Year Abroad: How To Translate Your Experiences Into The Language Of Employers

Nowadays, many leading law firms have offices overseas and as such, language skills, experience of travel abroad and knowledge of another legal system are very relevant qualities that employers value highly. Indeed, in the cut-throat world of graduate employment in the legal sector, a year abroad can be a great way to to give your application a competitive edge. Nevertheless, it can be hard to avoid recycling the same CV 'buzz words' along the lines of 'communication skills', 'intercultural awareness', and 'international perspective'. Undeniably, all are valuable achievements that look impressive when used effectively on an application, but what do these concepts really mean to employers?

Most people who have spent time living or traveling abroad, either on a gap year or as part of a university programme of study, appreciate that this unique experience can have a real impact on career prospects. It may sound like stating the obvious, but a year abroad is what you make it. Therefore it goes without saying that a year spent skyping home will not be as fruitful as a year spent learning a new language, traveling and networking with people from all over the world. The more diverse experiences you can cram into your time abroad, the more you can demonstrate to employers what sets you apart from the crowd. Do not forget that even the little things can be character building, such as struggles with foreign bureaucracy, house hunting, and translating lecture notes to name but a few. Below are some suggestions on how to make your experience in a foreign country stand out to employers.

Avoiding the jargon on your CV/application form

Often one of the main hurdles to overcome in training contract applications is getting past the initial screening process. Thousands of applicants apply for a handful of places, making it imperative that your application stands out from the crowd. So in order to avoid making generic statements, there really is no substitute for taking the time to research what qualities your chosen firm values and reflecting upon how your skills align with this. Essentially it is about demonstrating what your time spent abroad means to you, the skills you have gained and how these skills can in turn benefit your prospective employer.

Break the ice in interviews

A year abroad is often a defining moment for a student both on a personal and a professional level. As a result it lends itself well to breaking the ice in interviews since you are able to talk about it enthusiastically and effortlessly. Nothing beats genuine enthusiasm and any interviewer will be more interested in hearing about what you learnt from your year abroad than listening to a rehearsed speech about your head boy/girl or prefect responsibilities at school.

Draw from your experience to demonstrate your transferable skills

Arguably, one of the most vital skills to be gained from a year abroad is how to adapt to new situations outside of your comfort zone. Many people might consider this as part and parcel of the whole experience, yet it can be a key point to highlight. Since employers are keen to know how well you can make the transition from student life to the working world, talking about your 'adaptability' can be a useful soundbite in interviews. In my experience this is especially true if you feel the work experience section on your CV isn't what you'd like it to be.

Show off your commitment to exceptional client service

As frustrating as it may have been at the time - pointing, drawing diagrams and making a two minute conversation last half an hour as you rifle desperately through your dictionary - having to battle to convey a message means you are actually in a very good position to understand the importance of effective communication. Providing quality client service is the corner stone of the work of all law firms, evidenced by the majority of their websites and recruitment campaigns. Relating to experiences gained from your year abroad is a great way to prove that you understand what client service entails and why communication is really important.

Finally, don't have time to spend a whole year overseas? That shouldn't be an issue since there are a number of other ways to add that international element to your CV. It might be worthwhile taking some time to research what you can fit in your schedule as there are so many opportunities to take advantage of. Law students can undertake internships abroad during the summer or even the Easter holidays and there are international organisations such as the European Law Students Association which facilitate this. So why not go along to your university careers centre and see how you can make your CV really stand out?