Georgia Smith, 17 February, 2025
For Indigenous student Finn Elek, studying a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) double degree has opened doors to endless opportunities. From internships and scholarships, to global experiences in Tokyo and Rome, Finn is seizing every opportunity to learn and grow.
We sat down with Finn to hear about her experiences and what’s next on her journey.
Finn, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Let’s start with an easy one—why did you choose to study a double degree in Psychology and Law?
I originally chose to study psychology and law with the goal of becoming a forensic psychologist, I wanted to use clinical psychology to provide expert opinions in courtrooms. However, as I’m progressing through my double degree, I’m discovering the vast range of opportunities available when combining these fields. There are so many areas of law that interest me, and I’m excited to explore them before deciding on my path. For now, I want to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow while I’m still studying.
How has your experience been at QUT so far?
It’s been incredible. The hands-on learning opportunities and real-world connections have made such a difference in my journey. From industry projects to internships to networking events, I’ve gained practical skills and insights that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. But the best part has been the relationships I’ve built. My friends and peers have been such a strong support system—they’re always there to help me understand challenging concepts or talk through coursework, which has been invaluable.
Speaking of hands-on learning, can you tell us more about some of the opportunities you’ve had?
There have been so many! I’ve worked as a Research Assistant for the QUT School of Law, participated in the Mitsui & Co Immersion Program in Tokyo, and spent a semester on exchange in Rome. I’m also a peer mentor with the Faculty of Business and Law and received the Ashurst and the Department of Transport and Main Roads Indigenous Australian Law Scholarship, which helped me financially and led to my first legal work experience at Ashurst.
How has the QUT School of Law supported you as an Indigenous student?
The Faculty’s Indigenous Project Officer, Bianca Hill-Jarro, has been an incredible support, organising opportunities tailored to Indigenous law students like myself, like a visit to the Supreme and District Court. She helped me get the position as a Research Assistant during the recent LLB curriculum reaccreditation. I researched how other universities address cultural competency as it relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Ashurst and the Department of Transport and Main Roads Indigenous Australian Law Scholarship has been another big support while studying, helping to cover rent and living expenses during my studies. It also gave me the freedom to go on exchange—an experience I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise.
Beyond the financial support, the two-week internship at Ashurst gave me my first legal work experience. I learned so much in a short period and was fortunate to secure a paralegal role afterward. I am so thankful to Ashurst and the Department of Transport for the financial support and practical experience.
You’ve just mentioned exchange, could you tell us about your exchange experience?
Sure, I spent a semester on exchange in Rome. It was a life-changing experience where I learned so much about myself, made lifelong friends from all over the world and travelled Europe.
I loved going on weekend trips to different beach towns close to Rome and seeing the rest of Europe for the very first time. I made friends from all around the world—Greece, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Switzerland, Belgium and of course Italy.
They teach law differently in Italy—one difference that stands out is that they do oral examinations. It meant I had to memorise the Italian legal system and comparatively the UK legal system. I learnt a lot about how different countries approach the law and structure their legal systems.
Overall, the experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me develop resilience and adaptability.
You also mentioned that you completed an immersion program in Japan?
Yes, in 2023 I completed a two-week immersive internship program in Tokyo with Mitsui & Co, supported by the New Colombo Plan Scholarship. We spent the two weeks learning about Mitsui & Co and their strong ties with Australia. I gained insights into Japanese culture and the relationship between Japan and Australia.
It was an amazing way to experience Tokyo for the first time. While there, I fit in weekend trip to Kyoto, we visited the Australian Embassy in Tokyo and went to the Mitsui & Co Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium.
The internship program covered the cost of the hotel and some meals, and I received a $3000 bursary from the New Colombo Plan, which covered the cost of flights and any other meals. In the end, the trip was almost entirely covered by the internship program and the New Colombo Plan.
To finish, where do you envision your career heading?
I’m still exploring my options, but right now, I’m really enjoying commercial law in my role as a Paralegal at Ashurst. I’m also open to opportunities in criminal law and psychology, and I’d love to work overseas at some point in my career. With two years left in my degree, I’m excited to keep learning and exploring.
Keen to keep exploring?