Caryn Cramer, Class of 2007
Career interest: Intellectual Property Law
Undergraduate: Carleton College (B.A.) and New York University (M.A.)
Summer 2006: Summer Associate, E. Bland Law (immigration firm for artists and models); intern, Site Environmental Design
Summer 2005: Intern, General Counsel Kate Spade, New York City
Classes: “The teaching styles really vary from true Socratic Method (though usually quite gentle) to pure discussion-discourse. The professors I’ve gotten to talk with outside of class have cared deeply about my ideas and interests, something I have truly appreciated about them. I absolutely loved studying copyright law and I’ve been fascinated by the topics in my “Law, Biology and Human Behavior” seminar.
VULS culture: “Serious people who understand that you don’t always have to take yourself seriously… I think people here have a bit more perspective about what matters to them. The unnecessary performance of competition is a low priority on the list for most, and the relationships with one’s peers are more highly valued. I like to think that in a profession that is truly a social service, it’s important to me to be able to put other people’s needs before my own, and here I see others thinking that same way, too. [VULS is] simply more human than other places – and that’s a really good thing. It has a really good energy – I’d recommend visiting to see if it feels right to you, too.”
Career Services: “The Career Services Office runs a hugely impressive on campus recruiting (OCI) program – over 500 firms visit each year. I appreciate that they check-in with me here and there outside of the OCI context, and they’re always willing to help me in whatever I’m interested in. I’m taking a job this summer that’s a bit more off the beaten path (immigration firm for artists and models in NYC as well as an intern at a ‘Green’ building design firm) – and they have certainly supported my ideas and interests, even helping me research some Vanderbilt contacts.”
Student organizations/activities: President, Women Law Students Association;Headnotes a capella choir; OWLS
