Tell us about your career journey to date
After completing a history degree, I spent four years working at the Financial Ombudsman Service, firstly as an adjudicator resolving disputes and then progressing through to several more operational and strategic roles. I then chose law for the commercial, business-focused environment, the challenge this entails (in pure academic terms and the focus placed on soft skills such as resilience, etc) and the global opportunities few other careers can truly offer.
Which transferable skills have you gained that will enhance your ability to thrive in your legal career?
Critical thinking, problem solving and dealing with consumers/stakeholders (so both internal and external clients) were key transferable skills. But perhaps the most important was just the "nous" that comes with working in an office environment, rather than straight from education – how to behave professionally, how to interact with colleagues from different backgrounds, how to deal with criticism and how (or rather when) to ask for help or support.
What advice would you give to someone looking to switch careers?
Never think it is too late. But you need to make sure you are truly comfortable starting all over again. Although your previous experience will be invaluable (and this should not be forgotten), are you comfortable with that experience being challenged? Can you take instructions from colleagues who may well be younger with less life-experience? Ultimately, you need to be truly open to change and honest about your capacity to learn and re-establish your value in a new environment.
