University. - A random rant

[GrandOldTeam]

Is a mugs game.

Literally straight A's and B's in every test and assignment I have done (awaiting one result) in first year but I can see myself dropping out this summer for a no mark job. Good jobs are hard to come by and average jobs keep asking for experience...

May to October is far to big of a break, I wont even remember how to get back to Uni in October. I'd much rather have no summer breaks and work intensively to get it out of the way :angry:

 

[SuitsBlue]

build yourself some cash up now, or better yet, try and get some experience in the trade or associated trade you have your eye on for when you finish uni.

sadly at the end of the day, university grades count but the biggest factor will always be 'who you know and not what you know'.

 

[GrandOldTeam]

Exactly Suits.

Am doing Criminology, it's impossible to get any (paid) experience in that field. Currently writing a cover letter to apply for a "Office Junior/Barristers Clerk". If it's a receptionist kind of role, i'll be well pissed off.

 

[SuitsBlue]

it might be a foot in the door though, and even if it is running errands, its a few quid in your pocket whilst you learn as much as you can about the firm and the areas of the legal service they are involved with.

a good referance from a legal firm would certainly help on any future CV, even if that means doing something similar next summer. building up the experience and understanding of that business.

 

[micknick]

I'll be honest- University was the best thing I ever did. I got the grade I was after and the life experience made me what I am today (Ill await the jokes) I dont think I would have had the same experience if I was living at home when I went to uni tho- its not much different to being at college if you do.

Oh and by the way- you can pass the 1st year by turning up- its the 2nd and 3rd years that count and what you are marked on.

 

[SuitsBlue]

getting some summer experience at a legal firm will show committment too, its something to ask your tutors about and see if they can help you with a placement or a letter explaining that your studying in that field.

 

[GrandOldTeam]

Suits I have sent well over 20 lettes/emails to legal firms (solicitors etc) but its virtually impossible to get a position mate. They arent interested unless they are recruiting admin staff, and even then... I think they are put off if your at Uni.

 

[loosecranks]

Is a mugs game.

Literally straight A's and B's in every test and assignment I have done (awaiting one result) in first year but I can see myself dropping out this summer for a no mark job. Good jobs are hard to come by and average jobs keep asking for experience...

May to October is far to big of a break, I wont even remember how to get back to Uni in October. I'd much rather have no summer breaks and work intensively to get it out of the way :angry:

You should think very carefully before to consider dropping out, Danny - qualifications really do pay off later in life. It might be tempting to start earning now, but you might end up taking years to reach a position that you could slide straight into as a graduate. The end of your degree might seem like a long way of at this point, but it will fly by.

I agree about the summer break, though; I think it's ridiculous, for a whole host of reasons, not least because so many students are forced into taking jobs, then get used to the money and are tempted into dropping out.

Anyway, lecture over.

 

[gordonjblair]

I was quite lucky in that my A levels were good enough to get me a Commission in the RAF (although, I still joined as an Airman first, but that was through personal choice, know the job first etc). So I didn't need to go through Uni... but I'd never suggest to anyone that missing Uni is the thing to do... I've always believed it's better to regret the things you have done than those you haven't.

In your case, where I assume you've a desire to have a career related in some way to the legal profession, I'd strongly recommend that you stick with it. Even if your strategic aim changes, and end up pursuing a career in a different sector, that fact that you've completed a degree still goes a lot further than if you've (pardon the phrase) 'quit' after one year. Certainly if I saw 1 year of a degree course on a CV, I'd be asking why, and possibly questioning the determination of the applicant.

Sounds really harsh, I know, but in competitive industries where recruiters have to find a way to narrow down the numbers, they'll seize on anything to make the deselection easier.

As for the summer job, don't bang your head too hard over getting a legal job if one's not coming, find an alternative job that you'll enjoy instead, and just keep the study ticking over.. summer will go quicker if you're earning and enjoying, rather than doing some arsehole barrister's filing b)

Chin up

 

[CanadaToffee]

Danny, a number of students in your position here in Toronto are trying a new approach: they apply for summer jobs, with law firms, etc., but with a twist that goes something like this:

I'll work for your firm for 4 weeks (or 6 weeks) for nothing. You do not have to pay me a penny, and I will use that 6 week period to prove to you that I'm worth keeping around (and paying) for another 6 weks (or whatever) on the payroll. No obligation on the employer's part.

This seems to play well, and even if they decide not to keep you on after the 6 weeks, you have some work experience which may help you get another position next summer.

 

[chicoazul]

You can always sell your arse to make money.

Mick done well enough out of it....

 

[SuitsBlue]

only cos you have deep pockets

 

[Neiler]

Its a grind mate, but [Poor language removed] the parties, girls, mates, of all make it worth it. i remember thinking i couldnt wait to leave now i wish i could go back (and i like my job).

I remeber working my arse of to put myself through uni in the summer mate, its like putting in the bank for the future though, youl get it well back a thosand times over.