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Transfers and MBA at Bain

Hi! 

I would like to know something more about the global transfers at Bain. How long do transfers at Bain last? I have read the transfers are of 6 months usually, but isn't there the possibility to have "longer" transfers of 1.5 years or 2? 6 months seem a very short amount of time.

Plus, how much likely doeas Bain ITALY sponsor MBA?

Thank you very much!

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Top answer
Denis
Coach
edited on Jan 11, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

Currently doing the MBA, however turned down Bain's very generous offer for financial support since I will be switiching careers post-MBA.

Disclaimer: Depends on the specific contract you have with Bain and the country. 

Bain has already multiple times updated the specific model they apply to calculate your financial support. Typically the amount they offer depends on your performance (review ratings) especially within the first two years at Bain. Support consists of (1) tuition support and (2) livelihood support.

Tuition: Depending on the level of your rating (Strong contribution, frequently exceeding etc.) you can expect a wide range. I know current and former MBA Bainies who received 100% of their tuition (up to 150k), however I also know some who received 25k. 

Livelihood: Also depends but you could expect an overall amount they take and divide by the length of your program in months. For a classic 24 months MBA you can expect around 1.5K EUR net in your bank account per month.

Important: If you take the money, you are locked in. Also depends on the country - you can expect 2 years. If you decide not to come back although you have taken the financial support, expect heavy surcharges (especially taxes). Also, you are only eligible to receive the support if you get promoted to Consultant (i.e. successfully passed Associate Consultant and Senior Associate Consultant level).

Best,

Denis

Ian
Coach
on Jan 11, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

You are correct regarding transfers. There's all kinds of different programs that you can latch onto which vary in length (ambassadorships, project-specific transfers, full transfers, etc.). Speak to HR and dig around to determine who ones your particular office allows.

I've transfered a few times within companies and have the following advice:

1) Build a stellar reputation - do good work, work hard, and be known as "the guy/gal" for xx

2) Build your network - network agressively (yes, networking doesn't end once you've gotten the job offer). Make sure you're known by and have allies in people who make decisions such as staffing managers, Partners (specifically those responsible for recruiting/resources and who are heads of industry/function verticals), etc.

2) b). When I say network "aggressively" please don't be needy/annoying :) There's nothing worse than someone who is obviously working the room or trying to please!

3) Look out for opportunities - as mentioned already, look for office transfers, short-term projects, ambassadorships, etc.)

4) Practice patience and be flexible - how long have you tried for? This might take a year. And you need to be ready to go at the flip of a coin.

Bide your time, keep pushing, be smart, and you'll get there!

Deleted user
on Jan 11, 2021

Indeed, transfers are typically 6 months, especially for junior people (up to consultant). Longer transfers are possible, but then you're looking at different concepts that are not designed for general experience share, but other purposes. These could be strategic transfers (the company wants you to go somewhere, unlikely at junior tenures), permanent transfers (you're permanently relocating to a different payroll), or personal needs transfers which you will need to ask for with a specific rationale (e.g. your partner moves to a different city / country for a limited time). There are certainly exceptions to the rule, but these are the typical constructs.

I'm not entirely sure about MBA sponsorships in Italy, but they are integrated into the global system, so I could see global standards being comparable. To be sure, you can check on linkedin for sponsored students at the global top schools.

Hope that helps. 

14
on Jan 12, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

I agree with the other coaches on the average length of transfers.

As per MBA sponsorship, in Italy, I've seen throughout the years that it is not as likely as for the other MBB companies to get one.

You might discuss this with HR, they'll definitely know more about this.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Antonello

Clara
Coach
on Jan 12, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

There are indeed different types of transfers. 

You are talking about a short transfer, in which you still belong to the prior office.

However, there is also the chance to change office and do a longer-time transfer. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, Clara

Gaurav
Coach
on Jan 12, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hello there!

What you read is correct and longer transfers are possible, too.

Networking is a good way to do it successfully as well as approaching HR to find out more about it.

Cheers,

GB

Deleted
Coach
edited on Mar 16, 2022
Experienced strategy consultant

Hi,

I would say that it really depends on the transfer program that you will participate. However, if you are a strong performer I am pretty sure all can be discussed.

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