Succeed on the Field, Excel off it!
A Case study: Hywel Williams
What were you looking for when you approached the LWRFC Careers Hub?
Having been a postgraduate student at Swansea University with the ambition of switching from a Science background to the Legal field, I was keen to kickstart my career and enter the working world, but I was conscious that I had little experience in applying for Legal Jobs and needed support and guidance.
I quickly realised how naïve I had been in not realising how competitive the process is when applying for jobs, especially in the Legal sector. It was clear that my CV, interviewing ability and confidence needed development. I contacted the LWRFC Careers Hub with the aim of seeking in-depth advice on all aspects of the processes needed to apply successfully for jobs, specifically for me in the legal sector. I also requested support on how to approach interview questions and advice from legal professionals with regards to the different areas of Law and which one would suit me best. Together with Jon Shankland, a Director of London Welsh RFC and an experienced practitioner in the legal field, we crafted a plan of what I needed to do first in order to apply for Jobs within the Legal Sector in London. Having made the move from Wales to London for Law many years ago, Jon was a great person to connect with and relate to throughout the relocation process and the sensible steps to take to successfully forge a career in Law.
How did the Careers Hub Help?
The help and support the Hub has given me and is currently giving to people is nothing short of outstanding. The daunting task of relocating to London and the opportunity to begin my ideal career in London was made so smooth and has really made me appreciate fully the benefits of working and living in the capital. Helping with temporary accommodation was invaluable and to capitalise upon the vast network of very established professionals in all areas of work the Hub has at its disposal has been truly incredible. The Hub mentors, all members of the club, are established professionals who kindly give their time to help players in their careers. I had the pleasure of meeting with Paul Browne, a highly respected strategic consultant within the legal field who possesses huge experience of the sector. Paul sat down with me and discussed how we were going to achieve my objectives. Not only did Paul supply me with great advice, improvements to my CV and interview guidance, but motivated me in doing so, making me believe that all my aspirations were possible!
I am now 4 months post transition to London and I have secured a new permanent position as a Paralegal in the family department at the law firm, Weightmans LLP. I could not be happier.
Overall Experience
I have been overwhelmed by the support and guidance from the Careers Hub and London Welsh as a club generally. Everyone has been so willing and kind in helping me transition to London life. The players and coaching staff have been excellent in welcoming me at Old Deer Park, had this support not been there it would have been so much more difficult and my move to London may not have been possible. I am very much looking forward to seeing what we can achieve as a squad in the up-and-coming seasons and seeing how my career develops. The support of the Hub is on-going and will be indispensable as my career develops. For any young professionals looking to obtain a quality profession whilst playing rugby in London, I would highly recommend getting in touch with the Careers Hub, it is an invaluable and unique asset that many clubs do not offer, or if they do, they do not possess the broad spectrum of advice and industry knowledge the Hub has at London Welsh RFC.
The London Welsh Careers Hub, “Succeed on the Field, Excel off it”
“Llwyddiant ar y Cae, Rhagori oddi arno”
