Conducting an Efficient Job Search

By: Kandice Thorn

In the U.S., when we apply to college, we are told to look at three kinds of schools: "Dream Schools," "Match Schools," and "Safety Schools."  Dream Schools are, of course, the schools we really really want to go to, but have very little chance of getting into.  Safety Schools are those that we can be reasonably certain to  be admitted into with no problem.  Match Schools are those that are a good match for our credentials, and thus we have a reasonable chance of admission.  Students are told that they should apply to a small number of Dream Schools and at least one or two Safety Schools, but that the majority of their efforts should be focused on Match Schools.

While there are obvious differences between the college application process and the job search process, I do think there are some parallels to be drawn that may be helpful in formulating a successful job search.

The Importance of Following Recent Developments in Your Field

By: Kandice Thorn

Most LL.M. students join the program in order to gain expertise in something, to make strides forward career-wise.  The LL.M. allows you to delve academically into your field of interest and to analyze many of the complexities and nuances involved in an area of study. 

But in order to truly become an expert, you must go beyond what you learn in the classroom to keep up with the most exciting new developments in your field.  In any field of study, there will be countless blogs, news feeds, twitter feeds, and more devoted to tracking new developments.  Ask your professors or networking contacts which are the most important ones to follow and start following them daily. 

At interviews or networking events, you'll have interesting topics to discuss, and you'll come across as someone who is engaged, proactive, and enthusiastic.  Remember that experts are not born that way - expertise comes from immersing oneself in a field of study, and going beyond just classroom learning.  The LL.M. provides an excellent platform for you to make strides, but you must take the initiative to move beyond classroom learning to become an expert.

After the Interview: The Importance of Following Up

By: Kandice Thorn

Many students are starting to have interviews for spring externships, and I have found that while students are typically able to prepare well for the interview, they are often caught off guard by what happens next.  But following up is crucial following an interview.  It lets the employer know you are very interested in the position and shows that you are engaged and proactive, while also putting you at the front of their minds again.