Mina Mitreva

Share your journey to Bain.

I joined Bain in 2022 as an Advanced Degree hire after completing a PhD in History at Harvard University. Initially, I was set on a traditional academic career path; however, a few key experiences shifted my focus.

At Harvard, I was part of a diverse community of graduate students from various disciplines—chemistry, engineering, physics, classics, and others—many of whom pursued exciting business and entrepreneurial opportunities after graduation. This initially sparked my curiosity about careers beyond academia. Later, as a predoctoral fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, I spent two years immersed in a scholarly community that regularly hosted high-profile public policy professionals and private-sector leaders. Being surrounded by practitioners solidified my determination to pursue a career where I could also have a broader, more direct impact.

It's fairly uncommon for humanities PhDs to transition into management consulting. To stand out, I dedicated considerable time to gaining non-academic work experience via my university’s Consulting Club, and I also completed a self-guided mini-MBA alongside my doctoral research. Eventually, my efforts paid off, and I secured an offer from Bain Middle East.

How did you know that Bain was the right company for you?

Two things drew me to Bain. First, I met half a dozen Bainies during the recruitment process who helped me get to know the firm and prepare for my interviews. Before I had even heard the famous phrase “a Bainie never lets another Bainie fail,” I learned firsthand that Bainies are uncommonly dedicated to supporting each other’s success. Second, I knew that I wanted to work with financial investors, so I was attracted by Bain’s reputation as the leading advisor to the private equity industry and institutional investors worldwide.

Do you feel like you can do impactful work at Bain? What opportunities excite you?

Yes, absolutely. Clients trust us with critical decisions and value our advice, and every new case presents a unique intellectual challenge. I work within our Private Equity practice, where we advise institutional investors on topics like due diligence, strategy, operating models, post-acquisition value creation, ESG, and AI integration. For instance, Bain might conduct a commercial due diligence on an asset for a pension fund or a private equity fund, providing key insights for their investment decisions. Our work has a tangible impact in supporting financial investors in fulfilling their broader mandates.

What are your key considerations or preferences when it comes to living and working in the Middle East (e.g., location, lifestyle, work-life balance)?

Working in the Middle East offers a unique perspective on the region's social and economic development, which I find fascinating. There is a palpable sense of growth and opportunity, and we support our clients on diverse, ambitious projects.

From a lifestyle perspective, Dubai is a cosmopolitan melting pot of cultures, where you can observe futuristic ideas come to life at an incredible pace. You will never be able to keep up with the endless restaurant openings, entertainment options, and new neighborhoods!

Why would you recommend Bain as a workplace?

At Bain, you will grow faster than you imagined, while surrounded by people who inspire and invest in your professional growth and success. You will learn from industry experts and have the chance to work on high-impact projects that yield real-time results for our clients. You will also be part of a company committed to championing ESG across industries and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity.