Commercial Manager at UK Ministry of Defence

I’m Oliver Morgan-Kavanaugh, I’m from Plymouth originally and I studied an LLB in Law and a Master’s in International Business Law at the University of Bedfordshire. 

What have you done since graduation?

Since graduation, I moved to Portsmouth and found employment with the MoD, working on and delivering defence contracts.  

What do you do now?

I work in the Navy's Commercial department, delivering contracts on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence. I manage a small team, developing and refining defence contracts, and engaging with government and defence companies to deliver contracts for a range of Navy goods and services.

How has this course helped you get where you are now?

The skills I learned doing both my Bachelor’s and my Master's has equipped me with a myriad of essential skills. In my day-to-day, I read and pick apart contracts, ensuring the wording is unambiguous and that the MoD is suitably protected in its dealings. The teaching I had around mooting and legal practice gave me applicable skills that have aided me in negotiation with companies and when applying for work. Even in my day-to-day life, knowing what my rights are and where to look to find the answers to legal issues I have faced has helped when dealing with landlords and employers.

What would you have done differently?

In my final year, I put in less effort than I should have and, as a result, I was 2% off a 1^st class degree. If I could do my third year again, I would put more effort into the modules I could have improved on to achieve a 1^st class degree.

What is your advice to prospective students?

University is an odd time - for many, it is the first time away from their parents and things are a little disorienting. But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Ultimately, you get out what you put in so dive in with both feet: make friends, experience everything you can, do the extra-curriculars that are offered and maybe even get a job in the Uni. And if things get tough, there is a ton of support around. There is nothing like the freedom you have when you are at UoB. You can make it whatever you want - make a name for yourself, put your stamp on things and maybe even leave a mark on the department.

"Apply to the Refugee Legal Aid Project: put your skills to use to make a real difference to people’s lives."