Strategy Simplified S22E15: Consulting Unpacked | The Worst Mistake In My First Month at Bain
Feb 18, 2026
Jenny Rae, a management consulting professional and mentor, tells a candid early-career story from her first month at Bain. She discusses why being unstaffed is a hidden opportunity. She explains how early visibility, office presence, and small proactive actions shape staffing and promotion. Practical first-week behaviors to avoid falling behind are highlighted.
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Beach Trip That Backfired Early
- Jenny Rae literally went to the beach during her first month at Bain when unstaffed.
- She missed early visibility and ended up one of the last people staffed from her cohort.
Show Up Eager During Unstaffed Time
- Go into the office when unstaffed and demonstrate eagerness to learn and meet people.
- Show up early, have lunches, volunteer, and use downtime to get smart about projects.
Build Relationships, Not Just Resume Tasks
- Prioritize building interpersonal relationships in the office even if you don't work full days.
- Attend lunches, meet colleagues, and show daily presence to learn and get noticed.