Hi,
I applied to a generalist consultant position at Bain. I have passed initial CV screening and now been asked to do the aptitude tests for an ‘industry consultant’ role. Is it normal to be changed at this point in the process? I have 6 years experience in private equity investing in a niche vertical for reference.
Thanks.
Hi there,
Yes, that’s actually quite common. Bain sometimes redirects candidates to the Industry Consultant track when their background fits a specific practice area — in your case, private equity experience makes you a great fit for the Private Equity Group (PEG) or a related industry vertical.
It doesn’t mean you’re out of the running for general consulting; it’s just that Bain often tailors experienced hires to roles where they can add immediate value. The assessment and interview process are nearly identical — you’ll still get full consulting-style cases, but they might include examples related to investing or commercial due diligence.
Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out!
Best,
Evelina
I'm surprised that it sounds like you were changed tracks but without being informed about it.
I would reach to the recruiter to clarify.
Applying for a different track involves also different interviewing expectations and a different preparation. So the earlier you clarify it, the better.
Best,
Cristian
ex-Bainee here and have in-depth knowledge of both General Practice (GP) and Private Equity Group (PEG)
Yes, this kind of shift can happen — and it’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially given your background.
With 6 years in private equity, it’s possible Bain is considering placing you in the Private Equity Group (PEG) or a more specialized vertical aligned with your experience. Even if you applied for a generalist role, they may see you as a strong fit for industry-specific consulting where they need deeper deal-side expertise.
That said, being funneled into PEG doesn’t lock you in permanently. I've seen people start in PEG and rotate out to generalist work over time — and vice versa. If you're well-versed in PE and enjoy it, starting in PEG can actually give you early momentum internally. You’ll be delivering value fast, speaking the client’s language, and building credibility.
If you're concerned, you can clarify with HR after the test — but this sounds more like a signal of interest than a limitation.
