Summer Vacation Scheme Review
by Simmons & Simmons LLP
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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About You
4.3
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The Company
3.8
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Everything Else
3.9
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
Was an enjoyable two weeks, which was balanced with time in the department and organised information sessions. The socials were decent and the other candidates were from a broad range, which made it all the more enjoyable.
I was pleasantly surprised by how appreciative those that I completed work for were. Those that I asked for guidance were also happy to take the time to properly go through things.
Guidance/support was there when I asked for it. There was a good balance of pushing you forward for things and for allowing you to take initiative.
It taught me how to go about behaving on another vacation scheme. It was interesting also to see how different teams work, to which I could take away useful lessons.
The Company
It was well balanced between time in the department, informative sessions, organised meetings and socials.
It may vary between departments, but my personal experience was good. People were very receptive and the other candidates, although there was an air of competitiveness, were also very friendly, which made the experience enjoyable.
The inductions were quite base level and there was some training given. It was helpful when people would explain the context of the work to give you a better understanding.
One week in each department gave a snap shot and may not have been reflective depending on how busy the teams were at the time. Levels of responsibility also varied.
People seemed to be very true to how they would be normally. There was also a focus on explaining the company culture in a formal context, by way of presentation.
It re-affirmed my interest to pursue a career with the firm.
Everything Else
Vacation scheme - there was a stipend offered which seems to be near the top of the market for similar schemes.
There was a big emphasis on this and we were able to meet people from every level of the firm.
There was chocolate making in week 1, which seemed to be hit and miss between some people and bowling in week 2 which was good. There were also drinks each week with a great send-off at the London Eye and Skylon.
Was able to find out more about pro bono work but there was not much said about activities outside of work.
The people were very welcoming and made it a good experience. The scheme was organised and run well logistically.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
July 2018
