Amber Needham

A 2018 Law LLB graduate, this Kent alumna has built a diverse career, starting in administrative roles before spending four years as a financial consultant at Quorsus, now part of Capgemini. In 2024, she returned to law as an Immigration Paralegal at The Nathanson Partnership, assisting clients with visa applications and the UK immigration process.

She credits Kent for fostering her confidence to network and pursue new opportunities.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After leaving university, I worked as a receptionist in a couple of law firms local to my home in south east London. I then went on to do some temporary administrative roles at some city law firms. Then I had a 4 year role as a financial consultant at a start-up called Quorsus that became part of Capgemini a couple of years ago. Since January 2024, I decided to go back into pursuing a legal career and have been working as an Immigration Paralegal in my current role at The Nathanson Partnership.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Since my new role offers hybrid working, a typical workday for me is logging on at around 8:30/9am, having some calls with clients to assist with submitting their biometric data to the home office, drafting visa applications for clients and guiding them through the UK Immigration process. My job involves helping people, which I find really fulfilling.  

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent helped me achieve my current career by offering me support and encouragement to have the confidence to network, and apply for roles I wasn't always experienced in.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

I would advise current students to start work in a job once they leave university, even if it is not what they are looking for, as the best roles I've worked in have been offered to me through networking within a company or with clients.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

My favourite memory of my time at Kent is sitting on the campus in the summertime, having some drinks with a group of friends overlooking Canterbury City Centre.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

If I could repeat my time at Kent, I would take part in the mentoring scheme and I'd join more societies!

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

My best friend Lauren is a Kent alumni who studied Law and Sociology, we are still in touch and meet regularly. I also am part of the University of Kent Mentor scheme to help other students navigate their career during and post university.

What are your future ambitions?

My future ambition is to qualify in immigration and take my OISC Level 1 exam. Alongside this, I am about to start studying towards a hypnotherapy diploma in my spare time, writing a children's book and studying the right to manage leasehold properties, which has been personally useful to me and is something I hope to use to help others in the future.