One of my favorite things about Loyola is that there are plenty of employment, internship, and networking events offered throughout the semester. Most of the events take place during the lunch hour, 12 PM, and are often offered during the evening as well to accommodate evening students. Additionally, each event organizer usually offers a recording and or Zoom link in case anyone is unable to attend in-person. Another great plus, if you do attend in-person during the lunch hour, is that lunch/baked goods are typically provided. While each student organization has its own members, you don’t necessarily need to be a member to be welcomed into the scheduled event…all are welcome!
I have participated in On Campus Interviews (OCI), Public Interest Career Day, and alumni, student, and other panels. OCI and Public Interest Career Day function similarly in that you upload your resume, cover letter, and writing sample to each participating employer, and you are subsequently considered for interviews with the respective employers. These events are tailored for finding employment/internships, but they provide great interviewing practice as each interview is typically 20 minutes long with a panel of interviewing attorneys. On the other hand, panels and mixers are more casual in nature and allow for cultivation of new relationships, potential employment, and mentorship.
This past weekend, Loyola, the Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF), and the Loyola Interdisciplinary Journal of Public Interest Law (LIJPIL) hosted the 2nd Annual Public Interest Palooza. I attended the panel hosted by the journal on Queering Legal Scholarship and the launch of the journal itself. It was incredibly informative, impactful, and fun. You do not necessarily need to be committed to public interest to attend the annual Palooza and celebrate alongside alumni, faculty, and other students. If you are interested in Big Law, mid-sized firms, or other employment types, several student organizations host a number of focused events throughout the school year for you to attend and explore. Just last week, Loyola hosted over 10 events. In addition to hosting internal events, Loyola is great about sharing external employment and networking opportunities with all students. The opportunities here are abundant!