Anelisse Bivol-Nigel
LLM International Legal Studies
- European Business Officer at Enterprise Europe Network
- Did a Master's to develop her knowledge and become a true expert in her field
- Uses what she learned during her studies every day in her job
Current role
"As a European Business Officer, I help British companies with Brexit related enquiries to facilitate a smooth transition from a European system of rules and policies to a national independent one. I also assist network partners outside the UK with queries regarding national legislation, standards or market information.
"As my job role forms part of the National Enquiry Gateway team, I have a varied range of duties including handling enquiries received via the national website or hotline and acting as the specific contact for business queries. This is my dream job and I work as hard as possible to provide the best service I can.
"The requirements for the role included a degree in an appropriate subject in order to use the knowledge gained during your studies in providing advice to small and medium businesses on UK and European law. Another requirement was experience in the delivery of information or advisory services to businesses. I found the job advertised on Bradford Council website."
When I applied for my Master's course, the University of Bradford was one of the few universities that was providing a course focused on international relations. I am happy to say that I made the best choice, as the University provided a very professional and complete course and the professors and lecturers were very well informed, with a high level of knowledge.
Pursuing postgraduate
"As I am passionate about international and European law, I wanted to develop my knowledge constantly and become a true expert in the field. The postgraduate degree was another step to conducting a PhD which is the highest level of education that I can achieve. The Master's course provided me with important information on top of the undergraduate course."
"My parents have encouraged me to learn all the time and be an expert in my chosen field. A Master's degree and PhD were discussed since the beginning of my undergraduate course. It was quite a fixed plan to follow."
Finding work
"As I graduated in international and European law, I applied for jobs within the legal area.
"I made use of online platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed to create job alerts and profiles with my professional qualities and skills. I searched for jobs on websites such as Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Chamber of Commerce. I also applied for jobs at different solicitors offices.
"I believe the key to finding your dream job is researching and applying for jobs every day. This way you don't miss a chance when the right job comes up. I don't remember the exact number of interviews I attended but I have learned something new from each interview, even if it wasn't a successful one.
"Before I got my dream job as a European Business Officer at Enterprise Europe Network, I worked for a year within a solicitors office where I gained communication skills and knowledge within the business and legal area."
Choosing my sector
"I specialised in international relations as well as European law which I have a Master's degree in, in order to better understand the interaction between states in the international arena. I have always been passionate about national diversity in terms of culture, religion, customs and governmental forms and therefore I wanted to understand the international rules according to which states coexist and interact.
"First of all, my biggest inspiration has been my parents as they worked hard for what they have gained and they always advised me that through education I could achieve every dream I have.
"Another source of inspiration was reading the biographies of the greatest world political leaders in order to learn about the steps they took to be in the highest position within a state.
"Once lockdown had been put in place, me and my team started working from home. We delivered the usual Enterprise Europe Network services but we also helped innovative SMEs access packages of support provided by the government meant to help high-growth small and medium enterprises to survive."
By taking a Master's course I improved my knowledge and I gained different professional and social skills by working in teams, presenting my work verbally in front of my colleagues or simply interacting with my colleagues and professors.
Experience at Bradford
"I enjoyed studying at the University of Bradford. The professors were always helpful and the library had a big collection of written resources and was open 24 hours a day. The staff within the University were helpful and always positive with a smile on their faces. In special circumstances when I lost a family member, the staff and professors were very compassionate and understanding.
"I use the information I have gained through my studies during undergraduate and postgraduate degrees every day whilst working as a European Business Officer.
"The acquired skills of research, public speaking, team-working, communication, business and political awareness help me to provide comprehensive advice to clients' enquiries and also work efficiently on different projects with my team."
Future plans
"This year I have enrolled myself at the University of Bradford to a PhD research programme in international law in order to became a true expert in this field and gain more knowledge on the interpretation of human rights laws.
"Once I complete the PhD and gain the title of Doctor in Law I become the best possible version of myself. Also, in the future I would love to pursue a teaching career within the University and share my experiences and knowledge to younger generations of students."