Vacation Scheme Student Review

I really enjoyed the scheme. The scheme had a fantastic induction where we had the chance to meet and network with other scheme participants from across other locations. The scheme was really well organised and we were given a fantastic programme of events, the highlights were the sector week presentations which offered the opportunity to hear about departments which we weren't working in.

I felt really valuded in the firm and specifically in the team I was working in (Corporate). The firm made me feel valued through the efficient and detailed commmunication prior to the scheme getting under way. The team were great too and they were kind enough to invite me on their away day to a Scottish Island. They even helped me arrange travel around slightly tricky time constraints.

The guidance through the insight was fantastic. The one day induction got things off to a great start in terms of IT training and general office things. The guidance offered by memebers of the team was also great and they took time out of their days to explain the big picture of the deal on which I was assisting.

The programme wasn't wholly helpful in adding to my degree studies as the practical side of law is quite different to the academic which is the focus at universtiy. I do think it helped in providing extra motivation for my degree studies because I was able to see how it linked to the profession I'm aiming to get a job in.

The insight was very well structured. The programme of events with graduate recruitment was well set out and the interview process for a full time job was very clear too. The programme within my team was also really well structured, there was a clear progression path for me to follow over the three weeks and the difficulty of the work increased too.

The general atmosphere was very good. There were 7 other vacation scheme students whom were all really easy to get along with and there was not a competitive feel to the group either which really suprised me. The atmosphere within the team was fantastic too and everyone helped one another and explained things I didn't understand.

The firm invested heavily in personal training and develpment of all of the vacation scheme students. The difficulty of the work improved over the course of the vacation scheme. The sector week programme was excellent too for finding out about all of the firm's practice areas in great depth from team members.

The vacation scheme helped me understand full time life at the firm to a very good extent. I was given great exposure to people at all levels of the firm and in many departments. This allowed me to see what sort of deals people work on and their general work life balance.

The insight was a fantastic way to understand the company culture. Working alongside the team directly I was able to see how the team worked and interacted with one another. I was also able to attend social events which allowed me to network with members of the team and hear about their experiences.

The content of the day was really important to my decision making process for future career options. I was able to see the work the team did on a day to day basis as well as their working hours. It was a hands on and authentic experience that really showed off life at the firm.

Paid and reimbursed travel expenses for office related travel. Paid £325/week. This pay seemed to be in line with market averages for vacation scheme pay for scottish law firms if not slightly above. Travel for the team away day was also covered in full. The canteen was subsidised too which was much appreciated.

There were a few networking opportunities over the three week vacation scheme. The insight day provided the opportunity to network with people from all levels of the firm as well as meeting the other vacation scheme students. I was also able to network on the corporate away day which was great.

The networkiong and social events were all really good with a good clear start and end time. They were all free for us to attend which was much appreciated and the drinks were provided. The firm also made sure that there were people representing all areas of the firm in attendance at all events.

Yes I was aware of what the employees do outside of the office. I was able to find out that members of the team were avid golfers. I was also invited to take part in the firm's five a side football team which was good. The trainees also did a tough mudder in my time at the firm.

I would definitley recommend this to a friend. It is a great route to a training contract with the firm for good future prospects. The pay the scheme offers is also competitive which is much appreciated and makes it worthwhile doing the scheme itself. The social events were also good fun which is something I'd recommend getting involved in.