First Year Guide
Why do I need to worry about my career from day one of university?
If you are a student who is looking to, for example, work at a top-tier commercial law firm (or an investment bank or a strategy consulting firm), the following two matters will likely be true for you:
- Intense competition: With tens of thousands of university graduates each year, the reality is that, if you're not a competitive candidate, it is unlikely that you will get your desired role or a role at your desired employer (especially if that employer happens to be a big and reputable firm or company). Building your competitiveness (whether it is your CV or interview skills) as a candidate for internships or graduate roles is something that doesn't happen overnight and will take time (and so, the earlier you start in your degree, the better).
- Possible financial reward: In 2023, a graduate at a top-tier law firm in Sydney could expect a starting salary of around $100,000 per year (inclusive of super). If you are looking at these kinds of "high-end" roles (for a chance to earn six figures as a fresh graduate), it is clear that developing strong job application, interview and general career skills from your early days of university can "pay dividends" when you manage to secure that internship, clerkship or graduate role.
First Year Guide
If you are a first-year or pre-penultimate year law student, check out ALCA's First Year Guide which provides practical guidance on improving your career prospects in the law that you can action from day one of university.