Hoda Abid, a final year LLB Law student, spent her placement year gaining work experience at Coventry Citizens Advice. Read on to find out what she got up to, and how the experience has shaped her views on her future career.
In my placement year, I had the amazing opportunity to gain work experience at Coventry Citizens Advice. At the beginning of the placement we were given a few weeks to shadow caseworkers who were part of specialist projects in the organisation. This helped us ease into a more structured work environment and introduced us to the different areas of advice the organisation provides. The areas of advice ranged from debt, employment, benefits and housing.
We then completed 6 weeks of training which was a blend of e-learning and practical exercises such as roleplays and other group activities. We were supported through every stage of the training until it was felt that we were ready to interview clients alone.
Our role involved dealing with clients of different backgrounds via channels such as e-mail, phone and face-to-face. The clients we dealt with had experienced a huge variety of issues, which was exciting as we got to constantly learn new things. Interviewing and providing clients with accurate advice can be nerve wracking as your advice impacts their lives. However, it is also very rewarding due to the hands-on experience of making a real change to people’s everyday lives. I felt very proud of my role as I was able to communicate effectively with clients and make them feel at ease, as well as reassure them that we would do everything we could to help their situation. I feel the experience has enabled me to grow as a person, both professionally and personally.
“As a law student, working at Citizens Advice has broadened my mind-set and shown me there are alternative career options available out there...”
Working for the organisation was one of the best experiences I have had while at University. The role is incredibly fulfilling as it really allows you to give back to people and make a difference. As a law student, working at Citizens Advice has broadened my mind-set and shown me that there are alternative career options available out there which still allow you to provide advice and help people. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to work for the organisation and I would recommend partaking in a similar work placement if you enjoy client facing roles in advice and advocacy work.
Having completed a placement year, I feel it will boost my job prospects due to the legal, transferable and employability skills I gained throughout my experience. I was also able to network and make connections with employers at the organisation as well as similar non-profit organisations.
Interested in studying law with us? Our Law LLB course offers you the opportunity to gain practical legal skills, develop your global experience, and get career ready, with expert staff and employment support. Current student? You can find out more about placement opportunities by speaking to the Talent Team.