I see a lot of comments on LI on how much people have regretted working in law firms. The people who're still in it are mostly because they're addicted to the paycheck or have financial problems that the paycheck can solve. Either ways, it's difficult to get out of it once you're in it for some time.
In retrospect, if you could go back in time and advise your younger self in his/her 4th-5th year of college to do things differently, what would you advise?
Go do things that you find fun and enjoyable. Don't shy away from opportunities because you think they are cringe or not cool. College is when you get exposure to a nice intellectual environment, have so much freedom, and have the least amount of pressure in life. Learn to fuck up, make mistakes, and pick yourself up. You can afford to fail at things in college, so take as much risk as possible.
Study more. Work hard and invest more time in studies. Don't take grades too lightly. Have a good grasp of all core and basic subjects such as Contracts, CPC, CrPC, IPC, Constitution. And STOP the mad competition for mooting. Do it only if you enjoy it and not under some kind of pressure. Don't moot merely because you saw your peers participate and win in some international moot. Mooting requires time and energy.
Write research papers and blogs. If you find mooting/debating not your cup of tea, don't feel disheartened. You are an individual with a distinct trajectory in life. Don't be influenced easily by others. Be gracious if others win or lose a competition. But don't let that win arouse self doubt and inferiority complex and that loss, a sadistic pleasure. Invest your time in writing. Participate in conferences. By the 3rd year, you will be surprised how good your writing and analytical skills have become.
Keep your hobby alive. You don't have to be an expert or pro. Just love what you do, be it sketching, singing, making memes etc.
In all probability, you will be given the 'set formula' for bagging Tier 1 firm job- do this and that moot, intern here and there, do everything related to Corp law etc. It's okay to start from this formula. Don't panick.
Don't pigeonhole yourself into one specialisation or subject, especially something which is relatively niche. Specialise, but also build your repertoire in other subjects in case plan A doesn't work out.
Start Bootlicking people because when time for placements come and you are not from a tier 1 nlu, merit goes for a toss and selection is based only on HR Round!
In retrospect, if you could go back in time and advise your younger self in his/her 4th-5th year of college to do things differently, what would you advise?
College is when you get exposure to a nice intellectual environment, have so much freedom, and have the least amount of pressure in life. Learn to fuck up, make mistakes, and pick yourself up. You can afford to fail at things in college, so take as much risk as possible.
Write research papers and blogs. If you find mooting/debating not your cup of tea, don't feel disheartened. You are an individual with a distinct trajectory in life. Don't be influenced easily by others. Be gracious if others win or lose a competition. But don't let that win arouse self doubt and inferiority complex and that loss, a sadistic pleasure. Invest your time in writing. Participate in conferences. By the 3rd year, you will be surprised how good your writing and analytical skills have become.
Keep your hobby alive. You don't have to be an expert or pro. Just love what you do, be it sketching, singing, making memes etc.
In all probability, you will be given the 'set formula' for bagging Tier 1 firm job- do this and that moot, intern here and there, do everything related to Corp law etc. It's okay to start from this formula. Don't panick.
Speaking only of cigarettes .... no high, burns a hole in your wallet and gives you in return a good chance of dying painfully.
Still can't stop though... sigh.