Internship Spotlight: Ethan Hefflin, Bain & Company

Ethan Hefflin BSBA ‘24 (Accounting and Management Information Systems) was an Associate Consultant Intern at Bain & Company in Denver, Colorado.

What was the process for getting this internship, job, or summer experience?

The process of landing this junior year internship started halfway through my sophomore year, about a year and a half before the internship would start. I was fortunate enough to have students and advisors point me in the direction of resources to prepare for consulting interviews and alumni in the industry to speak to. This led to me networking with consultants at various firms for several months, as well as practicing case interviews weekly. While it was intimidating at first, the preparation process was actually very interesting, exciting, and a great learning experience!

What did you find most challenging?

The most challenging part of the internship was ramping up quickly on different topics. On the team I was working with, our projects usually only lasted about three weeks at a time. That meant for each new project, I would quickly have to develop an understanding of different industries and technologies to be effective at our casework. However, I found that Bain has many internal resources to help with this process, and that everyone learns together and helps each other gain an understanding quickly.

What advice do you have for other students looking for a similar experience, or advice for future students to be successful?

If you are interested in consulting, you should connect with a career advisor and express interest, as well as join the Arizona Consulting Club! There are so many resources available to get started in consulting at Eller, you just need to be proactive and seek them out. I have found that whenever I asked for help, there was always a career coach or student there to answer my questions and figure out what the best next steps may be.

Did you feel supported by the company or organization you worked with?

Bain was great at welcoming their interns and making them feel like they belonged for the summer. Everyone I spoke with, regardless of seniority or level, was willing to set aside time in their schedule to grab coffee and chat. Beyond that, it felt like everyone was on our team and wanted to see us succeed. Whether it was answering questions about how best to build a PowerPoint or figuring out how to brew drip coffee, I always felt comfortable seeking help.