Carmen Aguayo

Portrait Carmen Aguayo
Thanks to the LLM at Radboud University I feel now ready to start my professional career and to put in practice all the notions gained during this year.
Name
Carmen Aguayo
Programme
International and European Law Advanced
Country of previous education
Spain
Previous education
Bachelor's of Law at Seville University

Student Carmen Aguayo followed the master's programme International and European Law at Radboud University. 

What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you?

The LLM in European Law with a specialisation in European and International Law Advanced at Radboud University has been one of the most enriching experiences of my academic years. I decided to engage in this Master's programme because it provides you with a deep knowledge as regards to European and International Law. One of the things that attracted me the most is the flexibility of the programme. It is very nice that you can decide which courses you want to take according to your interests. In my case, one of the most challenging aspects of the programme at Radboud University was the course of Advanced Notions of International & European Law. It is a crash course during the first three weeks of the semester. During these weeks I had to study very hard and I also participated in the Moot Court which was very challenging for me as I had never participated in one before. Thanks to this course I gained the necessary legal knowledge to follow the LLM and it gave me the necessary tools to be prepared to study the rest of the courses. This specialisation in my opinion is the one that gives you a broader knowledge of European and International law. I studied a variety of courses such as Competition law, European Employment law and Immigration law, to quote some but a few. All of these courses are focused not only in the theoretical application of the law but also in case law. This is one of the things that I liked about studying here, the way we study is so practical.


What do you think about the atmosphere in class?

Moreover, the environment at the Faculty is very nice, because not only the rest of the students but also the professors are very friendly and they try always to help and make things easier for you. Even if the LLM was demanding for me I could find a lot of support and guidance during my studies here. One of the things that I also love of this year is the opportunity of being surrounded by people from different nationalities. We were a very diverse group in our class, so the mix of cultures was also an enjoyable aspect of the LLM International and European Law at Radboud University.


What do you find most challenging in your Master’s specialisation? Have you encountered any obstacles?

During the LLM I have improved in many aspects of my life. First, I have acquired a deeper knowledge in many European fields. Besides that, I have learned how to work under pressure. As a student of Radboud University you need to prepare the lectures in advance and you have to be able to understand and read a lot of articles and case law weekly. This aspect is very positive, but at the same time it is very challenging because you need to plan everything in advance to follow all the courses and to do the assignments in time.


Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?

My thesis is about European Employment Law. I decided to research the new phenomenon of digital platforms and new forms of employment. There are recent cases in the national courts and also at the CJEU dealing with the issue of the legal status of platforms workers and I thought it would be very useful to study it.


Why do you think is it important that that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?

I consider that as a lawyer it is very important to know the European legislation because nowadays everything is also regulated at European level. Thanks to the LLM at Radboud University I feel now ready to start my professional career and to put in practice all the notions gained during this year. Once I receive my Master’s degree I will apply for a job in a law firm or in an international company.