Hiya
@nliro85
This is a great question! I remember feeling the same way when applying to firms with a strong sectoral focus. I often wondered if there was too much overlap when I mentioned a firm’s sectoral strengths (like energy) as a reason for wanting to join, and then subsequently talking about that same sector in another question. That said, it’s definitely possible to discuss both energy and project finance without sounding repetitive.
To avoid repetition, it's worth asking yourself a few questions. If you're genuinely interested in NRF’s project finance work, are there other industries where their project finance practice stands out to you? Perhaps you could highlight their work in areas like infrastructure, telecommunications, or public-private partnerships? Focussing on these areas will also allow you to showcase a broader understanding of the firm's project finance.
If you’d rather not focus on project finance when discussing developments in the energy sector, consider exploring other aspects of NRF’s energy-related work. For instance:
- Regulatory and Policy Changes: Are there any recent or upcoming policy changes in the energy sector you find interesting? How might NRF help clients navigate these? You could highlight any standout advisory work the firm has done in this space, particularly around helping clients adapt to regulatory shifts.
- Technological Innovations: Are there any technological developments that you have recently learned about? Perhaps something in renewable energy, smart grids, or energy storage? If so, how is NRF positioned to advise clients on these innovations? You could even look at such developments in the energy sector from an M&A or intellectual property perspective.
- Geopolitical and Economic Trends: If you want to discuss the energy sector without focussing too much on project finance, you can also consider factors like commodity prices, supply chain issues, or geopolitical tensions. Again, when discussing these shifts, it's useful to think about whether NRF has any previous experience assisting clients in navigating these sorts of changes.
These are just a few ideas to help you think about the wide range of topics you could cover when discussing the energy sector. By focusing on these broader aspects, I think you can avoid any overlap with your answer on project finance. Ultimately, the most important thing is to write about areas you're genuinely interested in. My questions above are just to help you brainstorm the various angles you could take.
Hope this helps, and best of luck with your application!