What was the toughest challenge you’ve faced?

If you choose a personal example, be sure to use that as a source or inspiration for your career, your goals, or your work ethic. When using an academic or work challenge, make sure it speaks to your merits as a potential candidate. Steer clear of examples that are unrelated or random. If you don't have much work experience, using an example from school is fine as long as it is relevant.

As they state on their website, Abbott is looking for future employees and leaders who can deliver. As Vildan Stidham, the vice president of Abbott's Global Talent Acquisition says, "We set a tone with the interns that all ideas are valuable, regardless of whether they're coming from an intern or an employee with 20 years of experience. At Abbott, we don't differentiate between 'an intern idea' and an 'employee idea.' Our interns are engaged in real work and their ideas are important to our business. The same rules apply to an intern proposing an idea as a full-time employee: The intern is encouraged to use the team environment and support structures that are in place to help them succeed. It helps to first preview the idea with a co-worker to help frame the idea, then incorporates the idea into a fully built-out proposal that demonstrates the value of the idea and how it benefits the company. It's important for interns to understand that each brings an important perspective to the organization." This holds valuable information when considering what processes you followed when framing your example.

"Just as I started college, I plotted a course to achieve several attainable milestones on my career path towards achieving my bigger goals. I detailed where I wanted to be in one semester, one year, two, three, four, and five. I had to revise it many times for it to be sustainable and to realistically hit those targets. I wanted to go far, so I set some lofty goals for myself. By the time I was through my second year, I projected five years out again. I wasn't sure if I could stick to my goals and stay on target, but I did. I'd say sticking to my plan was the biggest challenge I've faced yet. There were a few goals that I didn't fit in the timeframes I'd hoped for, but I was determined to hit every marker for all my bigger goals. Overall, I'd say there were aspects I would have prioritized differently, but I am more weathered by the experience and am looking forward to continuing to achieve the goals I set for myself. I learned how to meet those goals sustainably without burning out and that anything you set your mind to can be made possible."