Rachel Yorke

Bain & Company Los Angeles

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

MBA program: Harvard Business School

Undergraduate school, major: Amherst College, Economics

Focus of current case: Organizational design at a media company

Why did you choose to work at Bain? I knew I wanted a job that would bring my MBA to life, and I wanted to experience everything from company strategy and operations to people management and personal leadership outside of the classroom. Because of Bain’s general management approach and emphasis on working collaboratively within teams and alongside client leadership, I knew I’d have the opportunity to solve tough problems and think like the CEOs I encountered in school. While this is undoubtedly hard work, Bain’s people and culture make solving the problems fun. My teammates are genuine, supportive, and invested in my success both personally and professionally. Most importantly, I am confident that the relationships I’ve fostered will only strengthen throughout my time at Bain.

What did you love about the business school you attended? My classmates, turned life-long friends, were the best part of my HBS experience. Each day, I learned well beyond the text of the case by exchanging ideas and perspectives with a diverse set of individuals. The impact my classmates had on me extended far past the lecture halls of HBS. Because of them, I strive to listen more intently, to approach others with an open mind, and to face life’s challenges with grit.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned so far at Bain? The most valuable thing I have learned so far at Bain is the importance of team. As a new consultant, I have a lot to learn! My teammates make sure I get the details right and support me when I have large deliverables. Being surrounded by a strong team has helped me get better at the job and made the learning process fun.

Which manager or peer has had the biggest impact on you at Bain, and how has he or she made you a better consultant? Luis, an LA-based partner, has had the largest influence on me thus far. During recruiting and throughout my time at Bain, Luis has shared bits of his story with a genuineness that resonates with me. He takes his commitment to his clients and teams seriously, but always looks for opportunities to bring energy to the office—his annual Thanksgiving turkey costume is just one example! Luis’s authenticity has shown me that I, too, could bring my whole self to work. Knowing that it is okay to be myself is powerful, and is critical to me thriving in workplace.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work for Bain? I have two pieces of advice. First, don’t give up—if Bain is the truly the right place for you, keep working toward your goal. I applied to Bain during my senior year of college and didn’t get the job. Though I was bummed and wished I had been more prepared for the interview, my experiences before becoming a consultant make me a better teammate and have informed how I approach the work.

Secondly, don’t forget to be yourself during interviews! Bain is looking to get to know the real you, past what may be on your résumé. Think about qualities that make you unique, and be sure to bring them with you on interview day.

My greatest personal or professional accomplishment is…making my mom proud. I am a first-generation American and college student. Despite her unfamiliarity with the US education system, my mom always insisted I remain disciplined as a student and as an athlete. Because of her, I know the value of hard work and humility—the behaviors that have allowed me to achieve academically and professionally beyond what either of us could have imagined.