Student Success Story - Madison Otto

Why I Chose Paralegal Studies

I'm currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Paralegal Studies. I have always been passionate towards law and advocacy; choosing this program has given me the opportunity obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a paralegal and serve my community.

The Most Important Thing I’ve Learned About Work and Career

The most important thing that I have learned about my work and career is relationship building. Building professional relationships is crucial to developing your career. The advice and personal experiences that my colleagues shared gave me a new understanding of navigating the public sector post-graduation and allowed me to form meaningful connections. At the end of the day, professionals in the field understand what it's like to be starting out and want to see you succeed.

The Most Valuable Thing I’ve Learned About Myself

The most valuable thing I learned about myself was my ability to learn quickly and explore multiple career paths. Before my placement, my focus was solely towards a law firm work environment, but I learnt there are many careers that are supported by paralegal skills such as policy development or being a privacy officer. Conducting privacy assessments was an entirely new skill set that advanced my knowledge of privacy law and technology.

How Placement Advisor Supported or Assisted Me with Placement

My placement advisor posted the WSIB student co-op opportunity in our online portal and worked with the WSIB to ensure my 120 hours of in-scope paralegal work was incorporated into the position.

Words of Wisdom or Advice to Future Students

I would recommend future students take opportunities that are outside their comfort zones; this placement allowed me to grow as a paralegal student but also gain meaningful knowledge and skills within crucial areas of all corporations and institutions. I think tunnel vision in terms of a career path can only hinder your growth, always be open to new possibilities.