Summer is nearly there, and you did not get that summer associate position. It's time to be creative and here's how.
It is often difficult for LL.M students to start a career in the U.S.: within one year, they have to graduate, take the Bar Exam, and ultimately find an internship in a country where they might not have prior experience. So, what should you do if you don’t have an internship this summer? The fact is, you do have some options.
1. Don't give up
Finals are over, people are leaving town, and you’re already thinking of your American Summer, but here’s one thing: it’s not over.Â
Perhaps take a trip to the beach for the weekend, but on Monday, get back out there. Knock every door: legal aid societies, public interest firms, non-profit organizations, even some law school clinics hired for the summer.
It is never too late: you may be getting a late start, or a shorter internship, but you’ll still get the experience and it will count on your resume.Â
The truth is that some employers might not have thought about getting interns, or they might decide to get an extra one when they see your resume.Â
Worse scenario: your name will be out there. Potential employers will see that you’re determined and driven and this may help you for another time.Â
2. Take advantage of the summer networking events
This one is true for everyone: many law firms have networking events thorough the summer, and you should take advantage of those opportunities.Â
You can still network if you don’t have a summer job: reach out to your law school to inquire about events, ask your friends and prepare your business cards. Many law firms start interviewing candidates for the following year and you’d be surprised how an encounter can turn into possible employment leads in the future.
Networking is challenging, but it will not only help you land a job faster, but it will also make you more competitive throughout every stage of your career.Â
3. Create your own job
Turn your summer to your advantage: you could create your own research assistantship position for instance. Approach your professors with the possibility of being their research assistant. Many professors spent the summer working on extensive research projects, so maybe you can help out!Â
Be your own research assistant: look at organizations that may have called for papers, or simply write about what you like and then look up for someone to publish your paper. Worse scenario: publish it on Linkedin. It is always better to explain that you spent your summer working on research papers than doing nothing.Â
Start your own project: personal projects show you who you really are and can become an advantage when it comes time to graduate.
4. Go back to school
Yes, summer school sounds dreadful, but have you considered summer programs? It could be something else than law school, like a business school or learning a new language!Â
While this is not a professional experience, it shows commitment to your field and that you are a pro-active person.
Especially, American law schools can be challenging for LL.Ms, and with the Bar Exam coming up, you might feel like drowning. So why don’t you use your free time to prepare for the Bar Exam or to review your coursework? This might even help you graduating with honors.Â
5. Consider volunteering
Volunteering has two advantages: it is a good way to bulk up your résumé and to give back.
Figure out where you could add value and offer your services. Volunteering is the occasion to leave your zone of comfort, meet amazing people, become more compassionate and humble, and so long!Â
Especially, you could be traveling while doing something useful for society, and this is always paying back.Â
Conclusion
Yes, not having a summer position during law school is difficult, but remember that a career is always about marketing yourself. Turn your free time to your advantage and promote yourself.Â
Some employers might wonder why you did not work during the summer: you need to bring an answer to that question, and emphasize what you’ve done instead during that summer.Â
You will ultimately find a job, it isn’t the end of the world. Maybe it’s an opportunity to relax: exercice, spend time with your family, read. An investment on your personal health can also be an asset during an interview.Â
