My enduring memories of College are of meeting amazing friends both inside and outside of the classroom and being able to balance studying with having fun. I took part in multiple extra-curricular activities such as completing my Duke of Edinburgh Gold award (an amazing adventure) and helping to lead Debating Club and the College Politics podcast. Through these, I met some amazing people and engaged in things I truly enjoy, which benefited me personally and academically.

I also took part in the Aspire programme which opened me up to teaching myself through self-led learning in my areas of interest. This greatly supported my professional development and I gained valuable insight into how things work at university.

College offered invaluable help when planning my future. During my tenure, I learnt about the different pathways that could support my career aspirations, and because of that, I’ve already achieved these and am now building towards my further aspirations.

I am currently in my first year of a six-year degree Solicitor apprenticeship with Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, working in the Private Client division of their Guildford office. Alongside this, I’m studying for an undergraduate degree in Law. In the later years of the programme, this will progress into completing my Solicitor Qualifying Exams.

The process of securing this position involved completing a job application and online assessments plus an in-person assessment centre and interview. As intimidating a process as this sounds, it was actually great fun, especially as you get to show your personality as well as meeting some great people who you then aspire to emulate.

However, it wasn’t without its difficulties. I was unsuccessful in obtaining other degree apprenticeships and I did not get my first-choice university. Initially this was demoralising, but just a few weeks later I was offered my current position. Due to this, I learnt the valuable lesson of not giving up hope while also acknowledging and recognising that not everything is without its downsides.

Starting in the role was challenging: I felt I didn’t know what I was doing and was surrounded by others who had been doing it for years. It’s hard not to get imposter syndrome, which is hard to shake and I’m sure will likely stay with me for a while! However, I now know that I am exactly where I am meant to be, and that the pressure eases over time.

So far, I’ve truly developed my understanding of Private Client law and worked on some quite complex matters. Furthermore, I now have people in my team turning to me to ask questions and requesting me to teach them. That’s been a key highlight, as I can see how much I’ve learnt in such a short time.

It is difficult to fully imagine the next five years of the apprenticeship that I still have ahead of me, however my goal is to qualify as an Associate in a department I enjoy. It is incredible to be able to look back on my aspirations of making into the world of law and knowing that I am almost there.

There’s no doubt it’s difficult making major life choices, such as whether you would like to go to university; what you want to study in the future and what your career goal is going to be. It’s important to be honest with yourself about what you want to do and kind to yourself about these choices. Be courageous, stay true to your personality and you will go far. Remember to hold yourself up and as Barbie said, ‘Anything is possible.’

Elliot McLaggan
Reigate College: 2023-2025
Higher education: BA Laws LLB, University of Law while working as a Solicitor Apprentice at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP