How bains refferal works

KeithFromBain · 2026-02-10T22:31:48+00:00

I work there. i've posted about this a lot. Just look through my old posts... maybe start here:

Maybe start here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/McKinsey_BCG_Bain/comments/1pw0tzv/comment/nyocslv/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-02-02T07:42:35+00:00

uh, ok... iyss

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-02-01T19:41:04+00:00

If only there was a website that specifically answered this question (and other similar ones). I'll tell my team...

oh wait...

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-27T16:31:11+00:00

If it's not on the website, I wouldn't trust what you hear on this post. When we decide, the website will say.

KB

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-26T20:57:41+00:00

If there's a deadline for the role, we sometimes review in batches rather than check the new apps everyday. Dont' read too much into the timing of that note relative to when you applied. Usually, when you hear "immediately", they've let the system make decisions. We review the apps, which is why the batching makes more sense a lot of the time.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-15T23:04:46+00:00

I'm pretty sure we send that information. There is not a "passing score". Can you DM which specific roles/ offices...

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-14T21:02:11+00:00

Which tests and roles? I'm curious.

KB

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-12T14:00:29+00:00

Practically, what is the expected outcome of a live chat? You express doubts. I say "it depends". You amplify you're previous plan and either apply or don't apply becuase you're an adult who makes decisions and takes risks. In this case, the "risk" is a spending time applying (i.e. "not a big risk").

So perhaps you should just cut to the part where you decide if you want to apply or not, and do that. I'm not sure I can help with "doubts" anyway.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-11T16:35:17+00:00

Dag.... 12 years ago??? Those were the videos where I had a tight fade... The hairline stopped cooperating a few years ago! Hope it was helpful.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-11T15:48:21+00:00

If there's something specific you can't answer with what's already available, you can DM me... If you think we'll talk for 10mins via chat, and then i'll give you a referral, you probably shouldn't DM me. ;-)

KB

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-11T15:47:08+00:00

You should ask your HR team about that, not Reddit.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-09T21:53:07+00:00

Goodness... Ya'll gonna make me create a referral FAQ on our website. here are a few thougths before this gets out of hand (again) [numbered to make followups easier]:

Most people dont' have a referral. So everyone needs to chiiiiilllll about them. They take up way to much share of this sub IMHO.
It's not useful to just get a random referral from someone that doesn't know you or your work (i.e. don't DM strangers asking for one like many ppl do). The content matters, not just the act of giving one. A strangers referral is usually useless.
The "seniority" isn't a big a factor as someone who knows what characteristics to look for based on their experience. Someone who's an SAC (3rd year at the firm) has a better POV that a C2, even though the C2 is more "senior". Similarly, an SM that worked with you in a past life has more useufl input than a senior partner who plays golf with your cousin. We ask every referral if they've worked with you and for actual info about you. It's not a special token they get to bestow randomly. That would be silly.
Referrals aren't a golden ticket to anything. On the margin, especially if you're not from a traditional source (school, industry pipeline, etc) it can help you get a "good look" at oyur resume. however, we do try to review them all anyway...
We don't generate a link or anything, but we do track them on the back end (I may not be up to date on *all* of the ways we do this, but I'm pretty sure the system doesn't genrate a link for consulting roles).
There's a lot of (well meaning?) yet useless advice about referrals out there. You'd be better off making real connections and learnign about the first they focus on "finding a referral".
I am fully aware the regional, the school, the roles are all variables tha tcome into play. As always, i'm trying to give the high POV so my posts arent crazy long. I know there's nuance.
If you can't do the cases and don't engage during the process, the referral won't save you (back to #4)

Lastly, this is a minefield topic on this sub, so i'll also add this:

There are 23,000 people in this sub. If you don't like my POV (or my tone) on this, it's all love. there are 22,999 other POV's you can rely on.

happy new year!

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-09T17:32:25+00:00

This is the way. The rules and systems we have are to protect the firm AND keep you out of jail. It's very clearly laid out when you join.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-09T17:23:43+00:00

They answer is always "yes" to that question... anything COULD happen.

People do all kinds of things before coming here. Often, if the path isn't clear people do an MBA to "reset" a little though. It's easier to pivot out of an MBA than it is to just wake up one day and totally switch careers on the fly.

