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Kiran Antony

Find out how studying at the University of Birmingham helped Yuean achieve her career goals.
  • Kiran Antony

    My Graduate Story

    My name is Kiran Antony, and I completed a LLM University of Birmingham.

    I’m currently working as a Major Contracts Officer at the University of Southampton. In my role, I manage and optimise significant contractual agreements, negotiating terms, ensuring compliance, and strategically aligning contracts with the university’s goals.

    My work facilitates successful partnerships and initiatives, supporting the institution’s overarching objectives.

A Day in my Life

A typical day for me involves reviewing contracts, negotiating terms, and ensuring that all agreements align with our strategic goals. I work closely with various departments to make sure everything is on track, from compliance to successful implementation.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is being able to contribute to the university's growth and success by ensuring that our contracts are sound and effectively managed. 

 

My Journey to the University of Southampton

I worked as a Legal and Procurement Coordinator for Birmingham Ceremonies Ltd during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Before that, I practiced law in India. 

My diverse background paved the way for my transition into the role I always aspired to. After working as a paralegal at Integreon, I sought a position that would involve research and innovation services with a focus on contracts. Through several interviews and persistent effort, I finally secured my current role. It’s all about recognising your strengths and making sure they shine during your job search.


My Birmingham Experience

The LLM course at the University of Birmingham was incredibly well-structured, providing me with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in law. The professors were fantastic, and I received constant support throughout the course. Special thanks to Professor Mariela and Professor Lydia, who were instrumental in helping me with my IP law dissertation. Their lectures were comprehensive yet easy to follow, and their guidance helped me immensely. I also appreciated the extensive reading materials and the well-organised study plans, which provided ample opportunities for personal growth.

 

Birmingham's Impact

The Careers Network was my saviour! This not only helped me secure valuable internships but also provided opportunities to network and gain valuable insights into the workings of the legal profession in the UK.  My passion for a career in IP law led me to actively seek internships and volunteer gigs, and I snagged some great opportunities during my UoB days. Special thanks to Paul, whose support has been a game-changer throughout my time at UoB!

 

Advice for students

  1. Be sure of what role you'd like to pursue.
  2. Understand your market value within that role.
  3. Research thoroughly, especially for international students verify the company's sponsorship capabilities and willingness.
  4. Utilise a cover letter for every application and maintain simplicity in your CV.
  5. Hone your interview skills through practice.
  6. Post-application, connect with a team member on LinkedIn for added visibility.
  7. Embrace networking, whether offline or online, to expand your professional connections.

 

My Achievements

One of my proudest achievements was securing a fantastic opportunity to work with the legal team for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and volunteering as a Brand Protection Volunteer for Gowling WLG. These experiences not only enhanced my practical knowledge but also helped me build meaningful connections that shaped my career path.

Receiving the University of Birmingham Commonwealth Countries Scholarship also played a significant role in my academic journey, reducing my tuition fees and allowing me to focus fully on my studies without the added financial burden.