Will going travelling increase or decrease my chances of a training contract?

Dear Oracle

I’m planning to take some time out to travel before starting a Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) preparation course next year – how might this affect my chances of securing a training contract in the future?

The Oracle replies

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Whether you’ve gone travelling or not shouldn’t affect your chances of securing a training contract. However, like most experiences, travelling can be used as a positive in your applications – depending on what you did and learnt.

For example, you might have been involved in an interesting job or project, or you might have spent time learning about the culture and language of a place you went to. All of this can be used to demonstrate all-important key skills on your legal application forms – such as adapting quickly to a new environment, teamwork and problem solving. Plus, experiences such as travelling can make great conversations at interview or assessment centres!

If you haven’t been travelling, however, don’t worry. All work and extracurricular experience can be used to demonstrate your skills and qualities and there’s no expectation that you’ll have had the opportunity to live out of a backpack for a few months. Travelling can be expensive and, for many, difficult to organise around other commitments. Remember, when speaking to firms about your experiences, focus on the skills you’ve developed.

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We’ve also previously heard from students who are concerned that taking time out to go travelling will damage their chances of securing a training contract because it shows a lack of commitment to a career in law. This is certainly not the case – recruiters will likely be interested to know more about your travelling experiences if you do have them. Many people enjoy travelling and find that they grow from the experience, so we’re sure that nobody would begrudge you for wanting to see a bit more of the world. Of course, if you can fit your travels around completing a vacation scheme or taking part in relevant work experience, that’s even better!

Ultimately, securing a training contract won’t come down to whether you went travelling or not. Success in your applications will be decided by your academic and personal achievements and competence, your skills gained from legal and non-legal work experiences, and your passion for the law. Either way, good luck!

For stories of solicitors who took different paths into their careers at various types of law firm, see the Meet the Lawyer section.