Distance Learning

ALittleInLove

Hi,

I am trying to find a long distance course with a reputable company to help improve my career prospects.

Basic backround: I currently have a Law Degree and finished studying the Legal Practice course last July. (So government funding for another course is out.) Since then I have not been able to find a job of any kind in the legal sector. I have a part time job in a supermarket and some savings which are quickly vanishing.

I have been applying for jobs of all kinds from receptionist to librarian to Barperson but i'm finding now that the fact i have these fancy legal qualifications just demonstates to employers that I am not going to stick around. To avoid this issue I have been applying for temp jobs however I am lacking in experience so no success there either. I have accepted that it has to be a matter of time before someone will give me a break.

In interviews (when i get there) i am anticipating that the question of my wasted year off will come up and so in order to seem more productive and because I am bored out of my mind, I was hoping to do a distance learning course of some kind. If i committed myself to set evenings it could cost me a chance at a job later down the line so i really need a course which would mean working at home.

I was wondering if anyone had tried any distance learning companies and could recommend one? (I saw a tv programme about fake online qualifications which has made me ultra-wary)

I'm quite tempted by the Open University but it is a lot of money to invest without doing some research so I thought i'd ask you guys!

Also if anyone knows of any cheaper ways to gain a qualification I am open to ideas.

Sorry about the essay by the way!

Thanks in advance

ALittleinLove

Dunroamin

I feel that you have enough qualifications already - what you need is experience. Have you considered voluntary work?

ALittleInLove

I have tried voluntary work but most places don't even bother responding to my letters and when I phone up after a couple of weeks (to show how enthusiastic i am) they tell me that they "don't have the resources to supervise work experience placements". It's so frustrating! I don't care if i make the tea or stand in the corner without doing anything all day. I just want to get the experience of being in the environment.

I am acutely aware that the longer i leave it, the harder it will be to get back into it which is why i'm beginning to panic slightly. Unfortunately i don't know anyone personally that could offer me work experience either.

I might check out the Vision2Learn courses though Thanks!

rabb

EndlessStruggle wrote: »

I have a law degree too and have been doing extra qualifications through Vision2Learn, they are only Level 2 qualifications though but they are free. You do one at a time and when finished you can start the next. I am just starting my third course with them.

I did lots of voluntary work and my manager at one position gave me a cracking reference which got me my job I am due to start on Monday, so you get good experience and a recent reference.

Do they send out a certificate this Vision2Learn to confirm you hold the qualification. I'd like to do an admin qualification with them if it's FREE and available. After degrees and postgraduate borefests I think I like the sound of level 2! :T

dizzyrascal

As you have completed the LPC then why are you not pursuing Training Contracts?
After all, that is what you did the course for (it has no other purpose).
If you have been unsuccessful in your applications then you might need help with the way you answer the questions. Wherever you studied the LPC should be able to give you help and advice or you may be able to use the Careers Service at your undergraduate university.
You seem to be in the frame of mind that many students have where they think that taking further qualifications will get you on the ladder to success but what you are lacking is work experience.
You need to get out and promote yourself, use LinkedIn to build your public profile and get some work experience at some law companies or charities where a bit of legal help will get you noticed.
You have studied a vocational course so it is no wonder that employers regard you with suspicion as they can rightly see that you will move on to pastures new as soon as you are able.
I think you need to sit down with some one and look at your motivation for the courses you have done and where you want to see yourself in the future and then work out how you can get there.
It may take a bit of time to get a training contract. It is not unusual for LPC students to take a couple of years after graduation to find a training contract so I wouldn't give up just yet.
I would also ask about where you have been applying for work. Some LPC students focus on a few top law firms and don't look elsewhere. You may have to be flexible about where you work and be prepared to move to get a job.

EndlessStruggle

I have got certificates for the ITQ level 2 and the admin course. They send them out recorded delivery too to make sure you receive them. The admin course was good, taught me lots.

I did voluntary work for the Citizens Advice and for a charity shop. I'd recommend both, I got lots of professional experience from CAB and lots of very cheap items from the charity shop that got saved from the bin/rag.

rabb

EndlessStruggle wrote: »

I have got certificates for the ITQ level 2 and the admin course. The admin course was good, taught me lots.

I did voluntary work for the Citizens Advice and for a charity shop. I'd recommend both, I got lots of professional experience from CAB and lots of very cheap items from the charity shop that got saved from the bin/rag.

Thank you, is the admin course dependant on where you live in the country or can anybody do it? Also, how quickly can you do it in?

ALittleInLove

Thanks Endlessstruggle i have signed up for the Vision2Learn Business and Admin qualification and i can't wait to get the information pack!

Dizzyrascal - I have been applying for vacation schemes and training contracts every year for the last four years. I've avoided magic circle firms (not keen on the idea of workin in London) but i've gone for city firms (Bristol, Bath etc) and more high street firms local to me. I've got through to assessment centres/interviews but never seem to progress much beyond that.
I've not given up yet but i'm concious that a large gap on my CV, particularly when i'm outside of the legal sector, will not help firms look favourably on me. Unfortunately as i live in a rural area and can't drive (test next month and a pass will hopefully open up some more areas to me) i'm quite far out and in various interviews that has come up in questioning.
I'm determined to be a solicitor but as you've said i'm weak in exprience so i need an entry level job as a paralegal/legal secretary etc to gain the experience and be successful in my Training contract applications.

Thanks for all your input guys. I appreciate the help

Mistral001

Unless the OP wants to give up a career in Law and retrain for another profession such as accountancy then this distance learning course might be a waste of time and money. To prospective employers in Law firms it might just seem like more of the same and not be too impressive.

Dunroamin

ALittleInLove wrote: »

I have tried voluntary work but most places don't even bother responding to my letters and when I phone up after a couple of weeks (to show how enthusiastic i am) they tell me that they "don't have the resources to supervise work experience placements". It's so frustrating! I don't care if i make the tea or stand in the corner without doing anything all day. I just want to get the experience of being in the environment.

Have you tried community law centres and the legal departments of LAs? They might be more inclined to offer work experience that private firms.

Have you checked the work experience section on here?

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/work_experience.htm

dizzyrascal

Well it looks like you are getting through to interviews but not passing the interviews and assessment centres.
This can be easily fixed as you can practice the competency based questions and develop some edited versions for interviews. You can definitely practice some of the exercises used at assessment centres so that you can improve and come across as the right candidate.
I really do think that it might help to see a Careers Adviser and work through some of these issues. Ask them if they have any interview software you can practice on.
I would also be writing to all the local law firms to ask if you can work shadow for a week or so for free. If nothing else you might get the chance to impress someone and you can build up your network of contacts. I think sheer determination does show through and at the moment you do sound like you are clutching at straws.
You need to show future employers that you have passion and enthusiasm for the job. That can only come from really wanting a job (not from accepting a filler post)
You can try for paralegal posts but don't get conned. Make sure that the company will definitely consider you for a training contract if you are good at your job.