I thoroughly enjoyed my time at College and continue to see it as instrumental in my choice to
pursue an apprenticeship rather than university. I found that the College’s approach fostered
independent learning; created positive relations between staff and students; and supported
students to be flexible in how they learn. All these elements helped me to develop skills I needed for a smooth transition into my apprenticeship.
After taking part in insight visits to companies that the College organised, I decided an apprenticeship was right for me. One highlight was a visit to Salesforce Tower in London where I led on a mock pitch to a client in their boardroom. Another was working alongside staff at a Commercial Law Firm on the completion of a $1 billion deal, then reading an article about it in the next day’s news. These visits also helped me test whether law was right for me and inspired me to join the industry as soon as possible. Earning while completing a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree means I will gain my Law qualification debt-free.
It’s no secret that Law is an extremely competitive field. Firstly, I’d suggest trying
to get work experience in the legal industry, whether that’s with a firm on the high street or a company’s legal department. Secondly, it’s helpful to get yourself involved and networking with fellow aspiring lawyers. This you can do through organisations like Aspiring Solicitors, or by joining the mooting team at university. Lastly, keeping up with the news and current commercial issues is a must as it helps you understand where the legal industry is heading so you are better prepared for the workplace you’re joining.
In the Upper Sixth, you’ll undoubtedly be as busy as you have ever been, and so finding time to complete apprenticeship applications on top of everything that you already have going on can be challenging. So here’s a time-tested, proven way to approach this challenge: Start now! Get organised and do what you can, whenever you can, as early as you can. Set up a plan, whether that’s on paper, Word, Excel or the Notes app on your iPhone. It doesn’t have to be pretty, but it does have to work for you. Commit to doing a little, every day.
Don’t let opportunities pass you while you wait to have a “free day”. In most sectors, new opportunities are posted regularly. These come and go, so you do not want to be missing out. This may sound daunting and you may feel “it’s not something I have the time to do right now”. I’ve been where you’ve been before and so have many others like me. But you’re lucky enough to have an ace up your sleeve: the amazing support available from your Careers team at the College.
One day you’ll realise just how rare a dedicated Careers team is, because I’ve yet to come across anyone I’ve worked with who recalls having one at their school. So, don’t know where to start? Go speak to the Careers team. Don’t know where to look? Go speak to the Careers team. Stuck between two different options? Go speak to the Careers team. Aren’t sure what “a LinkedIn” is or how to improve your CV or write a cover letter? You get the point…! And speaking of CVs and LinkedIn, if you do know what you’re doing, start that now too!
Antony Vundi
Reigate College: 2017-2019
Higher Education: City, University of London Bachelor of Laws LLB in Legal Practice. Currently completing the Solicitor’s Qualifying Exams, while working as Trainee Solicitor at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
