Cecilia Ngu
UTS:Law has an incredibly progressive and collaborative culture that I was immediately attracted to.
Are you working while studying? What does your job involve? Is it related to your degree? I have worked across a number of different areas throughout my time at law school. I currently work as a nanny for a local family and have done so since first year. I worked as a paralegal in a personal injury firm in second year, however this year have begun notetaking for the Special Needs Service at UTS and volunteering as a legal assistant at Redfern Legal Centre.
The paralegal job and my volunteer positions are both related to my degree. They have both provided me with understanding of law across a broad range of fields. Volunteering at Redfern Legal Centre in particular has directly shown me the importance of access to justice and equality before the law.
How do you manage the competing demands of university and work? Life is all about balance. I try to keep organised, and plan out everything that I need to do. Ensuring that I have free time is essential when keeping track of weekly tasks. Being overworked can result in higher stress levels and decreased productivity. Thus ensuring that I have time off to have fun and relax is actually essential to effective study practices.
What led you to choose UTS:Law for your studies? UTS:Law has an incredibly progressive and collaborative culture that I was immediately attracted to. Students are able to work together on all different levels, and are able to be test across the semester, not in a 100% final exam. I was also immediately drawn to the relations students seemed to have with faculty. Tutors and lecturers are approachable, easily contactable and always willing to answer questions.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? During my time at university, I have learnt about the social responsibility that comes with legal knowledge. For me, the most rewarding aspect of my degree is being able to use the skills that I have developed in a way that contributes to others. Being involved in Brennan Program initiatives and volunteering at Redfern Legal Centre have shown me what great work can be achieved through the legal profession.
Where would you like your double degree to take your career? If only I knew! Law and International Studies is a versatile degree, it presents so many options and opportunities that I would never like to rule anything out. I do have a passion for social justice, so I would like in some way for my career to reflect this in some way.
Are you involved in extra-curricular activities such as the Mentoring program, Brennan program, Mooting, LSS? How has this experience aided your career/personal development? I have been heavily involved in the Brennan Justice and Leadership Program. I was the Student Director of the Program in 2014, and oversee it as Vice-President (Social Justice) in 2015. Aside from the administrative side of the program, I have attended numerous lectures, Q&As and film nights that have been run, and have lead discussion groups. Through the LSS, I have competed in the Contracts Moot, Client Interview and Negotiation competitions, and I am part of the Advocates Mentoring Program.
These extra-curricular activities have played a huge role in informing my understanding of the law, and they helped me develop legal skills necessary for the workforce. From lectures delivered by commissioners, to learning about advocacy through mooting and the mentoring program, these experiences have also given me snapshots of the many places my degree can take me.
What would your advice be for someone who is looking at studying Law at UTS? I would advise any student considering Law at UTS to look at everything a university offers. It is the extra-curricular activities – be that social outings or educational activities – that allow you to make the most of your time at university and where I have met some of my closest friends. Get involved in anything and everything you can!
