Bain vs EY-Parthenon: PE-Focused Consulting Compared
Updated January 2026·10 min read
Head-to-Head: Bain vs EY-Parthenon
8/10
Interview Difficulty
7/10
7/10
Work-Life Balance
6/10
9/10
Compensation
8/10
9/10
Prestige
7/10
10/10
Exit Opportunities
8/10
BainEY-Parthenon
Quick Summary
Both Bain & Company and EY-Parthenon are excellent consulting firms with strong reputations. Bain is known for megafund pe aspirants, while EY-Parthenon excels at due diligence specialists. Your choice should depend on your career goals, preferred working style, and cultural fit.
Detailed Comparison: Bain vs EY-Parthenon
| Category | Bain | EY-Parthenon |
|---|---|---|
| PE Reputation | Gold standard for PE consulting | Strong PE focus, due diligence specialty |
| Deal Exposure | Heavy PE client work, full lifecycle | Due diligence focused |
| Interview Style | Candidate-led, SOVA, experience interview | Candidate-led, investment cases |
| Compensation | MBB rates | 10-15% below Bain |
| Culture | Tight-knit, results-oriented | Analytical, deal-focused |
| Megafund Access | Direct pipeline to top PE firms | Middle-market strength |
Key Takeaways
- PE Reputation: Bain leads in PE prestige
- Deal Exposure: Bain for breadth; EY-P for diligence
- Interview Style: Both PE-flavored interviews
- Compensation: Bain pays more
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Bain if you...
- ✓Megafund PE aspirants
- ✓Those valuing culture
- ✓Full-cycle PE exposure seekers
Choose EY-Parthenon if you...
- ✓Due diligence specialists
- ✓Middle-market PE focus
- ✓Sector expertise (edu, healthcare)
Interview Process Comparison
Bain Interview Process
- • Online assessment/screening
- • 2-3 rounds of case interviews
- • Behavioral/fit interviews
- • Final round with partners
EY-Parthenon Interview Process
- • Online assessment/screening
- • 2-3 rounds of case interviews
- • Behavioral/fit interviews
- • Final round with partners
Prepare for Both Bain and EY-Parthenon
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Start PracticingFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better for PE: Bain or EY-Parthenon?
Bain is stronger for PE careers overall. While both have PE focus, Bain's brand, alumni network, and megafund placements are superior. EY-P is strong for middle-market PE and portfolio ops.
Do PE firms prefer Bain or EY-Parthenon?
Top PE firms prefer Bain (and other MBB). EY-Parthenon is respected but not at the same level. For middle-market PE, the difference narrows. Bain alumni are over-represented in PE.
Is EY-Parthenon good for PE due diligence experience?
Yes, EY-P's due diligence practice is strong. If you want heavy diligence exposure, EY-P delivers. However, Bain also does extensive diligence with stronger brand attached.
Can I move from EY-Parthenon to Bain?
Possible but competitive. Strong EY-P performers can lateral after 1-2 years. Your PE/diligence experience is relevant, but you'll compete against strong applicant pools.