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.
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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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