Reply to thread

Hi jmosk!!

I got asked this during one of my ACs, and wasn't expecting it at all but think I came up with a decent response so wanted to share my example.

I grew up exclusively (before university) in a very conservative country where the education and professional world are very hierarchical and we were taught to never challenge our teachers, seniors or bosses. When I came to university I had this difficulty as well, in giving constructive criticism to tutors or even people in more senior positions in society. So I admitted that I thought I might find it difficult if a senior partner had made a mistake and I had to tell him.

I then said that one way I'd really been trying to tackle this was by becoming a representative for people who needed a voice but didn't have the platform for it, e.g. through student council positions. I had to negotiate certain things on behalf of them with college administration, and I found that this really gave me confidence and helped me find a voice and confidence in myself. The positive outcomes also showed me that people were willing to listen and be convinced and that I could personally make a difference by speaking up.

Hope this helps!