So this post is a bit late, but what can I say, like any student, I blame impending doom in the form of midterms.
Anyway, there’s only one word I can use to describe my experience at the Arts Career Expo: awesomesauce. I learned so many useful things, met amazing alumni, ate great food, and had a lot of fun!
Most importantly, I’m taking slow, cautious steps towards saying yes to the idea of law school. The panel was amazing, and so very informative, but in a way it was also a slap of reality to my poor, naive face. Becoming a lawyer, especially a lawyer who’s a woman, will take a lot of work. I need to toughen myself up and really make sure law is what I want to do in order to succeed in the field. However, it is a challenging and rewarding job, perfect for anyone who likes to always be thinking and helping people. Needless to say it’s starting to look like a good career choice for me.
The second panel I attended was networking, which was very lighthearted and interactive and really fun. I learned not to give a fail!handshake and other skills that helped me rock the Mix&Mingle session.
So, things I learned, in a nutshell:
1. Being a lawyer does not guarantee a lot of money, nor a glamorous job in your first year of employment. It’s a long, hard process to get to the top, but one that’s very much worth it.
2. If you want to be a lawyer in another country, go to law school in that country! (I can’t believe I never knew this).
3. Learning French can be reallyyyy awesome job-wise. (Says the FREN123 student)
4. Alumni go to networking events because they want to. Really. Stop being hesitant and maintaining a gloomy mindset- just go for it!
5. Networking is a two-way convo: don’t just ask questions- don’t be afraid to say what you think about their response, or talk a little about yourself.
6. Sweaty palms? Wear something with a pocket to wipe your right palm with before shaking that alumni’s hand!
7. Send a thank you message to the people you talked to! This I did- I got a reply from all of them. Man, I feel like a pro-networker already. :P
Ever the boyband lover (I’m listening to Westlife right now, don’t judge me),
Jennine
Interested in going into law? Come see Veronica Fynn (ACE Panelist) as she talks about her transition into law! She’ll be talking this Wednesday at 3 pm @ MATX 1100.
http://www.deathofdestiny.com/tysune/2011/02/06/notices-of-interest/