LLB (Hons) Law, 2018

Assistant Income Management Officer at a local authority

What did you enjoy the most during your course?

Personally, I mostly enjoyed being challenged and pushed outside of my comfort zone. The tutors were always challenging me to ensure I achieved my best in every aspect of the course. Complicated matters were made interesting and enjoyable to study.

What were the most important skills you developed during your course and how did these help you in your career?

Some of the key skills I have used in my career so far include applying precedent to factual scenarios (welfare benefit appeals) and learning about the legal system (submission of bundles, types of hearings etc) as I am able to use this knowledge to anticipate how a hearing may turn out and what to potentially prepare for next.

Did you participate in any extra-curricular activities during your studies at Bedfordshire?

I personally didn’t as I also held a full-time post as a training supervisor at Citizens Advice. I had a young child for the duration of my degree and needed to remain in full-time employment. If this wasn’t the case, I would have certainly applied to participate in the Law Clinic as it is a great way to apply legal skills in practical situations.

Why did you choose the University of Bedfordshire?

I chose the University of Bedfordshire primarily because it was within commuting distance of my home but I remained as the tutors were instantly engaging and enthusiastic about the topics they were teaching.

What is a typical day at work?

A typical day would involve supporting tenants who are struggling to pay their rent to try and prevent action being taken against their tenancies. I also apply to court for various possession orders, advocating in court on behalf of the local authority (including stay hearings to suspend warrants); attending evictions; and work to reduce the impact of welfare benefit reforms (Universal Credit) on rent arrears by encouraging and promoting a new culture of responsibility and accountability. I am also training various teams within the local authority to ensure the implementation of Universal Credit is coordinated and smooth.

What would be your advice to students starting their course now?

Always challenge yourself to achieve more, never put limits on your abilities, because you are capable of so much more than you would think. Engage with your tutors for additional insight and support, and also take part in extra-curricular activities. Being able to apply the law in real-life situations is a skill that can only be developed at University, making you a more attractive candidate to law firms and employers in the future.

What are your future career plans?

My career plans are to develop my advocacy and legal skills within my current role at the local authority as this is the perfect opportunity to do so without undertaking the Legal Practice Course. In around four years, I would like to seek a role within a law firm which would allow me to complete my Legal Practice Course and progress my career as a solicitor.