Bridging Ambition and Opportunity: My Journey as a Freshfields Campus Ambassador
By Williette Fewry
I didn’t expect a LinkedIn message to change the rhythm of my university experience. Between lectures, study sessions, and society meetings, and juggling the first few weeks of being a second-year student, I opened my inbox to find an opportunity that would shape my second year in a way I couldn’t have predicted. A member of Target Jobs had reached out after viewing my profile, and that simple conversation became the beginning of something much larger, giving me a chance to represent one of the world’s leading law firms at the University of Exeter... Freshfields.
At the time, I was still navigating what it meant to build a professional identity as a law student. My early experiences with law weren’t defined by family connections or networking events, but by a genuine curiosity about people, justice, and opportunity, my want to create a curated, tailored profile that represents me in the best, and most honest way, is what opened a door for me. So, when the Freshfields representative reached out, it wasn’t just about prestige; it was about purpose. Freshfields’ commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and long-term impact aligned perfectly with the type of lawyer I aspire to become someone who combines intellect with empathy, and ambition with authenticity.
How I Got the Role
Unlike the traditional route of submitting an application, my journey began with that LinkedIn message. We spoke about my academic background and my experiences working at Harrods with luxury brands such as Henry Jacques and Cartier, roles that taught me how attention to detail, trust, and communication create powerful relationships. Those qualities, I realised, are equally vital in law. The ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and deliver with precision mirrors the same standard of excellence expected in both luxury and legal environments.
That conversation eventually led to an interview, where I answered a few questions, discussed a few things that I mentioned previously and role played being an ambassador for the firm, which opened an invitation to become a Freshfields campus ambassador, or, as I like to think of it, a bridge between ambition and opportunity. It reinforced a lesson that has stayed with me ever since: sometimes the most meaningful opportunities don’t come from what you apply for, but from the connections you build by being visible, prepared, and open-minded.
What the Role Involves
As the Freshfields representative at Exeter, my role centers on building awareness, access, and connection. I share upcoming events, opportunities, and insights from the firm with students who are exploring their first steps into the legal profession.
But my favourite part of the role is the sense of community it creates. Whether it’s helping first-year students navigate vacation scheme applications or hosting informal discussions about life in commercial law, I’ve realised that representation is about more than distributing information, it’s about making others feel like they belong in spaces they once thought were closed off to them.
What I’ve Learned
This role has given me far more than insight into corporate law, it’s reshaped how I see professional growth. Before, I viewed career development as something linear: good grades, good firm, good outcome. But Freshfields taught me that progression is also about character, about curiosity, initiative, and the willingness to connect with others.
Representing the firm has strengthened my confidence in public communication, adaptability, and organisation. I’ve learned how to tailor my tone when addressing different audiences, whether I’m speaking to first-year law students, business students considering commercial law, or peers preparing for assessment centres. It’s taught me that law is not just about intellect, but empathy, the ability to meet people where they are and help them move forward.
Connecting It Back: Experience and Purpose
When I reflect on my journey so far, from Harrods to Freshfields, from dance studios to the lecture halls of Exeter, a common thread runs through it all: communication and precision. My time at Harrods working with brands such as Henry Jacques and Cartier trained me to anticipate client needs and handle pressure with grace. My years as a professional dancer taught me discipline, presence, and how to perform with conviction, qualities that carry through to advocacy and presentation in law.
Those experiences may seem distant from corporate law, but they shaped the foundation for everything I do now. They taught me that excellence isn’t about privilege, it’s about preparation. Every skill, from how you carry yourself in a conversation to how you organise your time, contributes to your personal brand and professional impact.
Closing Reflection
Being a Freshfields campus ambassador has been more than a role, it’s been a reminder of what can happen when you stay open to connection, stay prepared for opportunity, and stay true to your values. It reaffirmed my belief that visibility matters. Sometimes, all it takes is a single message, one conversation to shift the direction of your journey.
As I move through my second year at Exeter, balancing my legal studies with advocacy and leadership, I carry that lesson with me. The law, much like life, rewards not just those who reach out, but those who are ready when opportunity reaches back.
