Law careers

If you’ve harboured an interest in a law career, but ruled it out because you’re not a law student, think again. Non-law graduates can do a one year full-time, or two year part-time, law conversion course, called the Graduate Diploma in Law, to set them on the path to becoming a solicitor or barrister. It’s never too early to research this option. Work experience is really important, not only because it looks good on your CV, but also because it provides a valuable insight into different areas of the profession. Our Starting Point Sheet, ‘Law for Non-Law Students’, gives websites with information on work experience – a vacation scheme with a firm of solicitors or mini-pupillage with a barristers’ chambers.

Pop into the Careers Resource Centre in Crawford House on Booth Street East to pick up a law careers guide so you can check out important information including a timetable for action – i.e. what you need to do and when. For background info, why not read a recent article in the Independent giving a realistic view of what’s involved in becoming a solicitor or barrister.

Part time jobs – it’s not too late to look

As the end of the semester starts to draw closer (well it is December now!), you might think that it’s too late to look and apply for a part-time job. However, you’d be wrong to think that!

Employers may still be looking for staff to work during the Christmas period – keep your eyes peeled when you are in shops, bars and cafes for signs or posters looking for part-time or temporary staff. Lots of businesses tend to advertise in their own stores or in the windows at this time of year given the number of people who are passing by or visiting them.

The Careers Service is still receiving vacancies from employers for part-time staff as well. Some may want people to start as soon as possible whilst others may only want people from January onwards. You can search the vacancies on the Careers Service website. You’ll need to login to access the vacancies on the site. Here are just a few examples of current vacancies on our website which might interest you:

• Part-time Brand Manager for Engineering Consultancy - working on campus to help raise the profile of the company. There’s no closing date specified but it’s an immediate start (so better to apply sooner rather than later).
• Part-time Marketing role for Student Organisation – working in Manchester to promote products to students. Closing date 31st December 2008.
• Conference and Banqueting Assistant at 5* Hotel – working in Manchester to set up and service functions and banquets at 5* hotel. Late finishes are involved in the work. Closing date 1st January 2009.