A “once in a lifetime” work placement with a global law firm proved just the job for A level student Melissa.
The work experience gave her a rare glimpse into the potential exciting career opportunities ahead.
It seems to have paid off, as A level results day has seen the 18-year-old SRC Bede Sixth Form student scoop a full house of A grades. And now she is off to study Law at Durham University.
It’s not all down to the amazing work experience opportunity, made possible by the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF). Melissa has always been one to know, when it comes to achieving anything: “You have to be quite resilient and prepared to put the effort in.”
But with ambitions to work in the competitive world of corporate law, the unique work placement has certainly given her an edge.
Always happy to put the extra effort in, Melissa had only been studying for a few short weeks at SRC Bede in Billingham when she heard about the placement opportunity with the Social Mobility Fund.
“I have been interested in working in corporate law since I was in Year 10, but it is a difficult area to get experience in,” she said.
“When I saw the logo for Linklaters on the SMF information I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Having researched some of the leading law firms, she couldn’t quite believe it when she applied and not only fought off tough competition to secure a position on the programme but went on to be placed with Linklaters.
To experience for a short time working life in the industry she loves, staying in the capital, offered a rare insight into a world she can’t wait to be part of.
And after working with a mentor and getting to see first-hand the legal giant working on some major global deals, Melissa didn’t sit back.
Just days after her return to Teesside she was off to Durham University, having secured a place on their Supported Progression scheme.
Now having achieved A grades in English Literature, Maths and Economics, Melissa is looking forward to starting student life at Durham University for real.
She said: “I am really excited, it is something totally new and fresh and the start of a totally new experience.”
Of her time at SRC Bede, she added: “It has been everything I hoped it would be. It feels like a close community and I am going to miss it.”
SRC Bede Sixth Form is still taking applications for courses starting in September. For details visit www.bede.ac.uk or call 01642 373250.
The work experience gave her a rare glimpse into the potential exciting career opportunities ahead.
It seems to have paid off, as A level results day has seen the 18-year-old SRC Bede Sixth Form student scoop a full house of A grades. And now she is off to study Law at Durham University.
It’s not all down to the amazing work experience opportunity, made possible by the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF). Melissa has always been one to know, when it comes to achieving anything: “You have to be quite resilient and prepared to put the effort in.”
But with ambitions to work in the competitive world of corporate law, the unique work placement has certainly given her an edge.
Always happy to put the extra effort in, Melissa had only been studying for a few short weeks at SRC Bede in Billingham when she heard about the placement opportunity with the Social Mobility Fund.
“I have been interested in working in corporate law since I was in Year 10, but it is a difficult area to get experience in,” she said.
“When I saw the logo for Linklaters on the SMF information I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Having researched some of the leading law firms, she couldn’t quite believe it when she applied and not only fought off tough competition to secure a position on the programme but went on to be placed with Linklaters.
To experience for a short time working life in the industry she loves, staying in the capital, offered a rare insight into a world she can’t wait to be part of.
And after working with a mentor and getting to see first-hand the legal giant working on some major global deals, Melissa didn’t sit back.
Just days after her return to Teesside she was off to Durham University, having secured a place on their Supported Progression scheme.
Now having achieved A grades in English Literature, Maths and Economics, Melissa is looking forward to starting student life at Durham University for real.
She said: “I am really excited, it is something totally new and fresh and the start of a totally new experience.”
Of her time at SRC Bede, she added: “It has been everything I hoped it would be. It feels like a close community and I am going to miss it.”
SRC Bede Sixth Form is still taking applications for courses starting in September. For details visit www.bede.ac.uk or call 01642 373250.