Bain Announces SkillBridge, Joining McKinsey and BCG
Bain & Company has officially launched its SkillBridge program, becoming the final MBB firm to offer transitioning service members a direct pathway into consulting. Following McKinsey and BCG, Bain’s 10-week internship provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping veterans translate their military leadership skills into a corporate setting. This blog post explores Bain’s program, how it compares to its competitors, and why it’s a compelling option for veterans seeking a career in consulting.
What Is Bain’s SkillBridge Program?
Bain’s SkillBridge program is a 10-week, in-person consulting internship designed to give transitioning service members firsthand experience working on strategy cases. Participants receive structured training, mentorship, and real-world consulting exposure that prepares them for a full-time business career.
Key Features of Bain’s SkillBridge Program
- Consulting Training & Development: Participants go through an initial training period covering consulting frameworks, business communication, and analytical skills.
- Client-Facing Work: Unlike theoretical training, Bain SkillBridge fellows are staffed on real client projects, working alongside full-time Bain consultants.
- Networking & Mentorship: Participants engage with the Veterans at Bain (VAB) network, connecting with military veterans who have successfully transitioned into consulting.
- Office Locations: The program is available in Chicago, Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
- Pathway to Full-Time Offers: Exceptional performers may receive an offer to join Bain as a full-time consultant after the program ends.
Eligibility & Application Process
To apply for Bain’s SkillBridge program, candidates must:
- Be active-duty service members eligible for SkillBridge participation
- Have at least five years of military service
- Hold a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or MBA degree
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Complete a series of 45-minute case and behavioral interviews as part of the selection process
Required Documents for Submission
- Resume/CV (Word or PDF format)
- Educational background information
- Transcripts
- Work experience details
- Applicable test scores
Bain also requires applicants to complete an online assessment as part of the selection process. Applicants must be registered with DoD's SkillBridge program.
How Bain’s SkillBridge Compares to McKinsey & BCG
Bain’s program joins the ranks of McKinsey’s and BCG’s SkillBridge initiatives, each with unique elements. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Program Length: Bain’s program runs for 10 weeks, while McKinsey and BCG both offer 12-week internships.
- Office Locations: Bain’s program is available in Chicago, Austin, Dallas, and Houston, whereas McKinsey and BCG provide SkillBridge opportunities nationwide.
- Training Structure: Bain focuses on core consulting skills, McKinsey offers training through McKinsey Academy, and BCG provides its Military Transition Workshop.
- Networking & Mentorship: Bain’s Veterans at Bain (VAB) program provides mentorship and support similar to McKinsey’s Military Veterans Network and BCG’s Veterans Network.
- Pathway to Full-Time Offer: All three firms provide top performers with the opportunity to transition into full-time consultant roles.
Bain’s SkillBridge program is slightly shorter than McKinsey’s and BCG’s but offers a structured pathway to full-time consulting roles with strong mentorship and community support.
For a deeper dive into McKinsey’s SkillBridge program, check out our post: From Camo to Corporate: Navigating the Transition with McKinsey’s Military Fellowship
For insights on BCG’s program, read: From Service to Strategy: How BCG Prepares Veterans for Consulting
Veterans at Bain: A Community Built for Success
One of the key advantages of Bain’s SkillBridge program is access to Veterans at Bain (VAB), an affinity network supporting military professionals in their transition to consulting.
What Veterans at Bain Offers:
- Mentorship & Career Support: Military veterans at Bain help new hires adjust to consulting.
- Training & Development: Participants receive coaching on career progression, leadership skills, and industry insights.
- Community Engagement: Bain hosts events such as the Veterans at Bain Summit, office-based networking events, and veterans' holiday celebrations.
- Cross-Affinity Group Support: Veterans connect with other affinity networks at Bain, such as Women at Bain and Black at Bain, fostering broader community ties.
Why SkillBridge at Bain Is a Smart Move for Transitioning Military Professionals
1. Direct Entry into Consulting Without an MBA
Many veterans choose to pursue an MBA as a stepping stone to consulting, but SkillBridge offers an alternative pathway. Instead of spending two years in business school, transitioning service members can gain hands-on experience, build industry connections, and secure a consulting offer – without additional student debt.
2. Unparalleled Career Growth
Consulting offers a structured career progression, with opportunities to move into leadership roles or pivot into corporate strategy, private equity, or tech. Bain’s mentorship culture and merit-based promotions make it an attractive landing spot for veterans seeking career acceleration.
3. Strong Military Community at Bain
Bain’s investment in its Veterans at Bain (VAB) network ensures that veterans receive tailored support beyond their SkillBridge experience. This tight-knit community provides mentorship, career coaching, and networking opportunities long after participants transition to full-time roles.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?
If you’re an active-duty service member looking to break into management consulting, Bain’s SkillBridge program is a phenomenal opportunity to leverage your leadership experience in a high-impact business setting. With structured training, real client exposure, and strong veteran mentorship, the program positions participants for success – whether at Bain or elsewhere in the corporate world.
With Bain now on board, all three MBB firms offer a SkillBridge pathway, giving veterans multiple routes into top-tier consulting. If you're considering consulting post-military, now is the time to apply.
Keep reading
The Authenticity Test: When Your Dream Career Story Might Be Sabotaging Your MBA Application
I had a call this week with Sarah (name changed), one of our M7A clients applying to MIT Sloan. She came to our call with two completely different cover letters written. She felt stuck. Version 1 was bold: "I want to start an allergy therapeutics company, and MIT is where I'll make it happen." Version 2 was strategic: "I want to become an investor-operator in biotech VC, building the foundation to eventually launch something of my own." Both were well-written. Both were compelling. But only one would survive what I call The Authenticity Test.
What It Means to Be Under “Further Consideration” at HBS (and How to Turn It Into an Admit)
If you’ve been placed under “Further Consideration” by Harvard Business School, take a breath – you’re still very much in the game. This is HBS’s new version of a waitlist, and while it’s unfamiliar territory for many applicants, it’s also a real opportunity. Here’s what it means, what you can (and can’t) do, and how to use this window to your advantage.
After McKinsey SkillBridge: When an MBA Makes Sense for Veterans
McKinsey’s SkillBridge fellowship helps veterans step into consulting. For some, that’s enough. For others, the next step is an MBA. In this post, we explain why some McKinsey SkillBridge alumni pursue business school, how this compares to Bain and BCG, and how to frame your experience for MBA admissions.
How to Succeed in the Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD)
For many MBA hopefuls, the Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) can be a nerve-wracking aspect of the admissions process. Unlike traditional one-on-one interviews, the TBD is a group exercise where candidates collaborate on a business scenario, allowing Wharton to evaluate their teamwork skills, adaptability, and social awareness. However, candidates often have mixed feelings about its effectiveness, with some finding the experience performative or even frustrating. This guide offers insights into navigating the Wharton TBD with confidence, composure, and a strategic approach.