You have probably heard it over and over again… the LPC is tough! It requires a different skills set and a lot more time and dedication than undergraduate studies. So, if you are not lucky enough to have the luxury of not having to work alongside it then it becomes even more of a challenge. However, fear not, it is tricky but not impossible to balance the demands of the LPC and a job.
Donna Helgeson and Jasmine Mason, first-year trainees, did just that - Donna studied the LPC full time whilst working part-time as a paralegal at Howes Percival and Jasmine studied the LPC part time whilst working full time as a paralegal at Howes Percival. They are both here to give you their top tips.
1. Be organised – This may sound obvious, but it is more important during the LPC than ever to make sure you are organised. Have a diary that includes work commitments, personal events and study commitments. Donna even had a study schedule!
2. Speak to your employer – We were very lucky in that we worked at Howes Percival during our LPC and so had a lot of support. It was nice to be surrounded by peers who had ‘all been through it’ and understood just what a commitment the LPC is. Make sure you keep them updated as to how you are getting along and if you are struggling with your workloads. There aren’t many jobs these days where you can turn up at 9am and leave at 5pm, so make sure your employer knows what you are dealing with so they don’t just think you are skipping out of the office at the earliest opportunity to get more time at the pub! Do not make promises you can’t keep e.g. committing to a business development event the night before an exam.
3. Be realistic – it’s likely you won’t have much of a social life. Just remember, it is a means to an end and it’s only 1 academic year (or 2 if studying part-time). It’s an essential step on your career ladder so it’s a small sacrifice in the grand scheme of things. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should not have any fun at all, just be realistic about what you can manage with your time and don’t wear yourself out.
4. Stay positive – the first semester is always the worst. There is a lot to get your head around, the sheer volume of work and the fast pace is a shock. Plus you will be getting to grips with balancing study, work and trying to maintain a social life. Once you get past the first semester the rest of the LPC will feel much easier so hang in there!
5. Celebrate! - We’re not going to sugar coat it… you’ll be exhausted but when it’s all over, make sure you take some time to rest and celebrate just how much you have achieved. You did it!
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