An inside look at Bainworks Athens from a manager at Bain
An inside look at Bainworks Athens from a manager at Bain
Elaine Barth, a manager in Bain & Company’s Munich office, shares her experience from the Bainworks recruiting event in Athens as both a participant and returning trainer. In this Q&A, she highlights how the event blends real-world consulting challenges with cultural exploration to offer a unique glimpse into life at Bain.
1. Can you describe Bainworks for those who may not be familiar with it? What makes it a unique experience?
Bainworks is Bain’s flagship recruiting event for EMEA, offering an immersive, three-day experience that introduces participants to the world of consulting while fostering connections across a diverse, international network. The event blends professional and cultural activities, starting with a lively city exploration, followed by opportunities to engage with Bain consultants and peers over panels and team-building exercises.
Central to Bainworks is a hands-on consulting challenge. Participants tackle a real-world case study, guided by Bain’s innovative approach to problem-solving, which often integrates cutting-edge tools like AI. The experience includes presentations, networking sessions, and informal gatherings, giving participants a look at Bain’s collaborative and feedback-driven culture. The unique mix of structured learning, cultural exploration, and peer interaction makes Bainworks more than just a recruiting event—it’s a window into life as a consultant at Bain.
2. What was a typical day like at Bainworks in Athens?
Each day at Bainworks was designed to balance hands-on consulting tasks, networking, and social activities. At this year’s event, Friday morning began with a group briefing on the day’s case study, offering teams a chance to strategize and dive into tasks like market analysis and competitive research. A particularly exciting twist involved leveraging AI to develop innovative solutions, such as creating a generative AI prototype for an advertising campaign.
The afternoon was reserved for deep problem-solving and collaboration, with Bain consultants helping to guide discussions and share best practices. Highlights included bonding within teams as participants shared ideas, supported one another, and combined their strengths to tackle challenges. Evenings offered opportunities to unwind and celebrate, with receptions and memorable dinners. One standout moment was the final dinner by Athens’ picturesque harbor—a perfect setting to reflect on achievements and connect on a personal level.
3. How did your experience at Bainworks impact your career path and professional development?
My experience at Bainworks had a positive impact on my career path and professional growth, offering valuable skills and insights that have shaped my approach to consulting. First and foremost, the case-cracking exercises provided a real immersion into the consulting mindset, emphasizing structured problem-solving, analytical rigor, and the importance of a strategic approach to client challenges.
Additionally, Bainworks introduced me to the collaborative, feedback-driven culture at Bain, which has been instrumental for my career decision. Receiving constructive feedback throughout the weekend and learning how to quickly iterate and improve my approach was a valuable experience that taught me the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. This feedback culture encouraged me to regularly seek input from peers and mentors, a habit that’s proven crucial in my career.
4. Having now returned to Bainworks as a trainer, how does it feel to guide new participants through the program?
Returning to Bainworks as a trainer was a rewarding experience, offering a chance to see the event from a new perspective. Supporting participants as they navigated the case study and consulting challenges was both fulfilling and inspiring. My goal was to create a safe, open environment where team members felt comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and taking risks.
Encouraging collaboration and experimentation was central to my approach. Watching participants grow in confidence and skill over the weekend reminded me of the value of mentorship and the joy of helping others succeed. I hope they left with not only a deeper understanding of consulting but also a sense of connection to the Bain community.
Learn more about Bainworks and how you can apply.
