A couple of days after receiving my training contract rejection email, I had the opportunity to think about my options and evaluate how I will move forward. Of course, it is disappointing to be rejected for something you wanted but I believe it is important to view it as a learning opportunity and take the experiences you gained from it to use for the next round of applications. Even though I was rejected I can say I learned a lot from the experience: filling out applications and writing personal statements will serve me well in the next round as I have now had a taste of what is expected.

I will continue to apply to firms in the next application cycle, there are still two cycles before I even graduate so I have plenty of time to learn more and gather more industry experience. Remembering that I am still young (only 20 years old) and still have my whole life ahead of me is encouraging, there is no need to feel like I have to rush into having my life in order, I can view this as the chance to try and struggle with new things with low long term risk. Still being a student allows me to explore my options and truly discover who I want to be.

Looking ahead to the new academic year, my main focus will be to get my grades as high as possible. My goal is the graduate with a first in my degree and I know that if I work hard and effectively enough I will achieve my goal. Outside of training contracts, I also have other options such as doing a postgraduate degree or being a paralegal if I am unable to get a training contract at the end of my studies. Of course, my goal is to get a training contract but these options afford me the breathing room to get my foot in the door.

Currently, I am enjoying my summer break and preparing for the year ahead, hopefully, it will be a successful year and in a year, I am even closer to a training contract or even managed to obtain one at a firm which is right for me.