Moving forward: Life after graduation

I have four years of legal education, so what now?

My undergraduate experience is something I always enjoy speaking about, the highs of being a fresher, meeting new people, partying with friends, and graduating with a 2.1 to the lows of final year assessments and ultimately how much I have learnt from it all.

However, when it comes to my postgraduate degree, not so much. It isn't purely that it was extremely difficult revising for 15 exams, repeating consolidation tasks and adjusting to online classes as well as motivating myself to study in my pyjamas during the lockdown. Yes.. we have all been there. The reason being is having to answer the dreaded question "Do you have a training contract?" or "Do you have a training contract yet?". Emphasis on the yet. As many law students and graduates may agree the legal industry is very competitive as it involves applying to hundreds of companies through application forms, critical thinking tests, and interviews with senior management. At times, you do not receive any feedback following an unsuccessful application *confused face*.

The application process for many people remains daunting and there is a contagious feeling going around of not feeling good enough after reading "unfortunately" in an email. The added pressure to have essential experience does not help either. I received my LPC results recently and I am happy, there is no doubt about that. However, there is still a feeling of uncertainty as to when I will get a training contract with a law firm or in-house, especially in the current situation where unemployment rates are still rising. We have this habit of comparing ourselves to others, and there is this sense that if you have not received a training contract by the end of your undergraduate degree, you are on the wrong track. But, when did this turn into a race?

Nevertheless, your time will come so there is certainly no rush. Also, there is no rush to begin your studies if you are not mentally ready. There are many opportunities out there to gain experience through volunteering, extracurricular activities, virtual internships, and part-time work while moving forward in your career.

This links to the reason I created this platform in the first place. By connecting with a community through support and advice which I have learnt through experiences, I hope this adds value to your journey wherever it may be.