture PPE at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the other focused on bringing about systemic change for racial justice - so I've been able to participate in meaningful social impact as well.
“Build Your Own Bain” means creating a thriving career on your own terms. How have you been able to “Build Your Own Bain?”
I'm not the stereotypical consultant. I don't have an MBA. I dropped out of my 4-year degree program. I never had the career goal of working for an MBB (Plus, I have pink hair and tattoos!). In my cases at Bain, though, I've been able to establish myself as an expert in design and a leader on my teams, despite not fitting any sort of mold someone might think of from outside. In return, Bain has given me a new level of confidence in my career whether presenting to executives, working with client teams, or collaborating with one of our Partners.
Additionally, I've been able to work alongside many inspirational women leaders, many of whom are also parents. When I decided to have my son, I knew I'd be supported at Bain so that I could continue to thrive and grow in my career, and follow the lead of these amazing women to show that we can create a work environment that empowers us to have rich, multifaceted lives alongside our careers.
Share some of your favorite work (personal or professional) you’ve done while at Bain.
I've helped to reduce the risk of wildfires, keep elderly internet-goers safe from cyber-attacks, empower underprivileged communities to find and achieve their dream careers, and redefine comfort for millennial women. It's impossible to choose a favorite!
