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Meet Katie, Barrister in Training
- maryhartley19
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
Name: Katie
Degree: Spanish and Cultural Studies MSt; BA Modern Languages (Spanish) - both at the University of Oxford
How did you spend your Year Abroad?
I undertook a legal translation internship at a translation company in Madrid. I was able to live and work right in the city centre which was amazing, and I would very much recommend Madrid as a city for any prospective year abroad students!
Briefly outline your journey from graduation to now.
After graduating from my language degrees, I completed a couple of internships for ministers in Parliament, and then changed careers to law. I studied a postgraduate law conversion course and am now studying to be a barrister whilst working part time.
What is your current job?
I am currently working in Adult Social Care for my local county council, whilst completing barrister training.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy using my language skills to communicate with people from all backgrounds, and help build trust with people who are in a vulnerable position to enable them to improve their lives.
What advice would you give to someone interested in this job?
Empathy, compassion and good listening skills are essential for any career, especially when you are working in a position of trust, so developing these qualities will be very helpful. For aspiring lawyers, motivation and resilience are also highly valued qualities.
How has your languages degree been useful during your career so far?
Studying languages has helped me build relationships with people, draw connections and comparisons, and find common ground with people from different backgrounds. It has also enabled me to develop my communication skills and confidence, especially with public speaking.
Do you use or practise your languages outside of work?
I try to use my languages as much as possible when I travel! I also enjoy practising with my friends and watching Spanish television programmes.
Thanks very much to Katie for sharing her journey!
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