First Class law degree leads Rachael to Qatar

Studying for a law degree here at Teesside University has led Rachael Janes to work in a luxury hotel in the Middle East.

Rachael, 22, of Eaglescliffe, graduated with a First Class LLB (Hons). She also received prizes for outstanding achievement, outstanding application of legal skills and excellent achievement in company and employment law.

Her interest in a legal career developed while at school. Keen to pursue this through a vocational route she took a role as a junior secretary with Dickinson Dees law firm in Stockton in 2004.

I went on to complete Summer University courses in Law Rachael said: 'It was this practical experience in a law firm which confirmed my decision to pursue further law studies. After obtaining my Legal Secretarial Diploma and A-Level Law, I went on to complete Summer University courses in Law at Teesside and discussed the LLB (Hons) programme with one of the lecturers, who encouraged me to apply.'

She completed the degree over four years, working full time during the first three and part time during the final year to concentrate efforts on the course. She continued to work as a legal assistant for Dickinson Dees until last month, when she landed her job in the Middle East.

Rachael said: 'My fiancé, Ian, was offered a job as project engineer on a large construction project in the Middle East and this led me to consider my options for the future. I saw working in Qatar as an excellent opportunity to broaden my experience by applying the skills and expertise I have developed in another commercial sector.'

She is now working in Qatar at The Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village and Spa five-star hotel in Doha, as an executive assistant to the area general manager. Rachael said: 'It is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside a diverse group of people, while gaining leadership and management experience with one of the world's most exclusive hotel chains. I am also planning to get involved with the local community projects in Doha which the hotel supports.'

Rachael said studying part time for her degree while working was demanding, but added: 'The benefits of gaining practical commercial experience far outweigh the challenges. I very much enjoyed my time at Teesside University and have made friends for life. Being named University of the Year is a fantastic achievement for Teesside and great for the local area.'

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