Akin Gump App Question

ESE

Standard Member
Dec 14, 2018
9
5
I'm struggling a bit with the following question, and haven't seen anyone else discussing Akin Gump so far so I figured I'd post it:
'What attracts you to Akin Gump and how do you consider you would add value during a vacation scheme in the London office?'
The first part is obviously just a standard 'why firm X' question, but I'm not as sure how to approach the second part. Especially as it's specific to the vac scheme (if they said as a trainee, that would be different). Not trying to sell myself short, but I feel like it seems a bit delusional (lol) to claim that I'll be able to add any real value to the firm's work, culture, etc. over the course of just two weeks as an intern. I can think of what I'd gain from the experience, and why I might be a good fit, but none of that seems to answer the specific question they're asking.
 

Jaysen

Founder, TCLA
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  • Feb 17, 2018
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    I'm struggling a bit with the following question, and haven't seen anyone else discussing Akin Gump so far so I figured I'd post it:
    'What attracts you to Akin Gump and how do you consider you would add value during a vacation scheme in the London office?'
    The first part is obviously just a standard 'why firm X' question, but I'm not as sure how to approach the second part. Especially as it's specific to the vac scheme (if they said as a trainee, that would be different). Not trying to sell myself short, but I feel like it seems a bit delusional (lol) to claim that I'll be able to add any real value to the firm's work, culture, etc. over the course of just two weeks as an intern. I can think of what I'd gain from the experience, and why I might be a good fit, but none of that seems to answer the specific question they're asking.

    The second part is closer to the "why are you a suitable candidate?" and "what transferable skills do you have?" type of question. You're obviously not going to be dealing with clients/closing cases, but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't add value to the firm. Try to think on a smaller scale, you're going to be doing real work and you'll be meeting a variety of people across the office, in what ways can you add value there? You'll be sitting with trainees/associates for two weeks; how could you help them?
     
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    Eva

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
    Mar 24, 2018
    52
    124
    The second part is closer to the "why are you a suitable candidate?" and "what transferable skills do you have?" type of question. You're obviously not going to be dealing with clients/closing cases, but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't add value to the firm. Try to think on a smaller scale, you're going to be doing real work and you'll be meeting a variety of people across the office, in what ways can you add value there? You'll be sitting with trainees/associates for two weeks; how could you help them?

    Agreed with Jaysen - definitely draw upon your past and/or ongoing experience to showcase your transferable skills (and how these would add value during your time with the firm). Do check on the firm's website/brochure for what it looks for in terms of the key competencies and make sure you match these with different examples from your experience.
     

    ESE

    Standard Member
    Dec 14, 2018
    9
    5
    The second part is closer to the "why are you a suitable candidate?" and "what transferable skills do you have?" type of question. You're obviously not going to be dealing with clients/closing cases, but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't add value to the firm. Try to think on a smaller scale, you're going to be doing real work and you'll be meeting a variety of people across the office, in what ways can you add value there? You'll be sitting with trainees/associates for two weeks; how could you help them?

    Thanks guys, that really helps!
     

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