Part time GDL - does it look bad on your CV?

Does this look like a slacker's option? I am not sure if I can afford to do it in one year. What kind of people do the course part-time? I want to be a barrister and since I will also most probably have to pay for the BVC, I'm just not sure if I have the cash to do the GDL full time startign in September.

How is it perceived both generally and in applications for pupillage and, then, tenancy?

Reply 1

Lady Narcissus

14

Well when I spoke to a barrister he said he liked people who had worked and taken their time because they made better barristers. Don't know if I totally agree but I think doing the GDL part time will not count against you

Reply 2

BarristerBarista

OP

That's an interesting point! I was actually planning on using the year to do lots of mini pupillages and gain experience working for a couple of human rights charities, and also to become fluent in French. Hopefully I wouldn't look like a complete slacker?!!?

Reply 3

Blondie22

1

are u planning on working? wont it cost more to do it over two years not working .. two years of living expenses
i think if u work too it will be fine , if u dont u will look like a slacker

Reply 4

dragon_1706

I've just finished the full-time CPE, but the impression I got was that the part-time students at my uni were mostly working full-time. I'd have thought they'll look really committed and disciplined for having managed to fit everything in, but I can't see how working and studying part-time would put you at any disadvantage. People might be a bit surprised if you dont work at all, but I assume that's not your plan if money is an issue!

Reply 5

BarristerBarista

OP

Yes, I'd definitely be working! The things mentioned above were additional things i'd be trying to do as well as working and studying, to boost my application.

Dragon - were the part time students generally older than you or was there not much in it?

I'm concerned because by the time I finish my BVC I would be 26..I hope this wouldn't disadvantage me?

Reply 6

dragon_1706

BarristerBarista

Yes, I'd definitely be working! The things mentioned above were additional things i'd be trying to do as well as working and studying, to boost my application.

Dragon - were the part time students generally older than you or was there not much in it?

I'm concerned because by the time I finish my BVC I would be 26..I hope this wouldn't disadvantage me?

I didn't actually meet most of the part-time students, because they had completely separate teaching from us. Even on the full-time course, though, there were several people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s and 60s, so 26 is young by comparison! And I'm a slightly older student than some myself.

Reply 7

ooops!

BarristerBarista

Does this look like a slacker's option? I am not sure if I can afford to do it in one year. What kind of people do the course part-time? I want to be a barrister and since I will also most probably have to pay for the BVC, I'm just not sure if I have the cash to do the GDL full time startign in September.

How is it perceived both generally and in applications for pupillage and, then, tenancy?

I guess that it a part time GDL will not look bad on your CV at all as long as you are doing something alongside it. If you are working and doing a part time GDL would look great as you are managing your time well to do both things. I feel that it should not be a problem at all.

Part time GDL - does it look bad on your CV?

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