Am I currently competitive for high city firms?

[success2803]

Hello, I’m 18 and currently an undergraduate studying English and History at Warwick. I’m aiming to work in a big city firm, but I don’t feel I’m the most competitive candidate.

My GCSEs were good- I got all 9s. But for A-levels (due to extenuating circumstances, and bad grade boundaries) I got ABB. My subject choices were History, Drama and English Literature, and I know Drama is also not the strongest choice.

As well as that, I’m going to a good university, but it isn’t a high target uni I think, and I’m not even doing law. I don’t know if having to do a conversion course will hold me back.

I’m already looking at insight schemes and work experience I can apply to to add to my Linkedin, and I know getting a 1st class is one of the best things I can work towards right now, but do you think I am a competitive candidate right now with my current stats?

And how can I make myself better?

PS, I do have a justification for Drama, I was hoping it’d help my public speaking skills and ability to understand people’s psychology/emotions better- which I was hoping would help me if I was to ever become a barrister.

 

[Jaysen]

Hello, I’m 18 and currently an undergraduate studying English and History at Warwick. I’m aiming to work in a big city firm, but I don’t feel I’m the most competitive candidate.

My GCSEs were good- I got all 9s. But for A-levels (due to extenuating circumstances, and bad grade boundaries) I got ABB. My subject choices were History, Drama and English Literature, and I know Drama is also not the strongest choice.

As well as that, I’m going to a good university, but it isn’t a high target uni I think, and I’m not even doing law. I don’t know if having to do a conversion course will hold me back.

I’m already looking at insight schemes and work experience I can apply to to add to my Linkedin, and I know getting a 1st class is one of the best things I can work towards right now, but do you think I am a competitive candidate right now with my current stats?

And how can I make myself better?

PS, I do have a justification for Drama, I was hoping it’d help my public speaking skills and ability to understand people’s psychology/emotions better- which I was hoping would help me if I was to ever become a barrister.

Hey! Welcome to TCLA

Yes, you are competitive. You'll notice some firms have minimum A-level requirements, so you'll want to be mindful of those, but there are many that don't care about A-levels.

Warwick is also an excellent university. If you get a first class, this will stand out.

PS: Don't worry too much about choosing Drama. There's nothing wrong with your subject choice!

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

Hello, I’m 18 and currently an undergraduate studying English and History at Warwick. I’m aiming to work in a big city firm, but I don’t feel I’m the most competitive candidate.

My GCSEs were good- I got all 9s. But for A-levels (due to extenuating circumstances, and bad grade boundaries) I got ABB. My subject choices were History, Drama and English Literature, and I know Drama is also not the strongest choice.

As well as that, I’m going to a good university, but it isn’t a high target uni I think, and I’m not even doing law. I don’t know if having to do a conversion course will hold me back.

I’m already looking at insight schemes and work experience I can apply to to add to my Linkedin, and I know getting a 1st class is one of the best things I can work towards right now, but do you think I am a competitive candidate right now with my current stats?

And how can I make myself better?

PS, I do have a justification for Drama, I was hoping it’d help my public speaking skills and ability to understand people’s psychology/emotions better- which I was hoping would help me if I was to ever become a barrister.

Hi! Congratulations on getting into Warwick! It absolutely is a target University for law. I often view this as: Oxbridge in one tier, then majority of the rest of the RG in the next tier, then followed by non-RG.

You are definitely a competitive candidate with your current stats. The Drama degree definitely won't be something that will hold you back in the long run! Law firms certainly love you showcasing your personality and nowadays most firms hire 50/50 law and non-law.


On your advice point, I would definitely focus on trying to get the best grades you can. Beyond that, try to start formulating a general idea as to which firms, and which type of firms, draw you in and why. I then would see what typical qualities they look for in candidates and where you potentially may fall behind. From there, I would try to secure some form of experience to showcase those traits.

Hope this was helpful, and wishing you all the best !