Paralegal Apprentice Review

My role consists of looking at contracts for our procurement team to ensure that all necessary clauses and terms are covered, this is to minimise risk for the company. My day-to-day can vary from external calls to having weekly team meetings with each of our subject categories. No day is ever the same for me.

I have learnt new skills within a legal aspect. I came into the role with no legal experience at all, so everything i have learnt is new. I have learnt how to audit, this is vital within our role and also to read documents carefully and understand what is missing or needs to be included.

I really enjoy my programme. I had doubts when joining as i didn't know what to expect exactly but my expectations were met and more. I feel like i am a valued member of the team and i feel my position as a junior is not looked down upon.

From a work perspective there is a clear structure and is well organised. From a university perspective there a few minor issues. These include: the hub where we access materials going down a few times and also as it is online sometimes the feedback can come across vague but apart from that it is quite well organised.

I have a weekly catch up with my manager where we discuss tasks that need doing for the week. We also discuss what went well and what needs improving from the last week. I find these really useful to ensure i am on track and i know exactly what i need to be doing for the week.

From a training provider aspect, there isn't a lot of support available. There are occasionally support sessions put on but not very often. As it is an online course a lot of the materials you are expected to do by yourself and in your own time. So when issues arise it is difficult.

I don't think all of the topics help me within my role but this is because i work in a niche department. Some of the topics are not useful for this role but they are important to learn for the future and for my legal knowledge moving forward in my legal career.

I am apart of the social committee at my work. This organises events and activities for all apprentices and graduates. This is really useful to connect with other people in other departments and talk to others about similar experiences. I find this really useful as the activities aren't always work related.

Yes

I have never had any issues working with Experian. They support me as an individual and is generally a great place to work. They provide support wherever needed and anything else i need such as a new desk and chair. the flexibility of working is amazing and allows you to work at your best ability.

I would say just be yourself. I applied for the role just being my genuine self and i think that is where i stood out from everyone else. I didn't try and make myself into something that i wasn't or be who i thought they wanted to see. By being myself it made me my own person.