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Now, I have completely stopped UPSC preparation and am fully focusing on law. Unfortunately, I am from a tier-4 law college with no alumni network in law firms. In the past two years, I have managed to do only three internships, and I am desperately trying to get an assessment internship. I have sent more than 200 emails to law firms, partners, and chambers, but till today I haven’t received a single positive response.
With high expectations from my family, I am under constant pressure, yet I am still struggling to get even one opportunity. What makes it harder is that many of my friends are getting internships by lying on their resumes, while I am left behind. Sometimes it feels like it’s better to remain unemployed for a year than to get caught lying.
Every Sunday, I spend my whole day just mailing firms in hope of a chance. The frustration has been piling up, and I had no one to share this with. Today, I thought this might be the best place to let it out.
Any advice would mean a lot.
The much vaunted "alumni network" students are told about is often just a thinly veiled excuse to rag juniors.
These networks really only exist if you were brown-nosing these alums in college. It sounds harsh but yeah, don't expect them to assist you at all. You can keep trying if you'd want, but I think it's much better to retain some dignity in your asks.
In all honesty (sorry if it is harsh), it is unlikely that you'll get a Firm, at this level. The best way is to build work experience reflecting competence and then try making a lateral move maybe 3-4 years down the line.
Cold mailing is unlikely to work, seek help from whoever you can (friends, relatives, peers) just to get that first job so you have a foot in the door. Even if the job doesn't look promising, take it as a starting point and try networking as much as possible thereon.
Also, if ultimately you feel these suggestions are not practical for you, try falling back and explore Judiciary. DJS has fairly regular examination cycle.
It's going to be a long road so have faith in yourself, all the best.
To go a step ahead, I even designed my resume like a visiting card so that seniors and partners could glance through it within minutes, and I sent it across to them. Unfortunately, I haven’t received much response that way. But luckily, I did secured a judicial internship at the High Court of Karnataka by reaching out with this card.
Thank you for your kind wishes.