Jobs for Language Grads!

Hi everyone,

I study languages (French and Spanish) at uni, and I REALLY need to start thinking of some grad jobs. I've considered law (particularly private client), given the variety and challenge of the work (and the pay isn't bad!), however I don't really want to do another two years' study (PGDL + SQE). I'd love to find a sector where I could have some occasional travel (especially outside of Europe), have good pay and career prospects, and have a great variety of work! Would also love to be able to use my language skills, if only every so often. Any suggestions?

Reply 1

UniofLawStudent6

Official Rep

Original post

by JK556

Hi everyone,
I study languages (French and Spanish) at uni, and I REALLY need to start thinking of some grad jobs. I've considered law (particularly private client), given the variety and challenge of the work (and the pay isn't bad!), however I don't really want to do another two years' study (PGDL + SQE). I'd love to find a sector where I could have some occasional travel (especially outside of Europe), have good pay and career prospects, and have a great variety of work! Would also love to be able to use my language skills, if only every so often. Any suggestions?

Hi @JK556 ,

Having done a vacation scheme in a private client team, I can confirm this is a really interesting (and challenging) area of law and every day is different! It's completely understandable that you don't want to do the extra studying first and would prefer to dive straight into a career, but please note there are many other routes into law.

For example, you could consider doing a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (Level 7). This is a more work-based route, combining paid on-the-job training with study for the SQEs over 2-3 years, funded by your employer (though you may be required to study the PGDL before starting). If you apply to a firm with international connections, I'm sure you would find opportunities to travel and use your language skills - these will certainly set you apart from other candidates in your applications.

Alternatively, you could look into becoming a paralegal (find out more here). Although a lot of firms may prefer you to have done the PGDL, prior study of law isn't always a strict legal requirement. And while the salary is typically lower than a solicitor apprentice, it does increase over time!

I'll end by noting that although 2 years of further study may seem like a lot, it truly does fly by. As someone on the PGDL & SQE pathway myself, I am constantly seeing how the topics I study are relevant to my future career as a solicitor and it makes me all the more excited to get started! I'd highly recommend at least applying for a few vacation schemes so you can get some real insight into legal work and make an informed decision as to whether you definitely don't want to do extra study. You may find law so appealing that you're willing to put in the extra work for it (and as you say, this is also reflected in the pay!).

Good luck with whatever you decide to do 😊

Holly - PGDL Student

Reply 2

username7731865

Original post

by JK556

Hi everyone,
I study languages (French and Spanish) at uni, and I REALLY need to start thinking of some grad jobs. I've considered law (particularly private client), given the variety and challenge of the work (and the pay isn't bad!), however I don't really want to do another two years' study (PGDL + SQE). I'd love to find a sector where I could have some occasional travel (especially outside of Europe), have good pay and career prospects, and have a great variety of work! Would also love to be able to use my language skills, if only every so often. Any suggestions?

u could work for intelligence services since u speak multiple languages to translate, most languages grads ik go into the big 4/professional services. i think deloitte has a french division in london for audit if u wanna look into that