Colin Colas

My time at the University of Southampton, specifically my experiences on various student societies, equipped me with the necessary project management skills needed to complete my day-to-day work and run the projects. Also, learning how to effectively network definitely helps me a lot at work, as I’m constantly meeting distinguished individuals, including Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.

Why did you decide to study for the LLB at the University of Southampton?

I chose to pursue an LLB at the University of Southampton for three main reasons.

The first reason being the exciting insights I had on both the University Open Day and the Law School’s ‘moot’ day for offer holders. I also chose to study Law at the University because of the interesting opportunities it offered to spend my third year studying at a European or other international country, such as Hong Kong. I really appreciated the opportunity to the year abroad, even though I didn’t end up doing it in the end. The third reason that led me to choosing to study at the University of Southampton, and in particular for law, has to be the atmosphere and energy that I felt on the open day. It was a very exciting day – I loved everything about it! Thankfully the British weather was working in Southampton’s favour that day!

At which point did you decide which career path to follow? And how did your study influence this?

It was in my second year of University that I really decided which career path I wanted to follow. Having completed some vacation schemes at some international law firms in the summer of my second year, I decided that city law wasn’t really for me. Fortunately, I jetted off to India on a British Council scholarship to learn Hindi and work for an NGO. This planted the idea that I wanted to work within the Third Sector or Public Sector, particularly in the international relations field.

Upon commencing my final year, my two modular choices of Understanding Modern China and International Criminal Law crystallised my interest in pursuing a career in international relations. It was at this point that I was, fortunately, awarded a double scholarship to learn Mandarin Chinese in Shanghai with my plan now being join the Civil Service in September, and then hopefully go on to a career at the Foreign & Common Wealth Office, with a special focus on the UK’s relations with East Africa and Asia-Pacific.

How did you find your first role after the LLB, and how do you feel that your time at the University of Southampton helped to prepare you for this?

My first role was largely split into two roles. In Shanghai, I worked in the Business Development department of a Chinese law firm that was looking to expand into Europe. I then joined the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai’s Marketing & Communications department, where I currently work, alongside running some projects with the British Consulate General Shanghai.

What are the highlights of your role, and have you experienced any particular challenges?

There are three main highlights of my roles out in Shanghai. The first one being the opportunity I have to meet so many different people from all walks of life, ranging from CEOs of start-up companies, to diplomats, to global business leaders.

Another highlight has to be the multi-cultural working environment at the Chamber and also at the Chinese law firm from before. The majority of my colleagues are Chinese, so I get unique insights into Chinese culture, working and personal alike.

Another highlight has to be the kind of work I do as it ranges from working with local start-ups to working with students, which all involves engaging in exciting activities with a range of different people.

I’ve faced quite a few different challenges. One such challenge was this one time when I was required to work purely in Chinese at a Chamber event under strict time constraints. It was incredibly testing, but equally as rewarding.

Another challenge has to be regarding marketing. As a Law graduate, I didn’t dedicate too much time towards developing my marketing skills. So, having to learn and develop these on the job was testing, but as before, it was very rewarding! I now know how to efficiently market events, products and myself.

What top tips would you give to current LLB students?

Fellow Southampton law students, have no fear, just follow these tips!

First thing’s first: enjoy it. You do, of course, need to work very hard to excel on the LLB, but you need to make sure you ENJOY IT! Use your spare time to relax, see friends, exercise, or engage in society activities. I found that the more I enjoyed the LLB and what the University had to offer, the better I did!

Secondly: get involved. The University, the Law School, and the societies have so much to offer! Try out things you never thought you would have usually tried. What’s more, don’t limit yourself to law career fairs or events. Try to branch out a little and test the waters in a range of different things… after all, you don’t really know what you like to do you try it first!

Thirdly: try and get into a good routine. I found that getting into a good routine helped me overcome the stress of final year. I woke up early, I had regular breaks, and I stopped working at 8pm every night. No later. After that, I went to the gym and relaxed with friends. Having a routine and sticking to it really helped me to achieve my academic and professional goals!

What did you enjoy the most about your study at the University of Southampton?

Hmm, hard question! I would say… participating in society activities with my friends. I was on the committees for the Law Society and the then Lawyers Without Borders Southampton Student Division, along with a few of my friends. This meant we were able to work together on projects and events, which all turned out to be great successes. It was a lot of fun, especially the after parties, of course.