I’m Oliver Morgan-Kavanaugh, I’m from Plymouth originally and I studied an LLB in law and a master’s in international business law at the University of Bedfordshire.
What do you do now?
I work in the commercial department in the Navy, I deliver contracts on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence. I manage a small team to develop and refine defence contracts and engage with government & defence companies to deliver contracts for a range of goods and services for the Navy.
Describe your journey from leaving university to where you are now?
Since graduation I moved to Portsmouth, found work with the MOD working on and delivering defence contracts.
How do you feel your course prepared you for your career?
The skills I learned doing both my bachelor’s and my masters has equipped me with a myriad of essential skills. In my day-to-day I read and pick apart contracts, ensuring that the wording is unambiguous and that the MOD is suitably protected in its dealings. The teaching I had around mooting and legal practice gave me applicable skills that have aided me in negotiation with companies and when applying for work.
And even in my day-to-day life knowing what my rights are and knowing where to look to find out the answers to legal issues I have faced has helped when dealing with landlords and employers.
Would you have done something differently?
In my final year I put in less effort than I should have and as a result I was 2% off a 1st class degree. If I could do my third year again I would put in more effort to the modules I could have improved on to achieve a 1st class degree.
What are your words of wisdom for prospective or current students?
University is an odd time, for many it is the first time away from their parents and things are a little disorienting. But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Ultimately you get out what you put in, so dive in with both feet; make friends, experience everything you can, do the extra curriculars that are offered and maybe even get a job in the uni. And if things get tough there is a ton of support around. There is nothing like the freedom you have when you are at UoB, you can make it whatever you want, make a name for yourself, put your stamp on things and maybe even leave a mark on the department.
And apply to the Refugee Legal Aid Project, put those skills to use to make a real difference to people’s lives.
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