Five questions with an associate consultant at Bain on balancing career and passion
Five questions with an associate consultant at Bain on balancing career and passion
How one consultant juggles client work and the demands of triathlon training
Andrew Shen, an associate consultant at Bain’s New York office, balances a dynamic career with a passion for endurance sports—particularly triathlons. In this Q&A, Andrew shares how he finds harmony between high-impact consulting work and the demands of training for Ironman events.
It keeps me motivated when I see more and more peers pick up an athletic endeavor that complements their professional careers.
Andrew
Associate Consultant
1. Tell us about yourself and your work at Bain.
I’m an associate consultant based in the New York Office and have previously interned in the Boston Office. I’ve worked across Bain’s private equity and general consulting practices, spanning healthcare, life sciences, and consumer products.
2. When did you first get into triathlons, and what inspired you?
I did my first triathlon in 2021, but I didn’t start serious training for an Ironman 70.3 until the summer before my Bain internship. Initially, I simply wanted to build a healthy fitness routine during college that I could maintain in my career. I have come to enjoy endurance sports a lot and being able to spend time in nature during training is also a huge bonus.
3. How do you balance your training with work?
It’s not always easy, but I’ve been fortunate to have supportive teams and supervisors who respect and appreciate my routine outside of work. Training for Ironman events usually means early morning sessions, squeezing in 1-2 hours before work begins.
Communication is key—whether it’s protecting my morning sessions or adjusting for extra training time during the evening when work is done earlier. Sometimes, I even train with other Bainies, and I have fond memories of cycling with the Bain Boston PMC team and fellow Ironman enthusiasts in the New York office.
4. What motivates you in your professional and athletic pursuits?
Motivation is derived both intrinsically and extrinsically. External factors might help at first, but long-term sustainability—whether in work or triathlons—comes from internalizing. I find it rewarding to periodically reflect on my growth in both the professional and athletic realms. Being able to positively influence those around me in the community keeps me motivated as well, especially when I see more and more peers pick up an athletic endeavor that complements their professional careers.
5. What advice would you give to someone balancing career and personal passions?
Don’t hesitate. Whether it’s triathlons or another passion, the best way to start is to sign up for a target event and begin training immediately. If one doesn't start right away, then it is likely that time spent evaluating the passion will take over valuable time of actually pursuing the passion. There’s enough information available on the internet to get you halfway there, and you can always refine your routine along the way.
