In this blog, Kasia Swaby-Carter shares her career journey so far and why university was not the right path for her. Kasia initially joined us on the work experience programme we run in collaboration with Bristol Future Talent Partnership, and is now a paralegal apprentice at the firm.
Kasia provides more information about the apprenticeship route and reflects on the challenges they faced, the importance of self-belief, and how non-traditional routes are opening new doors in the legal sector.
I've been set on a legal career since school and my first step towards pursuing this was studying law at A-levels. During this time, I had the chance to participate in the work experience programme at Ashfords which exposed me to the firm and the apprenticeship programme which I am currently enrolled on.
In college, the tutors weren't too familiar with the apprenticeship application process and were unable to help me with my essays as they were more suited to helping students with personal statements. I spent a lot of my time researching writing styles, interview techniques and tips from current apprentices to gain more of an insight into the process.
The lack of support actually encouraged me to apply for university as it was the more recognised and precedented route. I often felt excluded from other students in our tutor sessions as the others would be writing their personal statements and having catch-ups on the stage that they were at. However, I decided to stay true to myself and my goals, I knew that university wasn't the path I wanted to go down and so I didn't make a university application.
The work experience helped me to see the personalities of professionals in the field and I realised that they aren't strictly serious at all times. It allowed me to feel more comfortable when attending assessment centres. I also think that it set a positive impression when I returned to Ashfords for the assessment centre as my devotion was demonstrated and I was immediately noticed.
Law is becoming more and more accessible through apprenticeships. If you're interested in law but don't want to go to university, don't confine yourself to it. There are new routes to law which, although you may not be familiar with them, provide amazing opportunities. Do your research and allow yourself to try the apprenticeship route, you may be able to still gain the necessary degree, as well as qualification and invaluable experience.
I was surprised by the atmosphere in the office. Before joining, I presumed that everyone would be very stern and serious due to always being busy. As much as it's a serious job, everyone manages to have a laugh and is extremely friendly.
Before getting into the legal industry, I thought it would be full of very senior people, long work days and little to no social aspect. I worried that I would be expected to know everything and that there was no room for mistakes. Ashfords does a lot to support juniors in terms of socials, supervision and catch-ups. The working day is the same as any other office based job and there is still a good work/life balance. There are also professionals in a range of age groups and there is never a time you cannot ask for help.
At Ashfords, we aim to ensure all our people, regardless of background, feel included, supported, and have equal opportunities to thrive in their careers. We partner with social mobility organisations in Bristol and Exeter to deliver work experience programmes, and we offer a range of apprenticeships to allow you to earn a qualification alongside learning on the job.
