“Birkbeck is solidifying my career path to become a solicitor”

Why did you choose Birkbeck?

There are two main reasons why I chose Birkbeck. The first is that it belongs to the prestigious University of London, so when I graduate, I will receive a globally highly recognised degree. Secondly, I have access to various student societies, libraries, and educational resources across more than a dozen other University of London institutions. For example, I personally love going to the Senate House Library to look up research materials. 

Furthermore, Birkbeck has a fantastic geographical location, which is unbeatable. For law students, within a short walking distance, you can reach places like the Royal Courts of Justice or the Old Bailey (the Central Criminal Court) to immerse yourself in the public hearings of major cases. Watching top barristers in court is an experience you simply cannot get anywhere else.  

What are the best things about life at Birkbeck?

Firstly, I’d say Birkbeck’s flexible teaching model. It allows me to perfectly balance my work and studies without causing any issues with my schedule. 

Secondly, it offers a highly diverse classroom. I’ve met classmates from different age groups, backgrounds, and professional fields sharing their perspectives in one room. Many of them are already workplace elites with years of experience. For instance, sitting next to me in my seminars are professionals from the Big Four accounting firms, various financial institutions, and consulting firms – as you can imagine, we have lively discussions! This has broadened my horizons and surpassed what I’d would have experienced among peers only of my age. 

Finally, life at Birkbeck gives me plenty of time to spend in nature. In addition to London's cultural melting pot, there are many natural landscapes to experience within an hour's train. I often organise bonfire camping and sea fishing trips with my friends. I’ve also visited the Lake District and various nature reserves, the scenery there is exceptionally beautiful. I’ve also found travelling to Europe incredibly convenient - after just a two-hour train I can be walking on the streets of Paris enjoying my weekend. 

How has studying at Birkbeck helped your career ambitions?

Studying in London has been tremendously helpful for my career development. There are so many career opportunities. The university has a very comprehensive careers service that frequently organises numerous seminars, which have included law professors, industry leaders, and writers living in London. 

Additionally, I attend a vast number of job fairs. Every single seminar and job fair is an excellent opportunity to broaden my horizons and expand my professional network. 

I have also found there’s a highly supportive atmosphere among alumni at this university. I have gained many internship opportunities through my classmates, which has been a huge help for my career development. 

Finally, after graduation, I will undertake a two-year legal internship. During this period, I will still be able to continuously receive a lot of support from the Birkbeck careers service, which gives me great peace of mind. It was exactly through all these job fairs and seminars that I slowly solidified my career path, to become a solicitor while continuing to pursue my passion for writing and creative work.