[shookvitals]

Hi guys, I'm a final year Law and Politics student at a red brick university and I'm really stuck with what to do once I finish in just over a month. I'm on the borderline between a 2:1 and a 2:2 at the moment but I enjoy my modules this semester and I've got good feedback in the work I've done so hopefully I'll be leaving with a 2:1. I'm open to the idea of going into law but I'm not entirely sure what other options I have, either in the legal area or outside of it.

I've pretty much totally averse to the idea of working for a city law firm or anything similar and they were being pushed so much at the university that I fell under the impression that it was really the only path to go in law. I now know otherwise but it means that I haven't really made any links or connections during my 3 years. I also realise that because I haven't applied for anything yet I won't get onto anything until the year after next, so I could get another job for next year then apply for something whilst doing that as well as saving up some money. I quite like the idea of doing something with Human Rights or IP which were probably my favourite modules to study but I have no idea how I go about getting into these areas.

I've thought about a few other things too. Secondary teaching, but with Law and Politics there isn't a lot of openings. Journalism, I've had experience at my local paper and I've had stuff published but I don't really know if I'm good enough to 'make it'.

I'm not really fussed about making loads of money either (I would have been a city lawyer if that was the case!) and basically I just want to do something that I'd be proud to do and know that I'm benefiting the lives of others. I know I'm coming out of university with a good degree so it just seems like a waste to go into a dead-end 9-5 job which I fear I may be falling into!

Any suggestions welcome guys, thanks.

(Edit: my degree is a QLD, in case you're wondering)

[roh]

You could try TechFirst for the next cohort? Probably to teach Citizenship or a shortage subject if you have an A Level in it? It would give you a chance to try teaching with no obligation to go into it after 2 years and allow you time to make contacts, apply for vac schemes etc. whilst getting something on your CV.

Otherwise you could look at the various public sector grad schemes? If you're interested in politics then Fast Stream's probably the best, but the Local Government one, NHS, MI5, etc. might interest you too.

Within law maybe look at firms with a strong emphasis on public sector work like Bevan Brittan, DACBeachcroft etc. or Healthcare. Otherwise maybe firms which act for individuals like Irwin Mitchell? There's a fair few North West firms with strong teams in areas like healthcare like Brabners and Hill Dicks.

A firm that sounds good for you might be Anthony Collins: http://www.lex100.com/content/view/52300/37/