By: Tasneem Mewa
Sometimes, the prospect of finding the “right” summer job can seem far-off, especially if you’ve been searching for months. However, given the increasingly dynamic nature of a legal career, sometimes the search itself can be just as fruitful as the job you land. Based on my law school experience, this article offers some tips to help students make the most of their job search.
As someone who did not regularly engage in professional networking before law school, my first instinct was to go to as many events as possible. If you’re genuinely not sure how to limit your event attendance because you have free time and haven’t narrowed down your interests, this may work for you. But, if you have any sense of what you are and aren’t interested in exploring, attending an event where you’re feigning interest shows.
So, rather than attend multiple events, you may consider: (1) joining a field-oriented student organization or bar association to get exposure and demonstrate your enthusiasm, skills, and reliability, (2) if you’re having trouble narrowing down a field, volunteer for an affinity bar association to get to know a variety of lawyers who work across sectors, (3) recognize your existing network (pre-law school) and get to know your classmates who are and will continue to be part of your legal sphere, (4) speak to professors and experts in your law school for their advice, and (5) create a spreadsheet of your contacts and reach out to them on occasion – whether you find an article that may interest them, or you’re wishing them happy holidays.
Do your best to create and strengthen existing relationships and make a strong impression. Networking isn’t about having a conversation and getting a job in exchange. It’s about being your best self and learning from those around you. In most people’s career stories, this attitude often results in their friends and colleagues helping them out along the way.
Of course, networking alone is not the solution. Using job search sites to stay on top of the legal market is key. That said, reaching out to various employers involves basic skills that we often take for granted: drafting emails, resumes, cover letters, and doing interviews. Take advantage of the career advisors in your school and ask them to help you perfect these skills. For example, when it comes to interviewing and researching employers, learn to ask the questions that are important to you. Ensure that you will be respected in that work environment for who you are.
Lastly, it’s important to believe in and stay true to yourself. Even if you have a good idea of what you want to do, it’s easy to get swept up in law school. When everyone is participating in on-campus-interviews or applying for the same jobs in December of 1L, it feels like you should too. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t be flexible and keep an open mind, but it’s important to remind yourself that it’s okay to want a career that others may not.
The legal field is changing and it’s changing rapidly. What’s more important than the type of job you land is what you learn about yourself when searching for it. When searching for a job and while working, if we strive to be resourceful problem-solving lawyers, we should be able to face the challenges that come our way. Good luck, all! Enjoy the journey.
About the Author:
Tasneem Mewa earned her undergraduate degree in Critical International Development Studies from the University of Toronto, Scarborough. During her studies, she worked for a research and policy organization in Bengaluru focusing on privacy, tech, and data issues in India and across Asia. As a student at the Chicago-Kent College of Law, Tasneem has had the opportunity to work in a litigation clinic, as a judicial extern, and within a law firm setting. She hopes her career will involve exploring new areas of law and contributing to policy.