Business Intelligence Administrator

My name is Samantha Hogarth and I live in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire. I studied the LLB (Hons) Law Degree at the Bedford Campus.

Due to family commitments, I applied for universities which were within a reasonable commuting distance from my home. I accepted an offer for the University of Bedfordshire after attending an open day. The lecturers were approachable and passionate, and the size of classes was small in comparison to others. Additionally, the UoB degree allowed you to gain an extra qualification - the Higher Diploma in Paralegal Practice - if you chose certain electives. I was interested in this.

What do you do now?

I currently work full-time as a Business Intelligence Administrator while studying part-time for my LPC/LLM - I am due to graduate this autumn.

How has the LLB course helped you get where you are now?

This course really does prepare you for the next step. It is designed to develop your academic ability to research areas of law but also to put many areas of law into practice. I felt that the assessments were well balanced, ensuing I gained practical knowledge alongside theoretical knowledge. I used the course to prepare me for the future and made sure that the electives I took would benefit me. I took pre-litigation, the law of evidence and wills, and probate electives as they are all areas of law that are developed further on the LPC. Public speaking, drafting of documents and researching are all important skills I gained as an undergraduate that I continue to use today as a student and in employment.

What would you have done differently?

In my final year, I joined the Refugee Legal Assistance Project (RLAP) for one semester. In hindsight, I would have got involved in this project earlier and explored other extra-curricular activities, such as the law clinic. It is participating in these activities which allows you to gain first-hand experience and apply the legal skills you have learnt.

What is your advice to prospective students?

My advice to all prospective students is to attend and participate in the lectures and seminars. There are certain areas of law that will be more interesting than others, but it is important to split your time evenly when planning for classes. It is very easy for the workload to become too much if you are always on catch up. Additionally, preparation allows you to interact with the lecturers, who are always willing to provide ongoing support and ensure you get the most out of your time as a student.  

Once you have settled into the course, try to get involved in at least one extra-curriculum activity. This will develop your legal skills and allow you to gain practical experience.

Overall, do not put too much pressure on yourself!