Employability Study Trip to Dublin

Posted on: 10 February 2025 by Joseph Barr in Blog

I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a five-day employability trip to Dublin with a group of 16 fellow Law and Social Justice students exploring one of the most culturally and academically rich cities in the world.

With an overarching focus on employability, we were given insight into potential career prospects through a host of activities. Whether it was a chance to network with industry professionals at DLA Piper or tours of Ireland’s criminal courts, everyone gained a valuable perspective on the possible directions their careers might take.

Itinerary

Despite being met with rain and hail, the trip started with a walking tour led by a native Dubliner, who took the group through a host of historically significant sites. This was followed by a visit to the Criminal Courts of Justice, where the group was given both a guided tour and the opportunity to individually experience a court hearing.

The second day began with a tour of the legal quarter, led by the School of Law and Social Justice's very own Law academic, Dr Zaina Mahmoud. This was accompanied by a self-guided tour of The Four Courts, perhaps the most prominent symbol of Ireland’s legal system. The day was then topped off with a personal highlight of the trip—the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum.

The third day provided perhaps the most important opportunity for Law students, as the group visited global law firm DLA Piper for a talk from legal professionals, followed by a chance to stay at the end and network. The day continued with a guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol, a site of momentous importance in Ireland’s revolutionary history.

On the fourth day, the group was led around Trinity College, home to one of the most expansive collections of books in the world. This was accompanied by the Book of Kells Experience and a visit to the Old Library, which houses some of the world's most historically significant literature. Our final evening in Dublin was spent at the Guinness Storehouse, which features one of the most interactive and engaging exhibits I have ever visited.

Learning experiences

During the visit to DLA Piper, I learnt that legal internships aren’t just limited to law students. This inspired me to research what opportunities are available to me, as summer internships can be invaluable work experience for students who don’t want to spend a year in industry. I have now started applying for a variety of internships—something I would not have even considered without advice from the team at DLA Piper.

Personal reflections

Another memorable part of the trip was the opportunity to speak with Dr Zaina Mahmoud about my interest in pursuing a PhD. It was incredibly valuable to hear insights from someone who had gone through the process themselves. Having the chance to properly understand what undertaking a PhD entails made me realise that it was what I wanted, while also giving me perspective on the amount of work I would need to put in to achieve it.

Practical advice

One thing I wish I had considered more was my budget, especially when visiting a capital city like Dublin. While most of the trip was planned by the university, I would advise doing your own research and booking activities in advance, as I found that booking on the day was sometimes twice as expensive. I also feel that researching minimises the chance of missing out on experiences, as a few tours I would have enjoyed were fully booked.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, the focus on employability provided so many opportunities to advance my career prospects while also giving me the chance to meet fellow course mates and explore a new city. I couldn’t recommend a trip like this enough and commend the School of Law and Social Justice for providing such an opportunity.