Shagun Srivastava

What motivates you to study at university?

My plan to study at university started from the age of fourteen. In India, I embarked upon the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program, followed by the completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program in preparation for international higher education.

I firmly believe that university education is essential for both intellectual engagement and social development.

Motivated by a desire for a structured and stable career path, I actively sought the academic rigour and professional opportunities offered by a university setting.

Furthermore, university offers several experiences from which you gain lifelong friends such as society events, balls, parties as well as useful connections from networking events and academically focused events.

Some of these events will remain as core cherished memories for when I am integrated into the work force. I enjoy keeping myself busy, which is something university allows me to exploit to its fullest potential, a big factor that motivates me to study at university.

Why have you chosen to study Law?

My decision to pursue a legal career stemmed from a confluence of factors. A longstanding interest in the English language, particularly honed through participation in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, cultivated the analytical and communication skills highly valued by law schools.

Furthermore, exposure to the practical application of law from a young age, through familial legal matters and document analysis, created a keen understanding of legal principles in real-world contexts. This personal immersion in the legal landscape, coupled with academic guidance, prompted me to explore the core modules of the LLB programme offered in the UK.

A thorough review of these modules across all three years ignited a genuine intellectual interest in the subject. Further solidifying my decision, I started an introductory online course in jurisprudence, which deepened the appeal of a legal education.

Ultimately, the prospect of applying theoretical knowledge to address contemporary real-world issues emerged as the most compelling factor in my choice to pursue a law degree.

Why did you choose City St George's for your LLB (Hons)?

During my UCAS application process, I meticulously researched universities in London. The City Law School’s LLB programme stood out because it offered a unique curriculum structure, featuring eight modules in the first year compared to the standard six offered by other universities. This appealed to me as it provided a broader exposure to legal concepts early on.

Furthermore, the School's central London location was a significant factor in my decision. Being situated amidst major law firms, both domestic and international, offered unparalleled networking opportunities.

Another key differentiator for City St George's was its strong emphasis on employability. The inclusion of a dedicated employability skills module in the first term of the first year was particularly impressive.

This module equipped us with practical skills such as crafting CVs and cover letters, and even involved exams to solidify our learning. This early focus on application writing proved invaluable, especially during my initial years when my academic workload was less demanding.

Finally, after exploring the social media presence of various law societies, I felt City St George's offered the perfect balance between academic excellence and a vibrant student life. These compelling factors ultimately led me to choose The City Law School to pursue my legal studies at an undergraduate level.

What services within The City Law School have you used, or will you make use of during your studies?

I identified LawIRL as a valuable opportunity to acquire practical legal experience while serving the community through legal aid and pro bono work. The application process itself, requiring a comprehensive understanding of PIP (Personal Independence Payment) eligibility criteria and successful completion of an assessment, served as a valuable knowledge-building exercise.

Furthermore, the inherent nature of such volunteer work develops a strong work ethic and a commitment to serving the community. This practical experience would provide a unique perspective with which one can critically analyse theoretical concepts. For example, in my first-year, I engaged in discussions concerning access to legal aid.

Participation in LawIRL will undoubtedly enhance my personal and practical understanding of this critical topic, thereby refining my interpretation of the theoretical underpinnings of legal aid services. Moreover, LawIRL organises frequent trips to the Supreme Court and the Royal Courts of Justice – which lets aspiring lawyers experience a glimpse of the environment they may work in.

Another service I frequently use is Lawbore, a website run by our faculty and students, which is available to law students worldwide.

This website allows me to find any information with relation to the legal landscape, networking events, essay competitions or insight days. It also allows me to easily access sites I frequently utilise for my legal research for my academics.

As it is run by The City Law School, we are provided with thorough instructions on how to use the website to its full potential. Therefore, both LawIRL and Lawbore offer experiences that have the potential to significantly enrich students' theoretical learning by fostering a deeper comprehension of legal principles in a practical context.

Were there any challenges affecting your decision to study at university?

The initial hurdle I encountered was the prospect of studying abroad. Contemplating independent living in London, a city entirely unfamiliar to me – having never ventured beyond Asia – presented a multitude of anxieties.

Managing personal finances, navigating the urban environment, and other such concerns weighed heavily on my mind. These anxieties, however, dissipated upon arrival in London. Immersing myself in the city's vibrant energy facilitated a smooth integration.

I also have a very close relationship with members of my extended family and was worried about potentially drifting apart while studying abroad in London. However, I found ways to stay connected despite the distance.

I identified brief moments during my day, such as walking to university, cooking, grocery shopping, and even during gym sessions, when I could call them. This is how I’m able to maintain our close familial relationships while pursuing my education overseas.

Having been inculcated with the idea of studying abroad from a young age, I felt as though I was missing a huge part of preparing to leave home.

While the initial prospect of managing my own lifestyle and academic workload seemed daunting, I found solace in the knowledge that this period of preparation had equipped me with the necessary skills.

Thus, I overcame my apprehension regarding independent living, ultimately achieving a balance between managing my personal life and excelling in my academic pursuits.

Have you spoken to careers consultants to help you formulate plans for post-graduation?

As a first-year international student, I initially lacked clarity regarding the diverse career paths available to me upon graduation. To address this knowledge gap, I sought guidance from City St George's Careers and Employability department.

The advisors readily acknowledged the challenges of identifying a specific career path so early in my studies. They encouraged me to prioritise academic achievement while actively participating in networking events.

They emphasised the value of such events, highlighting that law firms often consider first-year grades even though they may not directly impact the final qualification with which I graduate.

Furthermore, they strongly recommended volunteer experiences within the legal field. Though initially perplexed by this emphasis, I came to appreciate its significance during my first year of study.

Volunteer work demonstrates a candidate's commitment and dedication to client service. I also expressed my concerns regarding the competitive nature of legal job applications. The careers consultant addressed these by inquiring about my extracurricular activities and experiences and proceeding to explain how these aspects of my personality would make a great candidate instead of a good one.

The consultant stressed that my skill set must match the values and goals of the firm, they must be related for the firm to understand that as a trainee, I would benefit them.

Most importantly, following our meeting, I received a detailed follow-up email summarising the key points discussed and providing additional recommendations to bolster my future legal career.

What advice would you give yourself before you started at The City Law School?

Reflecting on my experience at The City Law School, I would advise my younger self to embrace a more outgoing approach. This applies not only to social gatherings but also to interactions with academic staff.

While initial shyness is understandable, staff members are incredibly approachable and eager to assist students. Therefore, I would encourage greater participation and engagement.

Furthermore, I would recommend maximising the opportunities available on campus beyond academics. While the gym membership is valuable, actively participating in the diverse sports activities offered by CitySport, such as the weekly Tuesday badminton sessions, presents a fantastic opportunity to connect with classmates and form valuable study groups. By embracing these suggestions, I believe my initial law school experience would have been even more enriching.