Having studied with Truro and Penwith College previously, Scarlet enrolled on the FdSc Law with Business course eager to learn more about the industry. Commenting on her chosen course, she said: “I have always been fascinated by law with business and thoroughly enjoy learning about both.”
Studying this course at the University Centre has given Scarlet opportunities to get involved with Law firms and industry professionals, she explained: “As part of my course I have been able to meet a corporate lawyer and have been offered the chance of work experience in a law firm.”
The latest opportunity that Scarlet seized was in November 2023, when she attended the ‘Inspire Law’ event held at Covington and Burling, London. The one-day event was organised by Target Jobs and was designed exclusively for students that don’t have readymade contacts in the industry to come together with leading firms in the UK and open doors to further opportunities.
The process of applying to attend this event was highly competitive and places were extremely limited, so Scarlet was thrilled when she found out she had been accepted, she said: “They told me it was competitive, but I didn’t realise what that really meant until I was there and people were talking about how surprised they were to have been able to attend.”
Scarlet utilised the careers support on offer at the University Centre to help with her application as she was unsure on how best to approach it, she said: “I realised that I needed to do an application form, but I have never done one before, so knew I would need help with it, so I booked an appointment with Louise and had several careers sessions, dedicating our time to it. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do it without Louise, she was amazing.”
Describing her time at the event, Scarlet said: “I got to meet the law firms, but also lawyers and solicitors that are currently working for them and you get to make an impression. You could ask things like what it’s like to work for them and find out more about opportunities and best ways to be noticed by them.”
“I met a really inspirational woman who works for Baker McKenzie, a law firm that is at the forefront of innovation in relation to artificial intelligence and the laws that surround that. She is an expert in the field and speaking to her changed my whole perspective. She has such a similar background to me, and it was so motivating. I have always had self-doubt, my route to law was atypical and I questioned if I could really succeed, but she has proven to me that I can. She has also offered to help me, by mentoring me and if I get interviews for the schemes I have applied for, she will help me prepare for those. I am so happy I went and grateful that I had this opportunity.”
Scarlet is a student ambassador at the Univeristy Centre and was an existing client of our Healthworks Cornwall project, which enabled them to fund her train ticket and hotel stay due to the long journey from her hometown in St Buryan, she said: “I always thought about London and visiting, but it was a scary thought, but this experience gave me the reason and I had to just go for it by myself. I’m now planning on doing a few trips by myself, the visit has set off a chain, and given me a passion for seeing places and challenging myself. I have always been a home body, but this has been so good for me and really developed my confidence.”
Following her experience, Scarlet is about to begin inspiring secondary school students at Humphry Davy School, in a regular mentoring slot.
Scarlet’s advice to potential students is: “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for support, help, guidance with any opportunities. Don’t let fear prevent you from reaching your potential and book a careers advice appointment. I was given lots of useful, helpful tips and they are very friendly too!”
