Edward Lyons

Which degree are you studying? 1st year, Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration

What led you to choose UTS:Law for your postgraduate studies? After attending the information sessions, I was highly impressed with the student-oriented approach to both the teaching and the culture of the Faculty. The flexibility of offering so many (day and night) classes and the ability to shape your timetable to what suited you was also a huge drawcard. Finally, the well-developed and easily accessible global exchange program and strong international links – the benefits of which were offered to all students – was a significant advantage over other universities’ comparably limited offerings.

Do you work as well as study? I teach music to 20 children a week, both at home and a couple of local primary and high schools. I also perform as a musician at weddings and other functions and serve in the Australian Army Reserve. 

How do you balance study and work commitments? With some degree of difficulty. Being a postgrad (even a young one at 21) you don't really have a choice to only study full-time, even though I live at home. Doing five subjects worth of credit points a semester isn't easy on its own but throwing in 15-20 hours of work each week definitely makes it a challenge. I would love to have the luxury of spending more time on uni work and study but unfortunately that's the reality of being a postgraduate student in a country where there is no government subsidy for study beyond your first degree.

How will your studies at UTS contribute to your career? I feel like my courses (Law and Business/Management) at UTS will serve to provide me with options to work in an industry that both challenges me and provides room to excel in the skills I've learnt. Although I’m only in my second semester at UTS, I feel like the attributes being instilled in me will serve as valuable tools in negotiating a somewhat intimidating post-uni world.

What sets UTS students and graduates apart in your field? I would say a more down-to-earth and well-rounded approach to both law and business, with a strong emphasis on the practical aspects of the professions.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? So far the best aspect has been the opportunity to meet new people from so many different backgrounds – both in classes and via my involvement as music director and co-producer of the UTS Law Revue.

What is the most useful or important thing you’ve learned from your studies at UTS so far? To be more confident in my ability to achieve.

Has anyone in particular at the University had a significant influence on your studies? I have been very impressed with the standard of teaching at UTS compared to my previous uni. 

What would your advice be for someone who is looking at studying Law at UTS? Be prepared to be pushed out of your comfort zone, and back yourself in meeting the deadlines, passing the exams and making friends. Most of all, remember that if you want to get anything out of your uni experience you need to put something in – join a club or society, run for union board, take an interest in student life, play lunchtime sport, take part in a musical or revue and go to the parties. Uni is just as much about the friends you make and the experiences you have with them as it is about the content and skills you learn.

Do you intend to maintain a relationship with or continue your involvement with UTS after graduating? I would be keen to be involved in taking part in Alumni events and look to UTS for any further study I would be interested in undertaking.

Find out more about our JDMBA program at our information evening.