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What is a career in human rights?

Press release issued: 9 March 2016

This month, the Human Rights Implementation Centre (HRIC) welcomed lawyer Vicki Prais to the Law School to talk to students about a career in human rights.

Vicki Prais currently works as a human rights advisor at UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office/Prisoners Abroad. On Tuesday 1 March she visited the University of Bristol Law School to talk to students about her own experience and gave an insight into what it is like to pursue a career in the field of human rights.

Vicki particularly highlighted the many routes there are to get into the sector, including working as a lawyer, campaigner, researcher or policy officer and offered advice on the skills and experience students need to develop, to increase their chances of securing a job in human rights.

Students were advised to undertake a postgraduate degree, develop their languages, be creative, innovative, media savvy and seek as many opportunities to gain experience in the field as possible, such as volunteering or securing an internship.

Other top tips included:

  • Get yourself in print and become an expert in your area. Start with a 500 word blog piece in the University or Bristol Human Rights Law Journal. If there isn’t one - start one!
  • Find a mentor in the field and ask them to guide you as you start out. Don’t ask them for a job!
  • Network and talk to everyone! Every opportunity begins with a relationship. LinkedIn can be your friend.
  • Go to free lectures. A good networking opportunity, and gains Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.
  • Skill up! Build up skills in research, writing and communications. Attend relevant courses.
  • Know your sector - read broadly and get a deep understanding of your specialist area.

Students also received additional advice from Director of the HRIC

Professor Rachel Murray, Director of the Centre, wrapped up the event by giving an inspiring talk about her own experiences and the path she followed, which led her to work on International Human Rights Law, specialising in human rights in Africa.

Amongst her many responsibilities, Rachel is also a magistrate to the Bristol local area and leads on the ESRC Human Rights Law Implementation Project (HRLIP). This project aims to demonstrate impact in the compliance of nine states with decisions of human rights bodies, ultimately resulting in greater justice for victims.

Final thoughts

The students were left with some final motivational thoughts from Professor Murray who concluded, "a career in human rights is ‘challenging, but extremely enjoyable.”

Further information

To find out more about pursuing a career in human rights please read the guidance available on our opportunities for students webpage.  

Anyone interested in talking through the various career options in this area please get in touch with Rachel Murray

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