“Knowing Yourself for Success” – A CAPS Training Session for Fourth Year Law Students

On September 8th and 9th, 2025, the Department of Law at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Lavasa, in collaboration with the Centre for Academic and Professional Support (CAPS), organized a one-hour interactive training session for final-year law students on the theme “Knowing Yourself for Success.” The session was facilitated by Ms. Mansha Sawal, Trainer at CAPS, who designed a series of engaging activities that aimed to enhance students’ self-awareness, personal reflection, and career readiness as they approach their professional journeys.

The session opened with a lighthearted icebreaker titled “Stand up if you’re…” which encouraged students to respond physically to prompts such as hobbies, habits, or unique traits. This fun yet meaningful activity not only energized the class on a Monday morning but also helped students recognize individual differences and commonalities, laying the groundwork for the day’s central theme—understanding oneself in order to succeed.

Building on this, Ms. Mansha Sawal introduced the Johari Window, a widely used psychological model that highlights the importance of self-disclosure and feedback in the process of personal growth. The four quadrants—Open, Blind Spot, Facade, and Unknown—were explained with relatable examples. Students reflected on how seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or colleagues could reveal hidden strengths, challenge assumptions, and uncover areas for growth. This discussion encouraged students to view feedback not as criticism but as a tool for personal and professional development.

The second activity was a Values Reflection Exercise, where 15 values such as stability, creativity, leadership, family, and balance were displayed. Students were invited to identify and prioritize their top five personal values quietly. This introspective task allowed them to pause, think, and connect with what truly matters to them in life and career. It emphasized that understanding and aligning with one’s values fosters clarity, purpose, and authenticity—qualities that guide better decision-making and career choices.

The final segment of the session transitioned into a highly practical employability tool—the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)—used for answering behavioral interview questions. Students were shown how to structure responses in a way that transforms everyday experiences into compelling narratives. Through examples and practice, they learned how to highlight problem-solving skills, teamwork, leadership, and measurable outcomes—competencies crucial for placements and professional growth.

Throughout the session, there was a balance between psychological insights and practical application, ensuring that the learning was not only theoretical but also directly relevant to the students’ immediate needs. The highly interactive nature of the session encouraged active participation—students shared reflections, discussed challenges, and practiced interview responses in real-time.

Key takeaways highlighted by the participants included:

Self-awareness is the foundation of success in both career and life.

Personal values provide clarity and direction in choices and decision-making.

The STAR Method equips students to present achievements effectively during interviews.

The session concluded on a highly positive note, with students expressing appreciation for the interactive design and practical relevance of the activities. Feedback indicated that the session not only boosted confidence but also provided a roadmap for preparing for placements and future professional challenges.

By integrating self-awareness, values-based reflection, and employability skills, CAPS once again reaffirmed its mission of supporting students with holistic development initiatives that blend personal growth with professional readiness.