Beatrice, Law student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to improve her understanding of the legal sector and the different specialism within it. Through the scheme Beatrice was matched with an English graduate from the University of Exeter who is now a Solicitor at Lexis Nexis, specialising in private clients.

“Incredible for people who wish to learn more about a prospective career path”

Beatrice tells us more about her experience below:

What were your highlights of the scheme?

A particular highlight of mine was when I was talking to my mentor about the joys of the LPC and how best to deal with the pressure and workload – we were definitely able to empathise with each other’s experiences!

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

I found my mentors advice on my training contract applications incredibly helpful. They were able to offer a completely objective viewpoint and help guide me through a very daunting process.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

I’d say don’t let your doubts about time commitments or whether or not you will have anything meaningful to say get the better of you, simply go for it. The mentor scheme is so flexible and incredible for people who wish to learn more about a prospective career path, or indeed find out about alternative employment options.

The mentor scheme has certainly helped build my confidence, help me understand more about the legal profession and the types of work to expect, and to realise that I am capable of much more than I ever thought possible. If I were given the chance to do it all over again I absolutely would!

Daniel, Law student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to gain practical insight into the industry and maintain motivation in attaining a training contract. Through the scheme, Daniel was matched with an LLB graduate from the University of Exeter who is now an Associate at Norton Rose Fulbright with experience at a variety of firms.

Daniel tells us more about his experience below:

What objectives did you achieve?

Daniel achieved all of his objectives including:

• Increased knowledge of effective application forms in this sector
• Improved knowledge of further education and professional courses related to this sector
• Increased knowledge of good and bad aspects of the profession

What were your highlights of the scheme?

I got to visit my mentor’s office. Our first meeting was very frank and motivated me hugely to pursue commercial work experience over the summer in preparation for next year training contract. I found the motivation from my mentor the most useful part of my experience.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

The mentor scheme really helped build my confidence. I was very open with my mentor that I did not have any confidence in getting a training contract. I was focused on whether it was possible or not but he was focused on when it will happen.

My mentor strongly advised me to apply for some commercial work experience opportunities. I was already demotivated since I had spent my second year chasing vacation schemes but I took on his advice and decided I was going to broaden my scope. I applied to local law firms, etc. During my research, I came across from legal work experience in FT. They only take on two students per year. I applied and I got the post. Until I spoke to my mentor I had really believed that there was no need to seek summer experiences by June.

It is hard to believe but I was certain I was not going to get a training contract in my second year. But, thanks to my mentors motivation I ended up with two training contract offers with two City firms. In short, I came in downcast, left feeling like I was in wonderland.

Ella, Law student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to receive advice on working at a law firm outside of the City. She was interested in learning about applications into the profession and making herself stand out. Through the scheme, Ella was matched with a Law graduate from the University of Exeter who is now a Solicitor at Trowers & Hamlins LLP with much experience in Private Wealth.

Ella tells us more about her experience below:

What objectives did you achieve?

Ella achieved all of her objectives including:

• Increased knowledge of effective interview techniques in this sector
• Improved knowledge of further education and professional courses related to this sector
• Increased knowledge of sector entry requirements

Ella also achieved some personal objectives of experiencing mock interviews, improving commercial awareness and help reviewing applications.

What were your highlights of the scheme?

• I met up with my Mentor over coffee at least once a month
• I had 2 mock interviews with various trainees and partners

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

• Mock interviews for Paralegal role and training contract
• Meeting other partners in the firm that my Mentor worked for and listening to their advice
• Having my mentor help me with my CV

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

This is such a good opportunity which gives you confidence with applications and interviews. I found it to be a positive experience; my mentor was so encouraging, giving me her experience and tips. In law it is so easy to get disheartened, but my mentor helped me to stay positive. She has given me a lot of good career advice. It is definitely worth doing – I have already had successful applications after the scheme.

Joshua, Law student, applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to gain an understanding of the market and learn about legal sources of information to follow. He was in the process of applying for vacation schemes and sought guidance and critique on applications. Through the scheme, Joshua was matched with a Law graduate from the University of Exeter who is now a Partner at Simmons & Simmons LLP with vast experience across the legal sector and in particular, real estate.

Joshua tells us more about his experience below:

What objectives did you achieve?

Joshua achieved all of his objectives including:

• Increased knowledge of effective application forms in this sector
• Received help to improve CV
• Widened my contacts and networking opportunities

What were your highlights of the scheme?

I was invited to my mentor’s place of work to attend a networking event. This was an unbelievable experience as I had the opportunity to talk to a variety of lawyers and make meaningful links.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Contrasting the practical advice about the industry versus the perceptions I had.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

“An unparalleled opportunity to network with high-performance professionals in the industry”

Isobel, Law student, wanted to pursue a career in the Legal industry and applied to the Career Mentor Scheme to begin building contacts, see the practical side of her degree and receive help with internship applications. Through the scheme, Isobel was matched with a Paralegal at Anglo Pacific Group PLC. This mentor has also worked in the legal profession for EDF Energy, Burges Salmon and at Exeter Crown Court.

“A great help in improving my application techniques and widening my knowledge of the industry outside of what I previously knew.”

Isobel achieved all of her objectives including increased knowledge of effective application forms, improved personal development skills and increased knowledge of sector entry requirements.

Isobel shared her experience of the scheme:

What were your highlights of the scheme?

Good to have someone who has been through the same route I wish to go down.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Insight into alternative career paths I didn’t anticipate.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

Definitely apply! The scheme broadens your horizons and allows you to think about alternative options you may not have considered. I went into the scheme with a very clear vision of my career path and now I have come out with many other options I never thought I would consider. It has also been a great help job applications; having a fresh pair of eyes on your CV and cover letter and from someone within the industry is very beneficial.