As I near the end of my legal studies I never anticipated I would be using a host of online platforms and materials to self-study. This experience has proven to be challenging, nonetheless it has encouraged me to self-reflect and plan for the future.  Although, we have all become familiar communicating through social media and emails, I have found working digitally for extended periods of time requires clear engagement rules and a disciplined approach. I have managed to find some real benefits I want to share from the experience though:  

Flexibility 

When I was informed by my University they were suspending all face-to-face teaching for the foreseeable future, I was disheartened. However, I slowly realised the benefits as it gives me the flexibility to schedule my own study plan for a change.   

As a law student I can sometimes find difficulty in finishing my reading for seminars on time. During lockdown I have instead been reading at my own pace, which allows me to dedicate more time to actually understanding the content of my course rather than simply reading to a deadline.  

Organisation 

You should be making sure your digital files and notes are in order. Most students and professionals will be working without the usual backdrop of a physical workspace and be more dependent on finding files easily. Having an organised laptop and workspace will save you time on searching for things unnecessarily and prepare you for the future of the legal sector as it catapults itself into embracing technology. However, don’t be encouraged to spend all day in front of a screen, you should vary your activities. Use the headspace and quiet solitude to let your mind wonder and be creative.  

Resilience 

So far, the current pandemic has forced me to quickly adapt to change and think on my feet. In the long run, being asked by a future employer “what did you do during the coronavirus pandemic?”, may become a defining question in job interviews. Any employer is likely to recognise the qualities of independent motivation, management of space and time, as well as the resilience required to self-isolate.  

Final Thoughts 

The crisis is a harbinger of change in the way teaching has been approached and I can only anticipate the world will see reliance on technology and classrooms with internet-based apps taking the forefront. 

Whilst this is a challenging time for all of us, we can use our time effectively and productively to upskill. This, in turn, will place you in the best position to either advance your career or excel in your degree post pandemic. View this time as an opportunity on which you should be able to look back on and be proud of your behaviour in years to come.