Economics and English student discovers potential career connections through law firm internship

Through an APEX Micro Fellowship at The College of Wooster, Marine Kang ’26 completed an internship at the Broehl Law Office in Wooster, Ohio. Studying economics and English at the College, Kang applied skills from both academic disciplines to her work at the local law firm. She used quantitative skills when analyzing data, while effectively communicating with clients and coworkers. Kang’s data analysis focused on client retention and engagement patterns, reflecting the core focus of the project she completed. Already interested in consulting and law, her experience at the firm contributed to a greater understanding of the interconnection between these two fields. 

“The position was a good fit for me because it allowed me to apply the skills I had gained from my economics and English studies in a practical setting, combining data analysis and writing to address a real business problem.” 

—Marine Kang ’26 

FINDING OPPORTUNITIES 

Kang: I learned about the internship opportunity and the APEX Micro Fellowships through the College’s career development resources and faculty mentors who encouraged me to apply. The position was a good fit for me because it allowed me to apply the skills I had gained from my economics and English studies in a practical setting, combining data analysis and writing to address a real business problem. It also connected directly with my interest in consulting and my long-term career goals, since the project required both quantitative analysis and qualitative insight, much like the work of strategy consultants. 

Kang collaborates with the Broehl Law Office team. Photo provided by subject.

TAKING INITIATIVE 

Kang: What interested me most about the work was the chance to integrate data-driven insights with human perspectives to solve a concrete business challenge. Each day, I worked with PracticePanther activity logs, QuickBooks invoices, and survey data to build a dataset that could shed light on client retention patterns. I coded survey responses, conducted HC3-adjusted regressions to address small sample size bias, and analyzed tone and engagement measures to see how communication style influenced client satisfaction. In addition to quantitative work, I interviewed stakeholders, created referral maps, and developed visual materials such as infographics to make my findings accessible. The blend of daily data analysis and direct engagement with people made the experience intellectually rewarding and practically meaningful. 

GUIDANCE FOR GROWTH 

Kang: My supervisor was attorney Derek Anderson, who provided guidance on the direction of the project and encouraged me to think critically about how research connects to client needs. He supported me in framing my analysis around practical outcomes and helped me understand the broader context of the firm’s services. His mentorship ensured that my work stayed relevant to the firm’s long-term strategy while giving me the independence to design the analysis and propose solutions. 

Kang develops data analysis skills during internship at the Broehl Law Office. Photo provided by subject.

LESSONS LEARNED 

Kang: Through this fellowship, I learned how to conduct regression analysis in a small-sample environment using statistical corrections, how to design clear and persuasive visual storytelling for business audiences, and how to structure interviews to gain insight from professionals. I strengthened my ability to translate quantitative results into strategic recommendations and practiced tailoring communication for both technical and non-technical audiences. The abundance of skills I learned, alongside data interpretation, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement are ones I expect to carry forward into a consulting and eventual law career. 

WHAT’S NEXT 

Kang: The internship helped me see that I want to pursue consulting after graduation, because I enjoyed the process of diagnosing a problem, analyzing it with evidence, and then creating solutions that could be implemented. It confirmed that economics provides me with the technical tools I need, while English gives me the communication ability to present findings effectively. While I had already been considering a consulting path, this experience showed me that I also want to integrate my long-term interest in law, since client-facing problem solving often intersects with legal and regulatory contexts. It has not changed my plans but has sharpened my vision of how consulting and law can be connected in my career trajectory. 

EMPOWERED INDEPENDENCE 

Kang: I would add that one of the most valuable parts of the experience was the independence I had in shaping the project. I produced an independent 28-page strategy report and presentation, which I delivered to the firm’s leadership. I was responsible for the analysis from start to finish, which meant that the final report and presentation truly reflected my own ideas and work. That independence was challenging but also empowering, and it gave me the confidence to know that I can take on complex projects in the future. 

Featured image: Marine Kang ’26 completed a report focused on improving client retention during an internship at the Broehl Law Office. Photo provided by subject.

Posted in Experiential Learning, Showcase Stories 2025 on August 6, 2025.