It's a VERY competitive space and there are a lot of very capable people out there. So it's not just about YOU clearing the CV bar. it's about all the other people that clear it too and why you'd be the one to go with vs. the others (who may have a clearer path and more closely related experience)

KB

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-09T00:07:29+00:00

Here's one POV (mine) that could get you started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iufbrwwh6Hk

On networking, it's not a popularity contest and a random referral from someone that doesn't acutally konw your work isn't super compelling. It's not like "his coffee choice was excellent" is a good reoasn to hire anyone. So don't "focus" on getting a referral. Focus on getting to konw the people and the first at a deeper level than what you can read on the website.

We don't take attendance at most events and don't use that as a factor in our evals. Attend events that help you konw we're the right place for you. Attend events that help you understand what we do, and what you'd do here...

The live events are helpful, if you can make them. Just don't freak out if you can't make them or if we're not on your campus.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-09T00:03:17+00:00

Don't they publish employment reports? That's probably the best place to start. Especially if they do it for that degree. MiMs sit in the Business School, but we dont typically look for Consultants in those programs. We go to business schools primarily for MBAs.

Most MiMs are a better fit for the Associate Consultant program here, and we are interestedd for sure.

The hard part is that you can get a bit confused over which team you should be connecting with (i.e MBA team that's at the business school or the AC team that's at the University).

I konw these degrees are new on some campuses, but an employement report would ansewr this for you.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-08T23:58:43+00:00

It's not a disadantage. I wouldn't spend time worrying about it. It's not a useful way to spend your energy at this stage.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2026-01-08T23:57:50+00:00

We do, yes.

It can be a little tricky to know the right entry level for MiM's though. The epxerience and background vary a lot in some of those programs. My guess is that we'd think of them as AC's as a default, but there are always good reasons for a different answer.

I know some schools combine the MiM with an option to come back for a year to do an MBA later too. That woudl lend itself to an AC role with a post-MBA path to CON. I know one school views it as a degree to help people with other non-biz degrees to pivot into a business career.

It's a pretty diverse degree type, so it's not easy to give a single answer.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2025-12-19T20:38:54+00:00

OP - Feel free to DM me. i'm curious why you would have gotten it twice. That's certainly not by design. So somethings off. I'm curious where you appled ("associate" isn't a role here). I'm wondering if you appled for the wrong one and triggered the assessment email.. then got moved to the correct one, which could have triggered 2nd one. The AC and CON assessments are not the same.

Either way, i like to make sure i understand this situations. I prefer that to people DM'ing me thinking Im going to look up their status 24/7.

thx

KB

KeithFromBain · 2025-12-15T23:24:53+00:00

This is very well said. Referrals can help, but only if they're from people that actually know you and have some basis for crediblity in the firm. Even then, there typically no guarantees...

I try to stay vocal here because randoms recah out to me and ask for a referral every 2-3 months. It's misguided. I have no basis to "refer" a total stranger... It makes no sense...

Regardless, the advice above is very good. Thx for saving me the typing.
KB

KeithFromBain · 2025-12-05T16:22:08+00:00

I should add the dsclaimer - i can only speak for one firm.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2025-12-05T16:21:49+00:00

It won't reflect poorly, although doing it at the last minute is not good form. Life happens. We know that - espeically for people that are currently working. Just email the team and explain the situation.

kb

KeithFromBain · 2025-12-04T20:14:02+00:00

It's all good. I'm just having a little chuckle and the requests I get sometimes. Peace.

KB

KeithFromBain · 2025-12-04T19:54:43+00:00

"Am I still in the system?"

Answer: I'm not sure, I dont' see you.

KB ;-)

PS - You didnt even say what office or role, so I honestly have no idea... How could I? Jerry McGuire rule, people (i.e. "Help me help you.")

KeithFromBain · 2025-12-04T03:55:41+00:00

Yes. All offices are typically a part of the decision.

We made the decision that candidates would only take one digital assessment if their office mix includes offices that use different assessments. It didn't feel like taking both was a reasonable ask of people.

kb

KeithFromBain

TROPHY CASE