What do I do…
I’m a 3rd year (out of 4 years) languages student at Cambridge, and I’m wondering how to best use this year for my career goals.
I would really like to apply to a high performing law firm, eg Magic circle/US law/Silver circle. I’m really keen on international work and complex cases. Also, one of my key requirements is solid financial support to help me with cost of living during GDL + SQE. I can’t self fund either of these and I also would need a maintenance grant that is actually going to get me through living in London as I will have no help at all from my parents. These firms are, as far as I know, the only ones that will really substantially help students during this period.
But I’m not sure I make the cut. Admittedly I’ve only received one full on rejection (from A&O), but it’s early stages and I also have tried plenty of first year scheme applications before to no avail.
Grades wise I think I am fine. I have received a mid 2.1 both years and three A* at A-level… but I’m doing a languages degree and I have done very little to prove an interest in law so far. I have been somewhat ignoring my career goals and it’s only now, on a (non-legal) internship for my year abroad, that I’m realising how much of a mistake that has been.
I do have one week of work experience at a law firm in 2019, but since then it’s just been attending virtual talks, nothing that I feel could substantially support my application.
Should I keep applying for vacation schemes this year in case I might get somewhere? Or would it be a better use of my time to focus on getting as much other stuff to puff out my CV as possible, and only try to get a vac scheme in final year? If so, what sort of thing could I do virtually on my year abroad?
Thank you!!
)
I’m a 3rd year (out of 4 years) languages student at Cambridge, and I’m wondering how to best use this year for my career goals.
I would really like to apply to a high performing law firm, eg Magic circle/US law/Silver circle. I’m really keen on international work and complex cases. Also, one of my key requirements is solid financial support to help me with cost of living during GDL + SQE. I can’t self fund either of these and I also would need a maintenance grant that is actually going to get me through living in London as I will have no help at all from my parents. These firms are, as far as I know, the only ones that will really substantially help students during this period.
But I’m not sure I make the cut. Admittedly I’ve only received one full on rejection (from A&O), but it’s early stages and I also have tried plenty of first year scheme applications before to no avail.
Grades wise I think I am fine. I have received a mid 2.1 both years and three A* at A-level… but I’m doing a languages degree and I have done very little to prove an interest in law so far. I have been somewhat ignoring my career goals and it’s only now, on a (non-legal) internship for my year abroad, that I’m realising how much of a mistake that has been.
I do have one week of work experience at a law firm in 2019, but since then it’s just been attending virtual talks, nothing that I feel could substantially support my application.
Should I keep applying for vacation schemes this year in case I might get somewhere? Or would it be a better use of my time to focus on getting as much other stuff to puff out my CV as possible, and only try to get a vac scheme in final year? If so, what sort of thing could I do virtually on my year abroad?
Thank you!!
)
