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Keep an open mind and keep learning about the diverse areas of law: Q&A with graduate Aryan Mandal

University of Bristol Law School graduate Aryan Mandal

19 October 2023

With our International Internship Scholar Scheme (IISS) open until the end of October, we caught up with previous IISS award winner and recent Law graduate Aryan Mandal (LLB 2023). In this Q&A, we talked to Aryan about what the award meant to him, his favourite things about his studies, the extra-curricular activities he participated in and his advice for new law students.

Congratulations again on winning the IISS prize. What did it mean to you to receive it?  

Each year the law school recognises international students who undertake legal work experience in their home (or overseas) country with the International Internship Scholar Scheme. This is an amazing initiative taken by the Law School for us international students who face particular challenges in securing internships in the UK, particularly in our first year.

This award meant a lot to me as it is a recognition of the two months of hard work I put in over summer, in my first year, at the Supreme Court of India. This award also benefits my future employability and gives me the opportunity to make my resume stand out.

Why did you decide to apply to the LLB Law degree at Bristol?

I chose Bristol for my LLB degree because of its academic and research excellence. Further, the Bristol Law School equips one for any future career with a rich, ethically grounded appreciation of law in business and society, and an ability to demonstrate excellent legal, analytical and reasoning skills.

The university really takes good care of its international students, and it allows one to really express themselves freely.

Lastly, the Law School is always open for any feedback and is constantly looking to meet the different needs of students who are facing difficulties, which is a big advantage as one student can easily voice their opinion on teaching quality through feedback.

What was your favourite part of the course?

My favourite part over my three years at university has been the interaction with different people in seminars. The seminars at the Law School tend to have an interactive nature which allows you to get to know your fellow batch mates and make a community in which you can best express yourself.

Further, I think one amazing part of the course is the different range of subjects one can choose in their degree. In my third year, I even had the option to choose Arbitration and Banking Law which are areas I have always wanted to work on and the Law School provides such diverse options.

What extra-curricular activities were you involved in during your studies?

I was the President of the Indian Society, which allowed me to plan different cultural events with the committee and do something positive for the International Students in Bristol. I was also the Faculty Representative for FSSL which allowed me to be involved with the Senate and Education Network Committee meetings which allow me to make the student voice heard.

What is your favourite part about living in Bristol?

My favourite part about living in Bristol is the Bristol Harbour.

What advice would you give to new law students?

Keep an open mind when you are coming to study law. When I started university, I wanted to specialise in criminal law but after three years of university I realised that I want to specialise in Banking and Financial Services Law. You never know what area of law is suited for you, so always keep an open mind and keep learning about the diverse areas of law. 

Further information

Each year the Law School offers international LLB and MA students the opportunity to receive recognition and a financial reward for any legal-related work experience completed over the academic year’s vacation periods through the International Internship Scholar Scheme.  

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