Preparing for the Next Steps (the Bar Course)

In our 15th May session, the Budding Bar addressed two key issues: preparing for the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC/BPC/BTC) and managing course supervisors.

Before the session, we relayed to James and Zita what we needed support with in preparing for our next career milestones. I asked for tips to prepare effectively for the Bar Course. I asked for support and advice on how to avoid educational fatigue, and tips on physical and mental self-care to get through the next hurdle to the Bar.

When the session began, James and Zita told the group to ask me lots of questions (mainly surrounding my worries) and I had to tell them what to do/what my advice was. As the questions were asked, such as “how are you going to take care of yourself during the course”, “will you reach out for support from peers”, “what skills do you need to bring to the course to complete it successfully”, I realised that I actually had most of the answers to my own worries. It was an introspective exercise that was particularly useful as my suggestions - to myself (haha!) - were tailored for me and were therefore far more helpful than someone else telling me what to do.

My notes include:

• Reach out to peers for support, including emotional support as well as academic support;

• Reflect: take time to sit in the moment and think about how much you have achieved and what skills you have learnt from your achievements and bring them to this next chapter in your life;

• What support system will you put in place?

• What are your expectations, and compare them to the expectations and worries of your last degrees - were you correct or wrong?

• Take care of your personal health. Do not drag yourself through. Listen to your mind and body to get yourself through this challenging chapter.

• Aims: Very Competent? Outstanding? Pass?

• Setting up a routine?

Umrah noted some other important points from the session:

1. Become familiar with course content and requirements as a starting point. Then identify existing skills that can be applied and get familiar with new skills. These essential check-ups should create a sense of ease as students break into the course.

2. Consider how they prepared for previous courses and seek support from senior peers on different preparation methods. Reach out to anyone that's completed the course and share resources such as aptitude books.

3. Continue using the most suitable learning style, such as auditory learning to support learning needs. Identifying the best method can save repetition and time. Bear in mind that everyone works differently, not to be put off by our differences but to learn from them.

4. Set the right level of expectation not to burn out and set aside time for different commitments and mental health and wellbeing to include a strong support system/network.

5. Imagine achieving the desired outcome. Ask what needs doing to adapt along the way and how it feels not to know everything about the BPTC but at the same time not undermining achievements.

6. Accountability is key. Set deadlines to achieve goals, realizing that support may be required or the course may be a breeze.

7. It can be challenging to make real-life connections in a digital space. The fear of the unknown can impact managing a course supervisor but consider how to respond if there was no fear of failing. Handle this differently. Reach out to the supervisor and break the ice using their subject knowledge and interests as a starting point. Supervisors are there to help, so make the most of their time by asking about their availability. Then arrange regular meetings to address course-related questions.

8. Having made it this far, set aside preconceived notions and make an effort to network. After all, this is about maintaining good professional relationships.

If you are preparing for a new hurdle (i.e. new job, new school or new area) ask yourself directly the questions that are on your mind. Your own advice may actually put to bed your worries.

Alexi Norris

Image courtesy of UNEP <https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/climb-mountain-take-your-potential-new-heights> 2021