Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Agency Counsels
Andrew, an Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense, highlighted the value of internships in preparing for a legal career, citing experiences such as a radio DJ internship which built "confidence and comfort" in public speaking and a US Senator field representative role that honed "professional interaction skills" and understanding of diverse perspectives. These experiences, the interviewee stated, proved more helpful than specific coursework in developing the crucial soft skills needed for a legal career.
Communication, Public Speaking, Internship Experience, Professional Development, Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Andrew Henderson
Agency Counsel
Department of Defense
Bates College
Pepperdine University School of Law (JD); University of Redlands School of Business (MA); Army JAG School (LLM)
Political Science, American Studies
Government & Public Sector, Law
Legal
Took Out Loans, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Internships are valuable for developing public speaking and professional interaction skills.
2. Experience working for a radio station or politician helped build confidence and communication skills applicable to law.
3. Interacting with diverse groups of people through internships improves perspective and prepares students for professional settings.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
We will discuss the courses you might take a little later. Right now, in terms of what might prepare you for a study in the field of law, I had a number of internships that I thought were helpful for various reasons.
I had an internship with a radio station. This provided public speaking opportunities, making me more conversant and comfortable thinking on my feet and speaking to people. Not every aspect of the law requires you to be in a courtroom, but you do have to present your ideas with confidence. Being behind a microphone as a DJ was fun and helped prepare me for that.
Another helpful internship was for a US senator, where I worked as a field representative. I did this in college and also as a job after college for a state senator in California. I represented the senator at community events, giving speeches, shaking hands, and having discussions. I also wrote letters on the senator's behalf.
This helped me prepare to interact with people on a professional level. It also helps you speak with people from different walks of life and understand their perspectives. It prepares you better for those situations.
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