Moving away to study can be a daunting task but, for law graduate Ijaz Careem, the community he found at the University of Tasmania made Hobart feel like a second home.
Currently working at a law firm in Hobart, Ijaz is originally from Sri Lanka and was drawn to Tasmania for its landscape – most notably the beaches near the University’s Sandy Bay campus.
The decision to move was made easier when he was awarded the Dean of Laws Merit Scholarship for his Bachelor of Laws, providing much-needed financial support.
“The scholarship actually helped a lot,” he said.
“The fact that I did not have to stress about paying any tuition fees – or that my parents had to worry [about it] – helped me do my studies to the best possible degree, and also allowed me to do extracurricular activities and engage with the local community.”
Moving was not without its challenges, though – Ijaz started his studies only weeks before the COVID-19 lockdowns began. But, while this was a tough period, living in student accommodation at the time gave him the strong support system he needed.
“I believe that [university accommodation] allowed me to have a small circle of friends, which I'm still close to, to this date,” he said.
“It not only encourages you to access more events and meet new people, but it also allows you to have a support system with where you're staying.”
And it wasn’t just his peers who made his time as a student enjoyable. Ijaz said the teaching staff for his law degree were also extremely supportive.
“Everyone who was at the law school can say that all the lecturers and support staff are very helpful,” he said.
“Whenever I had questions, they'd always be happy to answer them.”
Ijaz said his law degree gave him the practical experience that he needed in order to thrive in his future law career.
“The University of Tasmania has prepared me in several ways. Not only has it given me the knowledge of theoretical skills in terms of my degree, but it also has prepared me for the practical aspects of my career,” he said.
“I interned with different organisations, which allowed me to have more of an understanding of the real world and what a potential employer would want.”
Ijaz also remained active in various communities during his studies, which enriched his experience beyond the classroom.
“Not only did I manage to keep up with my studies, I also had a very good social life,” he said.
“I was involved with multiple clubs and societies, including the Tasmanian University Law Society (TULS) and the Sri Lanka Student Association.”
His degree helped Ijaz pursue a career in law with a strong focus on helping people, something he feels passionate about. He currently works at a firm that specialises in personal injury and workplace compensation, which acts on a “no win, no fee” basis.
“I do it because I want to help people,” he said
“I believe that goes a long way because, at the end of the day, you're helping someone who would probably be in a worse situation if not for your help.”
After living in Tasmania for five years, it now feels like a second home to Ijaz. He plans to remain in Tasmania so he can open his own law firm and continue giving back to the community, as well as providing job opportunities for others.
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