Hi Jessica, hope you are well, I have a couple of questions regarding application process/GDL.
1 - I saw that BPP changed its GDL to a PGDL - is this a substantial difference? Or is it just a renaming of the GDL (and therefore do you suggest signing up for this one if I wanted to do a self funded GDL in London next year)?
2 - I was trying to secure some work experience over the summer to strengthen my application but have been struggling because of organisations cancelling their programs due to Covid. Do you have any suggestions on where we could find legal/commercial work experience? Do you think firms will be a little more lenient with requirements on work experience in the next application cycle?
Thank you very much for all your help!!!
1) Just seems to be a renaming of it - it would only be a MA if it was substantially different, and the only difference there is an additional extended research project. I suspect it might be a name change to help with the transition to the SQE
2) Try in-house legal teams for any major company in your local area - this is a good way to get experience and often they have more flexibility. This summer will be a strange time for work experience though so I wouldn't get too worried about it. Try and find some of the online learning/internship opportunities too.
Yes - firms will need to be a little more open minded on things like previous employment and also academics for some time to come now (at least the next 4-5 years).
However, firms have been pretty open minded to employment anyway. Holding down a full-time job in a supermarket or delivery service will be looked upon more favourably than doing nothing. However, there will be plenty of people who won't be able to hold down a job due to shielding. I recommend those people learn a new skill (language/coding etc). Showing you are making the most of this situation will be important, no matter what your personal situation.