Virtual Internship Review

Despite initial disappointment that we would be unable to complete the vacation scheme in the offices across 3 weeks due to the current crisis, I was surprised at how well the virtual experience measured up and ended up thoroughly enjoying the virtual experience. The graduate recruitment team worked extremely hard and it definitely showed with the week ultimately a resounding success.

The graduate recruitment team and trainees, associates and partners we met throughout the week did everything they could to make us feel valued. Naturally, this was a difficult task over a computer screen with such a large group, nevertheless, at every opportunity we were made to feel welcome, and valued, as we were given interesting tasks and work, and lots of time was dedicating to discussing the firm's impressive features.

Due to the great work of the graduate recruitment team in making everything run smoothly and at such a great standard, and just the fantastic workplace culture at DLA Piper, I felt supported the whole way throughout the experience. This was during activities such as the presentation and the more general running of the internship.

The virtual experience has really helped me to confirm that corporate law, and the firm itself, is exactly what I want to do, and where I want to be! Throughout the different sessions and activities, the information we received and the skills developed are extremely valuable and can only be credited to the great work of the graduate recruitment team and all the offices involved.

The virtual experience was really clearly structured and well organised. Despite technical difficulties being common place on zoom, the week ran perfectly, with meeting codes and timetables sent to us daily in preparation for the following day and included in our virtual internship pack. The week was packed with great activities, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities, very interesting sessions with managing partners, regional partners and others, for example the pro bono team and employment network teams.

Even though the internship was completed virtually, rendering socialising and getting to know the firm quite difficult, the energy and planning of the graduate recruitment team created an exciting and friendly atmosphere. Even the first morning sessions were fun! In the regional offices and sessions, everyone worked so hard to make sure the atmosphere was super positive and friendly and allowed us to make friends with fellow interns as much as possible.

Considering the current pandemic, it would have been very easy and understandable for DLA Piper to cancel the internship all together. However, the hard work of all involved made me feel valued and invested in. Even though its still a part of the recruitment process, the week itself was extremely valuable for my personal development, giving me lots of understanding, information and skills.

Without the opportunity to spend weeks in our chosen offices, we weren't able to fully comprehend the everyday workings of the firm in the same way that we would have. However, the activities we were set and informative sessions with people from the firm meant that, even without the hands on experience, I believe I really understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company.

Having already met the firm multiple times at the assessment centre and various other networking events, I already understood DLA Piper's culture, one of the main reasons I chose the firm in the first place. The virtual experience just further demonstrated this to me, with every person involved exemplifying how great the firm's culture is. The commitment to the firm's values are so strong, be it the partners' or the graduate recruitment process more generally.

The experience confirmed corporate law at DLA Piper as my desired future career path. Even though we were unable to understand the practice areas and daily work life to the extent we would have had we been in the offices, the activities and people made me feel very confident about corporate law.

Despite the obstacles to traditional networking and socialising, it was easy to talk to all those involved with the internship. For example, through questions for partners, the trainee sessions and events, getting to know the regional office members and socialising with fellow interns. Despite difficulties, the graduate recruitment team did all in their power to ensure this aspect of the internship was a success.

Naturally, the virtual, distant element of the internship made networking and socialising in the traditional form impossible, which was disappointing, especially as its something DLA Piper is known for doing very well. However, activities such as the virtual trainee quiz with take out and all the opportunities to ask partners questions or networking with our regional office were great.

Through sessions on pro bono, employee networks and the trainee events, we were able to get loads of information about all the incredible opportunities for trainees to get involved with outside of work with DLA Piper.

I would definitely recommend this virtual experience.