Posted by The Law School
10 March 2026On Wednesday 25 February the University of Exeter Law School hosted its first annual human rights careers workshop with Vicki Prais, human rights lawyer, independent human rights consultant, academic, and human rights career coach with recognised expertise in prisonersâ rights, prison reform, dignity behind bars and torture prevention. The workshop was funded by the University of Exeter Alumni Annual Fund.
The ‘Get Ready for Job Success: Your Career in Human Rightsâ programme was attended by over 60 law students and delivered in three parts over three hours. The first module introduced our students to the human rights employment landscape, exploring the range of career paths available across international organisations, NGOs, legal practice, policy institutions, and grassroots advocacy. Our students examined the skills, personal attributes, and professional values most valued by employers, discussed the realities of different career lifestyles, and considered how âglocalâ career pathways can combine international engagement with local impact. The second module provided an intensive CV and cover letter masterclass tailored to the social impact sector, highlighting current recruitment trends and guiding students through the essential components of writing a persuasive, achievement-focused application. The third module focused on interview preparation, and outlined a clear three-step process for success in in-person and virtual settings, with particular emphasis on competency-based interviews and practical use of the STAR method. The final module addressed personal branding strategies for aspiring human rights professionals, helping students articulate their professional identity, strengthen their digital presence, leverage LinkedIn effectively, and build a âBoard of Advisorsâ, a strategic network of mentors who are role models, champions and trusted advisors as students navigate their career paths in the human rights, international development and social justice sectors.
The University of Exeter Law School extends its warmest thanks and appreciation to Vicki for delivering an outstanding employability experience for our students and sharing her valuable insights into the sector. Vicki serves with Dr Louise Loder on the Executive Committee of the Human Rights Lawyers Association and has 28 yearsâ experience in International Organisations (the UN, Council of Europe) and the British Government (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Vicki has also worked as a Human Rights Advisor for National Human Rights Institutions (the Scottish Human Rights Commission), the non-governmental sector (Penal Reform International, Amnesty International, Prisoners Abroad) and in academia (she is currently a Visiting Professor of Human Rights, Birmingham City University). Vicki has coached and mentored 280 human rights professionals (and counting) â at all points and moments in their careers – who are at a crossroads in their career, and she has worked with staffers at the UN, international NGOs and other human rights bodies as they build and grow their professional career.
We look forward to welcoming Vicki back to Exeter next year and will shortly be announcing an exciting series of employability workshops hosted by the Law School in 2026-2027.
For more information about the Law Schoolâs Employability programme, please contact Dr Louise Loder via email:Â l.m.loder@exeter.ac.uk