As an international student in the UK studying Law, relevant work experience could help my chances of getting a graduate job. However, I did not have any at the beginning of my course. I was determined to overcome this challenge and found that the university’s careers and employability service was an invaluable resource. I enrolled in the Westminster Employability Award at the beginning of my studies, which proved pivotal for me. I created a strong CV, established my LinkedIn profile, and completed several mini-courses to improve my CV.
My efforts paid off when I landed my first Talent Bank job as a service coordinator at the Legal Advice Clinic, where I volunteered. I excelled in my role, leading two paid positions as a student caller and a consultant in the Westminster Community Internship. During my holiday break, these experiences helped me secure other mini-roles, such as a research internship with the Young Westminster Foundation.
Through the help of career sessions with the team, I landed a summer role with the sales and commercial team via Talent Bank. I am currently working as a student digital ambassador with the Learning Innovation and Digital Engagement team based in Cavendish. I used the tips and advice from the careers and WEA teams to improve my cover letter writing and excel in my interview, thus securing this role.
My success in these roles gave me the confidence to apply for networking opportunities outside the university. The careers team emphasised the importance of first-year law students attending firm open/insight days. With my work experience and application writing skills, I have attended four firm insight days and exclusive internships, including one with the UK Civil Service. It’s a source of pride for me to represent my university at these external events as I noticed that I was the only student from the University present. Seeing how far I have come and how my LinkedIn profile has grown more than I anticipated, with 500+ connections, gives me great joy. I have also been selected to participate in a Westminster working Cultures trip to Singapore and a Summer School program in Sweden. It is incredible to have these international experiences, and it is a no-brainer that the quality of my application questions and answers played a crucial role in getting me these opportunities.
Now, I attend as many events and sessions as the team puts together. I have even completed the gold level of the WEA. The uncertainty that comes with finding a graduate job will not relate to me as I have put in so much effort and have, at the same time, received so much support from the careers team. I have attached a picture of me at a law firm’s open day and another photo of me doing my daily classroom checks at the Cavendish campus. I want to let you know that I have still maintained a good standing in my grades. This is beneficial to be selected for specific work experiences and events.
I hope my story inspires you reading this and any other international student. I may still need to get to my finals, but I am confident I will land the perfect job upon graduation. Thank you, careers team!
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Thank you to Amaka, a second year LLB Law with French student, for sharing her experiences. We hope Amaka’s story inspires you!
Remember: if you need careers support, your Careers Team is only an email / a message away!
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