Reqik Achamyeleh

Master of Public and International Law

Social Justice Officer for the Post Graduate Law Student Association/ HASS Accreditation Panel Member, Victoria, Australia

What is your professional education and work background?
I initially completed a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University, majoring in Philosophy and Sociology. Following this I have completed a Graduate Diploma at RMIT in Applied Human Rights. I also have a Graduate Certificate in Quality Review of Health and Community Support Services from Latrobe University.

I have worked in the social services for the last few years in Melbourne in areas such as family violence and homelessness. My international experience includes working in state advocacy services in the disability sector within the United States.

I currently work for QICSA, an organization providing quality support and accreditation to various organizations supplying primary care services in Victoria. My role is on the HASS Accreditation panel and requires me to review organizations and confer accreditation.

How did you come about studying with Melbourne Law School?
In researching LLM programs, Melbourne University stood out because it offered a wide variety of specialised courses taught by accomplished teaching staff. The opportunity to do a specialised Masters in International Law suited my interests and complemented my work experience well. The subjects are offered as intensives or semester length evening classes, both of which allow me to continue working while I study.

Describe your experience of studying in the Melbourne Law Masters.
Having teachers that display a clear passion for their area of interest makes learning almost contagious. It is wonderful to be in an academic environment where highly knowledgeable experts engage in in-depth discussions with students at all levels of learning.

The courses are stimulating, interactive and often very challenging, but there is ample support provided both in the library and by the teaching staff. The facilities are great; the Law School has many quiet and comfortable areas for study with plenty of staff providing support for research and writing.

Why did you choose to undertake the subjects you did? Were they particularly relevant to your field of work, believed they would fulfill a passion in that area etc.?
I chose my courses based on their relevance to areas I want to work in, or have a passion for in areas such as human rights, humanitarian law and development law. The subjects at Melbourne are quite in depth and understanding the class requires either some background knowledge or a willingness to do all required reading before the class commences.

I also chose some classes based on the reputation of the lecturer, as the classes in international law provide an opportunity to be taught by a leading world expert in the field. However, each class is an opportunity to engage in a discussion with an expert who has real insight into the current issues and debates for that area of law.

What networking opportunities has the Melbourne Law Masters provided you with?
There are many opportunities for networking. The Post Graduate Law Student Association (PLSA) holds regular events providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere in which to meet other like-minded professionals in various areas of the law.

In addition to this, each class has provided me with the opportunity to meet people from all over the world with extensive experience in their areas of expertise, as well as engage with teaching staff who are willing to provide career advice and insight. The university also holds various seminars, symposiums and panel discussions on current topics in the law. With many guest lecturers from all around the world presenting, they often attract a diverse crowd.

How do you think your studies will help you in your current role and in the future?
I believe graduating from an internationally recognised school of law in Australia will open up pathways to work internationally for well known multilateral organizations or international criminal courts. The classes have increased my knowledge and provided insight into the legal industry from both a practical and theoretical perspective. I have been able to sharpen my analytical skills and develop my legal research skills. The required research papers also supply an opportunity to improve my written work and possibly pathways to publishing.