Why did you choose Bristol Law School?

I studied the MA in Law from 2011 to July 2013. The reputation of Bristol, both domestically and internationally was a big factor in choosing the Law School.

Law can be intimidating but the format of the course, which is also pursued at Masters-level, allowed me to take it at a slower pace and therefore absorb it better. This was also important to me.

What was life like as a student in the Law school?

I worked long hours but I felt very lucky to be in a great city, studying in a great building, there was always a lot going on.

The MA in Law course itself is a small cohort, which means, as a group, we were very collective. I got so much out of interacting and learning from the people around me. It was an enriching and supportive group.

I would do it all over again.

What most inspired you during your time here?

I came into the MA with the idea that I wanted to be in the corporate sector, however it was the passion of the academics and the ambition of those around me that really made me think bigger about my career.

The Bristol Law environment really encourages you to push your own boundaries. The determination of those around you, both peers and teachers, rubs off and means you end up achieving more than perhaps you had envisioned.

What have you been doing since leaving Bristol?

I lived in Malaysia before coming to the UK and had a job offer back out there for when I finished my course in Bristol.

I’ve been here for three years now, working hard and building up my experience, however I’ve just secured a training contract with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld’s London office, which starts in September next year.

Tell us a bit about your current job

I’ve been working for a non-traditional start up that invests in natural resource assets. I provide consultancy services, source and work on investment opportunities as well as work alongside law firms to provide a legal service. It’s been varied and given me a lot of experience to grow.

Corporate law has always been what I’ve wanted to do; however the process for obtaining a training role is rigorous.  I had to be extremely prepared for the interview process and its taken a lot of work to get the position I wanted.

I now feel ready to make the most of my training contract and am really excited about taking the next step in my career.

How has having a UoB degree helped you?

In Malaysia, Bristol is recognised as an excellent institution. During my MA I learnt a great deal of skills, such as evaluation, arguing, research and multi-tasking across four subjects – all of which have helped me immensely in my working life. The practical legal experience also gave me a good knowledge of the law to build from.

Bristol definitely equipped me with the skills and knowledge I needed to move forward in my chosen career.

What’s been your biggest achievement since leaving Bristol?

Getting my training contact is a huge achievement. However, before that it was my responsibility to oversee insurance matters for a group of ten companies as part of my current role.  That, to me, was evidence that I had come a long way and really built up my knowledge and skillset.

That achievement really helped to spur me on to fight harder for a training contract.

Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years’ time?

I took a long time to make sure that Law was the career for me so I’m completely committed to developing as a professional in my field. I want to establish myself and, in 10 years, I’d hope to be a Partner in a law firm.

What hints or tips would you give to prospective students?

Bristol really does give you a holistic education with excellent teaching, great people in a good city.

Within the course you’re encouraged to take on other challenges and really explore your skills and what you’re capable of. My advice would be to really absorb this atmosphere and use it to enhance your experience.

Bristol has a great deal to offer, so make the most of it.