Building and Supporting Excellence (BASE)
Employment type
Program
Location(s)
Atlanta | Austin | Boston | Chicago | Dallas | Denver | Houston | Los Angeles | New York | San Francisco + 2 offices
Atlanta | Austin | Boston | Chicago | Dallas | Denver | Houston | Los Angeles | New York | San Francisco | Seattle | Washington, DC Show less
Description & Requirements
BASE is a pre-MBA program for incoming first-year MBA students interested in learning more about management consulting, exploring a career at Bain, and connecting with members of our Black at Bain (BAB) and/or Familia at Bain (FAM) affinity groups.
A week at Bain, up close
We founded the BASE program in 2019 to help pre-MBA students explore a career in management consulting. At the center of the program is BASE Camp, a week long, in-person experience hosted across our U.S. offices that offers participants, known as BASE Scholars, a firsthand look at life as a Bain consultant.
Designed for curious, driven leaders energized by team-based problem solving, BASE Camp allows you to step into the work, collaborate alongside Bain consultants and connect with members of our Black at Bain (BAB) and Familia at Bain (FAM) affinity groups.
While the week itself is immersive, BASE extends beyond it through mentorship and connection that continue throughout your MBA journey. The program also offers early exposure to potential paths to a career at Bain, including the Summer Associate role.
Kick off the week with structured skills training led by Bain consultants.
Spend four days contributing to a live client engagement alongside a Bain case team.
Connect with BAB and FAM members, Bain consultants and peers through social and experience-sharing events.
Conclude the week by sharing what you worked on and learning from other BASE participants.
Beyond the week: What you gain
Build practical problem-solving skills and gain a clearer understanding of what the job involves.
Develop relationships with mentors and peers that continue throughout business school and beyond.
Learn more about pursuing a Summer Associate role with one of our U.S. Bain offices.
"I built connections with mentors who supported me through the BASE program and remain part of my support system today."
Adwoa Boateng, Washington DC Consultant | The Wharton School ’25
"BASE showed me what life as a consultant is really like, from the work we do to the culture and people. That’s what makes Bain special and why I enjoy coming to work."
Mario Gonzalez, Seattle Consultant | Kellogg School of Management ‘24
How to apply for this program
To apply, you must be admitted to a full-time, two-year MBA program beginning in Fall 2026 with an expected graduation date of 2028, have an interest in connecting with members of our Black at Bain (BAB) and/or Familia at Bain (FAM) affinity groups, and plan to explore consulting opportunities with one of our U.S. Bain offices. Non–North American citizens are eligible if they are enrolled in an MBA program in the United States or Canada at the time of the program.
Applications are due by Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Apply now
Applications for the 2026 BASE program are now open. As part of your application, you will be asked to select up to three office preferences and submit:
- Resume/CV (Word or PDF format)
- Cover letter
- Educational background information
- Work experience details
- Relevant test scores
- Digital assessment
Take a closer look
To learn more about this opportunity at Bain, we invite you to join one of our upcoming marketing events. Watch this space for updates, as new events will be posted here as they are scheduled.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about programs or our recruiting process, please reach out.
Frequently asked questions
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Who is eligible to apply for BASE?
BASE is open to candidates entering a full-time, two-year MBA program in Fall 2026 who are interested in connecting with our Black at Bain (BAB) and/or Familia at Bain (FAM) affinity groups and pursuing opportunities with one of our U.S. Bain offices.
Non-North American citizens are eligible if they are enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian MBA program at the time of the program.
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Which offices host the BASE program?
BASE Camp is hosted in the following U.S. Bain offices: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco/Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Please apply only if you have a genuine interest in working in one of these offices. If you are open to more than one location, you may indicate that in your office preferences.
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What makes a strong BASE applicant?
We look for candidates who demonstrate strong analytical thinking, a track record of leadership and teamwork, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
A strong applicant is curious, results-oriented and energized by solving problems collaboratively. Prior consulting experience is not required.
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What is the interview process?
The BASE interview process includes two 40-minute case interviews and one 40-minute experience interview. The case interviews focus on problem-solving and structured thinking, while the experience interview explores your leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Selected candidates will receive additional details and preparation guidance ahead of their interviews.
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If I am selected for BASE, when and where will the in-person program take place?
BASE Camp takes place in late July and is hosted in the Bain office that selects you.
The recruiting team will confirm your program week, coordinate logistics and cover approved travel-related expenses. Additional details will be shared directly with selected participants.
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If I am not selected for BASE, can I still apply to Bain in the future?
Absolutely, and we encourage you to do so.
BASE is a selective program, and not being selected does not impact your eligibility for future recruiting opportunities. We look forward to connecting with you during on-campus recruiting for Summer Associate and full-time roles.
In past years, many candidates who were not selected for BASE have successfully joined Bain through our regular recruiting process.
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Can I apply to both BASE and ExperienceBain? How are they different?
Yes. If you’re eligible and interested, we encourage you to apply to both programs.
Both BASE and ExperienceBain introduce pre-MBA students to consulting at Bain before business school begins. They differ in focus and format.
BASE is a selective, weeklong, in-person program for candidates interested in pursuing consulting opportunities with our U.S. offices and engaging with members of our Black at Bain (BAB) and/or Familia at Bain (FAM) affinity groups.
ExperienceBain is a larger, virtual program open to incoming MBA students admitted to an eligible school and interested in exploring opportunities across Bain’s global offices. It features flexible programming throughout the summer.
If you are selected for BASE, we will help you navigate any overlap with ExperienceBain.
