Ian Grant

Ian grant

Darwin NT

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology 2018

I studied a double degree Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Criminology through UNE and did so online. I enjoyed studying online as it gave me the freedom to do the work I needed in my own time and around my work and social commitments. I found that it takes a lot of dedication and you need to be organised to study in this manner as there is nobody or timetable forcing you to complete your education.

I really enjoyed the lecturers I had for both degrees. They were always knowledgeable and provided me with work and study that was challenging and kept me interested. They were easy to get in contact with to speak about assignments and coursework that I was doing.

My end goal when I started my degree was to become a Prosecutor and then develop my knowledge so as to transfer into a policy making role to prevent and lessen the impact of crime. I never envisaged myself living in Darwin though.

I am currently lucky enough to be able to use both my degrees in my current professional life. I am working for North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service as a para-legal. I will be admitted to practice as a Lawyer in the Northern Territory on the 3rd of March and will then have a bit more freedom in my role. I am currently undertaking my own caseloads at work under the watchful gaze of my supervisor. All our clients are Aboriginal people who live in the remote communities of the Northern Territory. What this means is that we get to travel to a range of communities to offer our legal services. I have been able to meet a range of incredible people whilst in this role and have also seen some of the most beautiful parts of Australia.

For the future my dream is to be admitted as a Lawyer in the Northern Territory. I want to work as a prosecutor in the Northern Territory and be able to develop my knowledge in this field. I then want to progress into a policy role and begin working towards my Masters in Criminology.

What living in the NT means to me is that I am able to explore and have adventures in every part of my life whether that be work or social. At work I am afforded opportunities that if I was working anywhere else I would not be able to undertake. I have travelled and seen some amazing places within the NT both through work and in my own time. One of the best things is that in the middle of "winter", dry season here, I am able to swim in waterfalls. Having grown up in Armidale where it can get below -10, it is nice to live somewhere that it only drops below 20 a handful of times a year.

I would strongly recommend to anyone who wants a different experience in life, work or otherwise, that they should consider the Northern Territory.