Vacation Scheme Review

We got a good understating of the firm through talks from some of the most senior members of the firm. This allowed us to appreciate the scale of the firm and its global footprint. We were then immersed in the day to day running of the firm in the regional offices. This helped to show us what a normal day would be like and what we could expect. We were also invited to numerous social events which allowed us to meet lots of people and get a feel for the culture of the firm.

We received a handbook on the first day which set out our activities for the whole scheme. This meant that we could plan well in advance before sessions and made us feel like they wanted us to be involved. Although there were changes to the scheme, everyone on the scheme was emailed about it so we always felt like we were being included. There were also some ad hoc meeting arranged which we did not get much notice of but our supervisors were very sympathetic of this. All staff made an effort to spend time explaining what they where doing or answering my questions.

In our handbook we were provided with the contact details of grad recruitment and we were told who was responsible for each office. On occasion we did have to contact them and they always picked up the phone quickly and responded to emails quickly. During our daily VCs, grad recruitment continued to give us advice throughout the scheme.

We received a handbook on the first day which set out our activities for the whole scheme. This meant that we could plan well in advance before sessions. We also knew what to expect so we could think of questions. Although there were changes to the scheme, everyone on the scheme was emailed about it so we always felt like we were being included. There were also some ad hoc meeting arranged which we did not get much notice of but our supervisors were very sympathetic of this.

The office was extremely friendly and accommodating. All staff made an effort to spend time explaining what they where doing or answering my questions. Everyone was friendly and approachable and dress down Fridays helped us to feel more included and made the firm more approachable. Overall the atmosphere was very welcoming.

After the first week introducing us to the firm and what it does, we were sent to our regional offices. This immersed us in what it would be like to actually work for the firm as we were sat next to staff. This meant that we were exposed to their real work and got an impression of the departments.

Being in an office with a staff member allowed us to ask them more personal questions about their experiences and immersed us in the day to day conversations of employees. These conversations were the most valuable in terms of understanding the culture of the firm as having been in an office for a week, we developed a relationship with our supervisors.

Without being paid and reimbursed for travel expenses, I would not have been able to do the vacation scheme. I think that we were reasonably paid and I was very happy with the amount bearing in mind some people may have had to stay in a hotel or rent for three weeks. Being paid also meant that I did not have to worry about money so I could fully immerse myself in the scheme.

We were given plenty of opportunities to network in the first week. Being in a large group meant that we will know some of the future trainees already so we already have those relationships. In the offices we were invited to numerous networking events with staff and the client barbecue. We were also invited to a specific networking evening where someone external came to talk about different ways to network.

We were given plenty of opportunities to network in the first week. With us being in the same hotel, we could create less formal relationships. In the offices we were invited to numerous networking events with staff and the client barbecue. These were useful as we could see how staff do it and could learn from them. We were also invited to a specific networking evening where someone external came to talk about different ways to network.