Sara Bond

1. Where do you work and what is your position?
I am a solicitor with the Aboriginal Legal Service.

2. Why did you choose to come to Sydney Law School? 
At the time of my application, Sydney Law School was recognised as one of the best law schools in Australia for Public International Law (competing with Melbourne and ANU).

3. What countries have you worked in? 
Canada, Netherlands (internship), Tanzania (internship) Australia

4. Did you have a part-time job while at Uni? 
Yes, whilst at University in Canada I was a waitress, campus police, and judicial officer  (help people in university disciplinary  proceedings). In Australia, I was a waitress, tutor and a researcher for a barrister. I just remembered that throughout my Juris Doctor and Masters of Law I was a moot participant and then went on to be a judge and coach.

5. Did you consider applying for non-legal positions? 
Yes

6. Extra-curricular activities you got involved in (societies, clubs, athletics)? 
In Canada, I was involved in Jewish Organizations whilst studying
In Australia, I was working whilst studying and did not really undertake any extracurriculars whilst studying. A few weekend events perhaps - but nothing of note. 

7. What is the most important tip you would give to international students before they go in for an interview? 
Be yourself. Pretending to be someone else may help you get a job, but it may not help you keep it. 

8. If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently? 

Delay my Masters degree by a few years. 

9. How did Sydney Law School help prepare you for your current career?
It didn't. 

10. Biggest Challenge and how you got over it/did you ever get over it? 
Trying to obtain employment without permanent residency (PR). Obtained PR, and then the job was quick to follow. 

11. What was your experience like getting a job after you graduated? 
Challenging at first without PR. However, volunteering assisted me in building my resume with relevant law-related skills so that when I obtained PR a job would be less difficult to obtain. 

a. Did you use any of the Law School’s on-campus career services? 
No.

b. How long did it take you to find a job?
Less than a year.