Ruth Stowers: Journey from law student to graduate job

AUT Law graduate Ruth utilised AUT Employability’s diverse range of services to help her get her first role out of university. Now a Graduate Foreign Policy Officer with NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ruth's journey into employment began at The Public Trust where she was a legal intern.

She achieved her summer internship by implementing the lessons she learned through the Employability workshops, appointments, employer events and the Law Career Fair.

Ruth shares how her employability unfolded throughout her own university journey and encourages you all to maximise AUT’s support services.

How did the Employability team help with your job search?

The AUT Employability team were a huge help with not only my job search but figuring out my general career direction as well! I attended their LinkedIn workshops, different internship opportunity info sessions and the Law Career Fair. I used the CV and cover letter drop box for every job I applied for and booked sessions for one on one advice on applications.

What did you take from your Employability appointments and workshops?

• Tailor, tailor, tailor!! Make sure you’re not just sending out a generic CV and/or cover letter but instead that it is written specifically for the role that you are applying for. Take the time to match up your experience and skills to the job description, research their work and company culture and identify what makes you the ideal candidate.
• Quality over quantity. It can be tempting to mass apply but this will only end up with generic, un-inspiring applications. It is best to put in the time to research the job and company and ensure that it is somewhere that you really want to work - and then tailor your application to them.
• Use your connections! LinkedIn can be a great tool to see if any school or AUT alumni work at the place you want to - and then reach out to them! Most people are more than happy to go for a coffee or have a chat about their experience and tips. Even if you know a friend of a friend that works where you want to, it is worth reaching out not only to get tips but to get insight into whether it is a place you would enjoy.

Could you describe how you got the role and the transition from university to the workplace? 

I got the role through the Government Legal Network, which is a programme that places law students at a government ministry or crown entity over summer. It was one from the list of internship and graduate opportunities I’d collated throughout university. After six rejections for other roles, I was accepted in May and began in November 2020! The transition can be a bit of shock: getting used to full time hours, new systems and "real world" work. However, you usually get a welcome and an opportunity to meet people you will be working with/around, so make the most of getting to know them - they'll be your go-to for questions and having a friend can really make a difference.

What did your role at the Public Trust look like?

At Public Trust I worked as a legal intern within their corporate trustee services team. So whilst Public Trust may be more known for their trustee work (think helping write wills, giving out the gifts/things to the people set out in those wills, managing estates etc), they also provide corporate trustee services. This includes a wide range of services such as managed investment schemes (such as KiwiSaver), debt issues, structured finance arrangements and custodial services. Within my role, I assisted the general counsel (basically the head lawyer for this area) with reading over contracts, advising on corporate trustee related legal questions, and updating the team on relevant legislation changes.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a new graduate?

I think imposter syndrome is very real - so feeling out of your depth and doubting whether you are qualified for the role.

What advice would you give to new graduates who are just starting out in their careers?

People can really make or break an experience - so reach out to any people you know and ask around if anyone has connections that you can meet up with. Take up colleague's offers for coffee or lunch and use the opportunity to learn about their experience. Most people are super happy to chat and give tips, so make the most of it!!