Vacation Scheme Intern Review

I really enjoyed the four days of work experience at Simmons and Simmons. I was very pleased to learn that in light of COVID 19 they adapted their vacation scheme, making it virtual. It proved an excellent opportunity to speak with and learn from a range of employees at the firm. Everyone including my trainee buddy, my supervisor and the partners were very kind and happy to answer questions.

I felt that the vacation scheme students were valued during our time at the firm. The graduate recruitment team congratulated us for passing the previous recruitment stages. Additionally, the research task allowed us to complete some 'real' work for the firm. It was brilliant to be able to meet two different partners during one on one calls; knowing that their time is valuable, I appreciated this opportunity.

I received a lot of support on the vacation scheme. I was given a trainee buddy who answered many of my questions. I was also given a supervisor who was very helpful. Also, I felt I was supported by the other vacation scheme students which was really lovely, especially during a group task.

The scheme was short but I do feel that I gained skills in this time. I also think it became clear to me which skills are necessary to become successful in this field e.g. time management, research, information processing, communication. It was helpful to learn which skills I should focus on improving for the future.

It was very well structured in terms of the graduate recruitment team enabling us to gain an insight into many areas of the firm. However, we were also given a set of tasks which we had to complete. Due to the range of activities we had scheduled for the day, it was difficult to find time to complete the tasks.

The general atmosphere was relaxed and fun. I think because it was the first virtual vacation scheme, everyone was willing it to be a success. Additionally, the firm understood that these were not ideal conditions to be working in. Having said that I do think the scheme was a success and it worked very well.

They began the week by giving us feedback from our assessment centres which I found very helpful. They spoke to us about the training we would receive, should we join the firm. They also provided us with lots of opportunities to ask any questions we had to different people e.g. trainees, associates and partners.

Considering the scheme only ran for four days and was virtual, I feel I gained a real insight into what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm. We met lots of people who shared their experiences and also had the opportunity to complete a range of tasks which were indicative of trainee tasks.

It is difficult to fully gauge the firm's culture from a virtual experience. However, judging from the people and how they interacted with each other and us, as vacations scheme students, I was pleasantly surprised to learn more about the culture of the firm. Every interaction I had was pleasant and everyone was kind, supportive and personable.

I think the content was extremely helpful in terms of deciding on a future career path. They made sure that we had the opportunity to hear from lawyers from a range of departments at different stages of their careers. They also discussed the future of the firm and how it is at the forefront of innovation in the legal sector.

We had the opportunity to meet numerous people for one on one video calls which was excellent. We were also encouraged to organise meetings with other employees.

The schedule included a virtual quiz and escape room which were both really fun. For each we were split into smaller groups which included a current trainee. This gave us the opportunity to network in a more relaxed environment.

Yes they detailed the activities employees can get involved with outside of work including their sports teams and networks e.g. TNOC and EMerge.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend. Although completing the tasks in time was challenging, it was also rewarding and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone. I felt privileged to be given such a valuable insight into the firm.