Find out about Sabrik Dhamu LLB (Hons) Law with Legal Practice student on a Legal Placement with Hilton UK Hotels Limited
What motivated you to pursue an optional placement year?
I have chosen a career path that is particularly competitive and so I wanted to put myself in the best position possible for graduate opportunities after university. I have the ambition to work for an international law firm, which means work experience is invaluable.
I also didn’t want to rush the experience of university and take my time to find out who I am and what I want to do professionally.
How many placement applications did you make?
I applied to just under 40 applications. Before applying I worked on perfecting my CV with the Placement team before I started my applications. To prepare for interviews, I did a mock interview with the Careers team and they provided some really good feedback. In total I did 3 interviews for different companies.
What were your main concerns about taking a placement year?
Friendships were a big concern. I was worried if I took a placement I would come back and have no friends. However, I’ve learnt to become more independent by doing a placement. I really enjoy working and it’s made me so excited for life after university.
What advice would you give to students about balancing placement applications with university studies?
Mark out some time in your week where you dedicate some time to placement applications. This can be half a day or an hour everyday whatever works for you.
If you start straight away when September starts, it won’t feel like an added load because you would have been setting time aside from the very start of the year.
What has been the most rewarding part of your placement so far?
Being able to stay at Hilton hotels for £50 a night! I’ve done some UK getaways with friends, been to Edinburgh for Christmas. I have booked a family holiday to Dubai right by the beach in May.
Has your placement year influenced your future career path?
Yes I’ve learnt I want to work in corporate law for definite. However, I’m not putting pressure on myself to work for the best law firm there is. I’m staying away from magical circle law firms just out of preference. I still want to train at a law firm as I’ve spent this year working in-house. I would like to see what the differences/similarities are
Would you recommend the placement year to other students?
100%! I think not doing a placement is a huge disservice to yourself. You will gain so much life experience and learn so much about yourself personally and professionally by doing a placement.
My advice would be to persevere. It’s difficult facing rejection but if you learn how to pick yourself back up and go again, you will go so far in life.