Alex Collie

What led you to choose UTS:Law for your studies? When I decided to study law I wished to keep working at my current job, so the ability to study outside of working hours was very important to me. UTS not only offered a very flexible timetable that could easily fit in with my work commitments, but also provided excellent online resources that made it easy to keep up with my studies while at the office or at home.

If you are working while you are studying, what does your job involve? My area of work is in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which involves analysing and producing spatial data and creating digital maps. I currently work in editing and creating GPS data, such as that found in your car GPS, on websites or on your phone.

How do you balance study and work commitments? Keeping a good balance between work and study can be difficult given the demanding nature of studying law. I discussed my study commitments with my employers and together we were able to work out a schedule that allowed me to meet my study commitments whilst stilling meeting my work potential. Simply discussing with your employer the nature of your study can be very helpful in reaching a working regime that is in the interests of both you and your employer.

How have/will your studies at UTS contributed to your career? How have they informed the way you work? My studies at law will ultimately lead me to a vastly different career than I am currently in, however I feel that the experience and knowledge I have gained prior to studying to law is still invaluable. The emphasis that UTS places on practical and professional skills has also greatly prepared me for the realities of the legal workplace.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? A degree in law is a very difficult endeavour and I to receive acknowledgement where I have excelled has made the process very rewarded. The feedback and encouragement from teachers and tutors can provide great encouragement for what is a challenging degree.

What would your advice be for someone who is looking at studying Law at UTS? I think it is important when looking at studying law to have some idea of what you want to do with the degree. There are many reasons to study law beyond simply becoming a lawyer; with Law becoming more of a generalist degree, it holds appeal to employers from a wide range of professions. Finding a legal job as a graduate is unfortunately quite difficult these days, but having an idea of alternative career paths that interest you can lead to diverse and rewarding careers.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience at UTS:Law, or the University as a whole? Even where they are not compulsory, attending tutorials (and more importantly, getting involved) is a great way to piece together the different bits of knowledge you have in to something more coherent. Things that don’t make sense to you initially can often become quite simple when you discuss them with others. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make remarks, as that is how you will determine if your ideas are on the right track.