Being a Bondy means that you are a part of a tightknit community with a strong support network, and can rely on the people around you to help you chase your ambitions. Our aim is to create an environment where you feel inspired and confident to ignite the very best version of yourself; a place where you will never be thought of as just another number, but rather, will have abundant opportunities to stand out. Simply put, we exist for you – to give you the right tools, support, and empowerment to take your life and career in whichever direction you choose.
Isabella Parsons is a Bondy with a passion for the legal industry, and is immersed in student life through numerous student associations. Throughout her studies, she has actively sought out industry experience with top-tier Australian law firms and is driven to secure a graduate position. We met with Isabella to learn more about why she loves being a Bondy and hear her advice for students hoping to make the most of their time at university.
Who are you and what are you currently studying?
My name is Isabella, and I'm a second-year law student. I am 19 years old and grew up on the Gold Coast, so I am fortunate enough to still be living with my amazing family. I work part time alongside my studies, and I love being a part of the Bond community. In my free time, I like to write novels, go hiking and café hopping with friends, and I wouldn’t say no to a cheeky Friends marathon, either!
What has Bond’s personalised approach to learning been like for you?
Bond makes me feel supported in every way, but particularly through their personalised approach to learning. All my professors knew me by my first name after my very first week of classes and it’s always been a seamless process to book a consultation with them if I’m ever in need of some extra support. At the end of the semester, we will often organise a small class celebration together as a way of recognising our efforts, which I think is a special way to make students feel valued.
Each faculty has designated librarians, which is extremely helpful when on the hunt for law databases and resources! The Faculty of Law librarians have been incredible in teaching me the required referencing style for the Bachelor of Laws (CRICOS 093922K), as well as how to navigate cases, legislation and other online resources.
I can’t forget about the Law Students’ Association (LSA), which facilitates internal law competitions for Bond students, including mooting, negotiations, witness examinations, and client interviews. Participating in these competitions has enabled me to develop strong practical legal skills, build self-confidence, and form new relationships with other students.
What’s your favourite part about Bond’s student experience?
Ever since I attended Personal Open Day in 2020, I’ve felt welcomed and embraced by the Bond community. During Personal Open Day I had the opportunity to tour the law building with the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law, had a one-on-one conversation with my regional manager, and completed a tour of the campus with a current student. Along the way, I could see how passionate each person was about Bond, and I just knew that I belonged here.
The Bond experience is everything I had hoped for, and so much more. I especially love how personalised everything is. My professors know my name, and I know most of the students in my cohort, as well as older and younger students from other faculties. I know that the Bond staff truly want the best for me, and that they will always go above and beyond to support me in my studies.
There is always so much to do on campus, whether it’s a social event, extracurricular activities, or something that’s been organised by one of the student societies. What’s even better is that it’s all coordinated by Bond’s students. There’s a weekly on-campus event every Thursday night, a free barbeque lunch every Wednesday, and different wellbeing events that pop up throughout the week. Just recently, the Canadian Law Student Association hosted a pancake breakfast feast (so yum!), LSA organised a pizza study session, and the Business Student Association made study care packs for our exam week - all for free!
What’s one thing that wouldn’t have been possible if you hadn’t gone to Bond?
If I didn’t choose to study at Bond, I wouldn’t have been able to participate in the Bond University Clayton Utz Negotiation Competition, which I actually won! This competition was organised by LSA, and as a result of winning, I spent one week completing work experience at Clayton Utz, a leading Australian law firm. The week was an incredible experience, one that I don’t take for granted as it allowed me to network with amazing industry professionals, learn more about commercial law, and really cement my passion for the legal industry.
How do you think Bond will help you secure your dream job?
There are so many networking opportunities here at Bond, which I’m sure will play a major role! Ahead of clerkship season each year, the Career Development Centre (CDC) organises weekly campus visits with partners from top-tier law firms, which is an invaluable networking experience for law students. The CDC staff have also helped me perfect my resume ahead of my clerkship applications, and have facilitated mock interviews and psychometric testing to better prepare me for future jobs.
Through the CDC I hope to secure a clerkship, followed by a graduate position. However, if this doesn’t go to plan, I know I can apply for the Industry Experience Program, which will provide me with a semester’s worth of work experience at a law firm.
I'm currently volunteering at a litigation clinic in Brisbane, which was organised through the Faculty of Law. I'm confident that by the end of my degree, with my current industry experience, networking skills, soft skills, and general knowledge, I will be able to find my dream job!
If you could describe Bond using one word, what would it be?
In one word, I would describe Bond as ‘easy’. While the degrees themselves may be challenging, I’ve found it so easy to meet new people, participate in extracurricular activities, and make long-lasting friendships. It’s been a breeze to ask my professors for extra support, network with law professionals, and gain practical industry experience. However, just because everything feels so natural, doesn’t mean you don’t have to work hard. From my experience, you have to demonstrate ambition and show eagerness to pursue opportunities as they arise.
You may not know it now, but with Bond’s support, there could be something waiting for you right around the corner.