What's it like to study law at ANU?
Jennifer Sharp
When Jennifer completed her secondary education in Sydney, she chose to study law because she was passionate about social justice and knew the degree would provide her with the skills and knowledge relevant to a range of careers.
ANU was her first choice because it offered an excellent law program, particularly in the area of international law, as well as a very strong international relations program. On the practical side it gave her the opportunity to live on campus, which has allowed her to take advantage of many opportunities.
Jennifer recommends that prospective students take advantage of the activities, internships, societies and other programs run by the ANU College of Law to complement their studies and for a more rewarding university experience. Jennifer has spent a semester overseas and has received financial support from the College to travel with the Oaktree Foundation to the USA on a Social Change Study Tour. She is also involved with the Law Students Society and Social Justice activities.
For Jennifer the College is unique because 'there is a real community feel about it' due to the fact that the majority of undergraduates live on campus and that she is still studying with the same group of people she began with in first year. One of the features she has enjoyed most about studying law is the strong emphasis on problem solving; a skill she feels will be of great use regardless of the career path she eventually chooses.
When Jennifer graduates she hopes to pursue a career in management consulting in a not-for-profit or public area such as the aid and development sector. She also hopes, to complete a Masters in Public Administration in Development
Emily Read
Emily completed high school at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, a British international boarding school in Malaysia.
"In school, the learning process is very black and white and it is fairly easy to gauge exactly what needs to be done in order to achieve high grades. In university however, I feel that there is an immense amount of independence, both academically and socially and this is extremely exciting as I feel that I am very much in control of shaping my future," she said. The older law students at Bruce Hall however were ‘extremely patient and willing to give of their time’ to help her settle in to her studies.
For Emily, being able to study a combined degree in law and science (psychology) was one of the main reasons for choosing ANU. Her older brother, Anthony who is already studying law at ANU was persuasive in terms of why she should choose ANU based on "the amazing time he was having."
Choosing ANU was "really easy for me as it was unique in that it offered a prestigious education in combination with small class sizes and one on one contact with extremely experienced lecturers. It offered everything I was looking for in my university career,"she said.
When asked where she thinks her studies will lead her, Emily said, "I feel that the law and psychology combination is extremely diverse and one which could potentially lead in all kinds of directions. Having lived and studied overseas and witnessed how different cultures work, both socially and politically; I am quite excited about learning through the law how the intricate framework of society is built and how as an individual, I can influence that framework."
Erik Shek
When Eric Shek decided to go to university he chose law because he knew that the degree would provide him ‘with flexible career options through the rigorous training of his analytical and critical thinking skills’.
Eric said that studying law at ANU was an attractive option because "the ANU is a nationally and internationally renowned institution, and located in the capital Canberra, the centre of policy making and diplomacy of Australia."
"The offer of a National Undergraduate Scholarship sealed my decision to come to ANU," he said.
Now in his fourth year of a combined Asian Studies (Japanese)/Law degree, one of the more enjoyable aspects of his studies has been his engagement with lecturers and professors who are nationally and internationally renowned in their respective fields.
Eric advises prospective students to "embrace your studies with an open mind; the law opens your mind to different ways of thinking, and relish the chance to intellectually engage with your future peers, lecturers and tutors."
After completing his degree Eric hopes to combine his passion for foreign languages and cultures to work in the ‘international relations arena, advancing Australia’s relationship with foreign nations’.
