Summer Vacation Scheme Review

I've really enjoyed my time at CMS this summer, I feel like I have been able to get

I felt very valued during the Vacation Scheme. I felt like I was given important tasks to do, instead of work that nobody really needed just to keep me busy. The Academy social also made me feel very valued, as it was clear CMS was making a real effort with their summer students in trying to get to know them.

I received a great amount of support during the scheme, particularly from my buddy and the rest of my team. I have been given feedback after tasks which has helped me get better, and I've felt able to ask any questions without being worried they're 'silly'. My team have been very encouraging, which has helped me feel really at ease within the department.

I feel that seeing the practical side of the law as opposed to the academic will really help me in my final year of university, particularly when it comes to considering the implications of the law and the practical reality it has on those who it affects. This will help make my academic work significantly better, as this wasn't really something I'd considered in any detail before.

The vacation scheme has been well structured, particularly the London week where everything was very tightly arranged so we could fit in as much as possible. In the office I've also felt there's been good structure, as I've never been sitting wondering what I'm supposed to be doing or where I'm meant to be. The only slight thing I would change to the structure would be to maybe include an extra seat during the 2 weeks in the office, as it would be good to get an idea of more than one sector.

Excluding first day nerves, I haven't felt nervous or worried about coming to work since starting the vacation scheme. The firm has a very friendly, welcoming feel and this has really helped put me at ease and allow me to focus on the quality of my work rather than worry about the hostility of colleagues for example. Everyone I have encountered here has been friendly and very willing to help me or advise me, and I've been really appreciative of that.

I feel CMS has really invested in its summer students. The week in London was so valuable, and you could tell a lot of time, money and effort went into making it as successful as it was. You don't get opportunities like that with other firms, and it really shows through that CMS are investing in us from the very start to make us the best we can be.

In terms of the work I've been given, I feel as though I've been treated in the same way a trainee would and so my time in the office has been a great indication of what life would be like here full time. The work I've been doing has been very interesting, and often fast paced to meet various deadlines, so it's been a great way of seeing what life is like here full time.

Colleagues have been very honest about their experiences here, explaining that whilst the work can sometimes be busy and long hours are required, it's worth it in the long run and the firm is such a great one to work for that no one really minds having to put in the extra hours once in a while. I've come to understand the firm puts a real effort into allowing employees to maintain a work-life balance, which is so important and often not the perception of large law firms. I've really appreciated people telling me about their experience with the firm, as it's helped me to understand what the culture is like here, and also helped me realise I'd be happy to work here long term.

My time in the construction department has definitely made me consider whether this is something I'd be interested in doing long term, and that has come as a result of the team making an effort to fully immerse me into the work they're doing and teach me as much as possible about it in the time they have. This has been so valuable, as I've learned so much in my two weeks here that has really shaped how I'll look at my studies and future career from here on.

I think the pay for the vacation scheme is very generous, we're paid very well for the work that we're doing. Being reimbursed for expenses and so on has also been really helpful as, whilst being in London is a great experience, it can be difficult to afford travel from Scotland.

During the London week there was a lot of networking, which was great as I was able to meet all the other students up and down the country that I might not see on a regular basis. In the office I've also been given opportunity to meet other employees through socials and CSR events like PRIDE. I've met lots of colleagues during my time in the office, which has helped me to feel a real part of the team rather than just a summer student.

During our first week in the Glasgow office we were taken for dinner as a group with trainees and grad recruitment, which was a fantastic way of getting to know people a bit better in a more relaxed environment. There is also another social planned for Friday when we all finish, so I believe the social event opportunities here are really good.

I know there's a CMS football team, but other than that I'm not sure what else there is for me to get involved in. Maybe if there was an email circulated at the beginning of the placement detailing what's on and when, it'd be easier to get involved in more outside of work.

Absolutely, I've loved my time at CMS this summer and feel very privileged to have had this opportunity. I've learned so much during my time here and made genuinely good friends that I hope to stay in touch with for a long time. The vacation scheme is very immersive and really makes you feel like you're a part of the team already. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in the office, and hope to be back in the future.