Class Of ’17: Meet Bain & Co’s Newest MBA Hires

Sarina Hickey

Bain San Francisco

Hometown: Texas and Singapore

MBA program: Harvard Business School

Undergraduate school, major: University of Texas at Austin, Business Honors, Finance, Spanish Honors

Focus of current case: Developing a working prototype of a telehealth solution for a large, non-profit health system

Why did you choose to work at Bain?

Honestly, because my HBS section-mate told me I would be a great fit and that I should apply. I had explored many different career options before business school – I worked in investment banking, started three companies, spent time at IDEO, and did internships in Private Equity and health policy. I liked, but did not love, each of these for various reasons. Over dinner one night, my section-mate insightfully suggested that I could do all of those jobs in one place –Bain! My interests are so diverse so consulting seemed like the perfect fit.

What lesson from business school best prepared you for your career at Bain?

Learning how to quickly build authentic relationships. From planning pre-HBS trips to weekly events as Social Chair of my section, I learned to quickly, yet genuinely, connect with people about their interests. Taking classes such as Authentic Leadership Development and FIELD, I learned how to bring my authentic self to every interaction. At the beginning of every new case at Bain, our teams ramp up by discussing working norms, MBTI preferences and personal interests. And of course, with any new client, creating a welcoming and authentic relationship is one of the keys to a successful project.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned so far at Bain?

Always be open to the 1% possibility. This is one of Bain’s standing principles, and something I have personally seen practiced and lived daily by my colleagues. Our Private Equity diligence group has conducted analysis on such unique areas as spray foam insulation, and not only did I get excited learning about this niche industry, but our team made significant impact at the client because we were open to the 1% possibility that it could work.

On a personal note, Bain has been open to the 1% possibility with me many times. The most recent example is that my husband is transferring to Australia with his company for a 6-month rotation, and Bain is supporting me to do the same!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work for Bain?

Be open, honest and direct with yourself, and with Bain, about your preferences and goals for the job. Make sure you really know what consulting is, and choose the company as much as the company chooses you.

What do you want your career to look like in 10 years?

I hope that in 10 years my career has evolved enough that I am intellectually challenged every day, that I continue to work with the best and brightest friends as colleagues and clients, and that it is flexible enough for my family and personal life to have flourished.

My greatest personal or professional accomplishment is… summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at midnight on New Years!

A fun fact about me people would be surprised to know is… even though I took dance and gymnastics lessons over 15 years ago, I can still do a standing back-bend! I may need to stretch first now though.