Work experience - uni

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Step 1: Get the best grades possible! Very standard advice but definitely not something to be glossed over. Building work experience is important but all your applications will have grade requirements so make sure your application is competitive by working hard to achieve a 1st or 2:1 if possible.

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Step 2: In your first year attend insight schemes/open days and any and all law events that you find at your university, by firms or online. As a first-year, you can't immediately start applying for TCs but you can learn more about the different firms out there and start flagging areas you might be interested in working in. This is your opportunity to learn as much as you can so ask lawyers questions and for advice. Many firms also offer social mobility programmes, with mentoring support and work experience opportunities - you can view these directly on the firm's websites. Do some research! Here is the Chamber Student's list of firms to help you get started: https://www.soas.ac.uk/student-ambassador-scheme.

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Step 3: Apply for Vacation Schemes (VS) in your second year. VS are a precursor to a TC, so they are normally harder to secure, which is why attending open days in your first year is so important. Showing a keen interest in a particular firm by attending a few events and joining one of their social mobility programmes are great way to stand out in your application and show your commitment. In terms of your application, make sure that your application is proofread by a mentor or the careers advisor etc., practice Watson Glaser Tests and sit Mock interviews with the Careers Department at your university.

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Step 4: Apply for a Training Contract in your third year. Hopefully, you are able to secure a TC by doing well during your VS but if not then there is also the option to apply directly for TC. The best advice here is to be strategic and get ready early. You should already know roughly what firms you are interested in applying for by the start of your third year so make a spreadsheet for all the Training Contracts offered by firms of your choice and their deadlines. You will be very busy in your final year of university with exams and assessments so it would be best to start preparing during the summer between the second and third year. Like with the VS, update your CV, proofread your application and it may also be a good idea to reach out to trainees at the firms you are applying to for advice and any application tips.