Student placement opportunity Partnership brings employers direct to students in Virtual Careers Fair

In April 2020, The School of Law and Justice (SLJ) proudly partnered with Southern Cross University Careers and Employability to host a Virtual Careers Fair which provided students and recent graduates, the opportunity to meet with over 25 employers from Government, Law, Health, Community Services, Engineering, Science, IT, Business, Events, Arts and Education sectors.

Manager, Careers and Employability Leanne Baker, (pictured right), said the fair was run at a time when employers were recruiting for hundreds of graduate jobs, from a wide range of disciplines that will start in 2021.

“Four legal organisations were online to talk to students about the different roles, pathways, opportunities and challenges of working in the legal profession, as well as discuss clerkships, placements and grad programs offered through their organisations,” Ms Baker said.

“The School of Law and Justice provided two industry experts from their Practice Professorial Program, Ms Joelene Nel (pictured far right), and Mark Carkeet, (pictured top right), who hosted Zoom Meeting rooms on behalf of their organisations and practice areas.

“Mr Carkeet, former partner at Minter Ellison, one of Asia Pacific’s leading law firms at the forefront of driving digital transformation and embedding a culture of curiosity and innovation, spoke to students about Minter Ellison and his hints and tips for succeeding in the industry,” Ms Baker said.

“Ms Joelene Nel, family lawyer, mediator and family dispute resolution practitioner at McLaughlin Lawyers, provided students with insights into the legal field and the rewards and challenges of mediation and family dispute resolution,” Ms Baker said.

“Alexandra Smith, Recruitment Business Partner and Jay Stephenson, Solicitor, from The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (NSW) spoke with SCU students seeking work experience, Graduate roles and Practical Legal Training in the Lismore and other offices of the ODPP NSW,” Ms Baker said.

“Students interested in pursuing these options can connect with SLJ Placement Director, Associate Professor Jennifer Nielsen at jennifer.nielsen@scu.edu.au.”

Students were also able to put themselves in front of other important legal organisations such as the Queensland Law Society and network with seven other organisations with specialist legal streams including Australian Public Service Commission, Indigenous Careers – Australian Government, Defence Jobs Australia, Leidos, Public Service Commission NSW, Teach for Australia, and Inside Sherpa.

“Final year students were able to connect directly with graduate recruiters to gain insights into what they are searching for, how to improve applications and enhance professional networking skills,” Ms Baker said.

“First and second year students were able to explore a range of national clerkship and international and graduate programs, learn about their timelines and the types of skills and qualities required. Students also explored internship opportunities and developed professional networking skills.”

Story by Kim King.