Introduction and orientation!

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Emma Thomas.  I have a background of working in the Human Resources (HR) sector in the UK where I worked for the Liberal Democrats in Westminster, London for seven years before emigrating to Canada in November 2014.  I have known since the age of 17 that I wanted to work in the legal field, and during my HR career I found that speaking with people on a 1-2-1 basis about employment law and advising them of process was something that I enjoyed very much.

Upon arriving in Canada I found (contrary to my research prior to my arrival) that I could not begin working in the HR field in Canada unless I went back to school.  I used this as an opportunity to change careers and learn about working in a law office.

I am now in my last semester of my second year in a two-year program at Conestoga College called 'Office Administration - Legal'. This blog will aim to fulfill the relevant requirement of my 'Work Situation Experience' course (CDEV2015-17W-Sec1) that I "synthesize through reflection skills acquired throughout program and field placement experience for personal and professional growth".

This blog will be the vehicle by which I intend to:

1. record my experiences as I looked for a co-operative placement (the culmination of my program);
2. give a window into my world as I prepare to start the placement I have, and;
3. take you along with me into that placement and show you some of the trials and tribulations of an international student finding her way in the legal workplace.

Please feel free to comment on and ask questions about anything I post about, and anything related to the subject of this blog.  I aim to post here at least biweekly until my work placement starts after which time my posting will increase!