Stepping Away: Amisha

Posted on: 1 November 2024 by Kulbir Cross in Class of 2023

Amisha Kular is a Class of 2023 LLB Law graduate who now works as a Constituency Political Assistant for Sinéad McLaughlin, SDLP MLA for Foyle.

How did you hear about your role and decide to apply for it?

I heard about the job through network connections I had previously in this industry. I decided to apply because I have always been in interested in politics and I had been involved in volunteering for the SDLP during MLA election season.   

How did you get to where you are now?

The recruitment process had three sections; applying using a cover letter and my cv (useful tip for law students is to have a legal cv and a public sector one), I then had to do a written task and once I passed that I got invited to interview. Preparing for the interview, I knew that for the role I was going to be asked about more general skills such as written/verbal communication, people skills.

I used the example of having studied for a law degree to illustrate by written communication, verbal skills I discussed my public speaking skills through debating and my bar mock experience. The best way I prepared for the interview was to cater the skills and experience I had to what was in the essential criteria section. Additionally, I had already spent time in the political industry volunteering and built those connections so people were already familiar with me.

Your favourite experience as part of your role?

My favourite experience so far has been writing letters of support on behalf of different constituents to different ministers within the Executive. Being able to help people in the community has been fulfilling and engaging with different stakeholders has deepened my knowledge of politics within Northern Ireland.                                 

The most challenging part of your graduate journey?

I think the most challenging part has been expecting to go straight into my graduate job, before I got this job I had a previous job and I kept applying for jobs and keeping my CV updated.

Top 3 Tips for current students and graduates:

1. If you know what industry you want to go into, make sure you have relevant work experience/volunteering.

2. Networking, if there is events regarding your industry go to them, make yourself known to people so when it comes to hiring you can ask for advice/tips.

3. Update and maintain the CV- the Career Coaches in the Career Studio are really good at helping prepare your CV.

                                                                                                                                                  

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