We recently caught up with Gaby about securing a training contract with Baker McKenzie, building commercial awareness before the interview and top tips for Bright Network members looking to follow in their footsteps.
What stood out to you about Baker McKenzie?
The biggest thing that stood out to me was Baker McKenzie’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, that was really important to me. It’s great that they’re commercial and international, but other firms have that going for them. The diversity is what really gravitated me towards them. Everyone at my assessment centre was a woman, and many were from different diverse backgrounds, which was great to see.
How did you build your commercial awareness before the interview?
I worked for Watson Daily, which is a newsletter. I became an ambassador for them and did podcasting work around commercial awareness and providing updates. I also utilised Bright Network’s website to gain some commercial awareness for different firms, learning internal and external information, as both are extremely valuable.
What would be your top tip to members going through the application process?
I’d say the main thing is patience. Applying for roles in a tough process and can be quite isolating. Not getting responses is tough but something I’ve learnt is to critique yourself at the stages of a process. Why do you feel you didn’t progress, and look to build from there. Especially as feedback is not guaranteed when applying to a role.
How did Bright Network help you secure this role?
For me the events Bright Network run have really helped me. The nasty interview question event I attended two days before my assessment centre, and I actually was asked one of the questions that was brought up at the event. The interviewer even mentioned how impressed they were that I wasn’t phased by the question, and luckily I had just learnt how to deal with it only a few days before.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Turn on email notifications, I discovered a lot of events that I wouldn’t have necessarily noticed if I had not been actively checking my emails.
- Make the most of Bright Network’s platform. All the information is free, go to as many events as you can. Everyone has been super friendly and responsive; providing key insights I needed.
- Reach out to as many people as you can. Building a network is a great way to gain that insight, and also build a connection to a firm you’d like to work with.
Let us know where you've secured your work experience, internship or graduate role. We want to celebrate your success with a gift from us and exclusive invitations to evening networking drinks throughout the year.
