Alumni

Alyaa Nadhirah

Career Path: Medical Negligence Legal Advisor, Shariff Asidah Ali & Co.
Location: Pahang, Malaysia

I graduated from Northumbria in 2016 with an LLB and PG Cert in Medical Law. It was a lovely and wonderful experience. As much as I love Malaysia, my heart lives in Newcastle. I wanted to go into Medical Law because in Malaysia it is a little outdated, we are lacking in Medical Law experts who graduated in Medical Law as major so my intention is to be among the first Malaysian to be qualified as Master Holder in Medical Law and to be a Medical Law expert in my country. I will make an effort to work with parliament and create our own Medical Law Act in Malaysia (just like in the UK). With that, indirectly I can show to people how shining Northumbria graduates are and tell them how proud I am for being a graduate. Northumbria made me who I am now and I am a proud Northumbria graduate.

What are you doing now?

I have been working as a Legal Advisor in Shariff Asidah Ali & Co starting in September 2016. In my job I have the responsibility of giving legal advice to the clients involving Contract Law, Land Law, Employment Law, Company Law, and advising medical professionals in cases mainly on Clinical Negligence. Other than that, I have also helped senior lawyers with the filings and searching on the latest authority for the purpose of the trial in addition to discussions with clients and potential clients. I am also handling the drafting statement of summons, client statements, notices, petition of appeal and related.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I love the atmosphere, the people are so friendly, the lecturers are encouraging and helpful. Also, the food choices in the cafe of the Business & Law Faculty were nice too :D

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

It was a wonderful and lovely journey. I got to know a lot of people from different countries, different race, and different religion. I have learned a lot in Northumbria about life to appreciate similarities and respecting the differences.

How connected was your course with industry?

It was connected in every aspect of my industry. Since I am working as Clinical Negligence Advisor, I applied my knowledge to my industry.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

My course doesn't require me for a placement. However, if I am to join a placement I believe I could bring the positive working surrounding into my career. I believe the working atmosphere in UK is different with my country. With the placement, I believe I can make change especially on the way of thinking in the industry.

What was the best thing about your course?

My lecturer, Michelle Robson, she is lovely and very encouraging. She won't let us give up without trying, also she remembered each and every of her students and that made us feel appreciated. She is the mother figure and with that too, made us less homesick.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

It is an advantage for an overseas graduate to get a good job in Malaysia, especially from a well known university like Northumbria.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Communication skills, teamwork (I have learned working with others during my seminar discussion class), professional skills and punctuality.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

I enjoyed everything but if I am to say the most enjoyable thing it was Fresher's Week!

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Moving to university is one of the scariest things you’ll ever do in your entire life. This I am sure of, because I myself know a thing or two about this feeling. I have experienced probably everything good and bad that university has to offer. But this is not when I am at Northumbria. You will find the friendliest people around the town and University. Northumbria will make you feel you are part of everything. If you are considering studying at Northumbria, I personally would say 'GO FOR IT' because at the end of the day you'll realise that you made the right choice for your study, life experiences and university life. But a warning to a fresher - once you studying at Northumbria, your heart will forever live in Newcastle.