Vacation Scheme Review

I highly enjoyed the virtual experience, the structure of the timetable was spot on. It definitely harvested some new skills for me, namely how to "virtually" plan and deliver a presentation. I also attained some insight about areas of law that were new to me such as MIT. I also had the opportunity to conduct some tasks that a trainee would typically undertake which I found quite beneficial. I also enjoyed working and interacting with smaller teams as it allowed us to get to know one another more.

The firm has gone above and beyond to ensure that everyone was valued and heard. Personally, I felt valued even prior to the commencement of the scheme. I appreciated that various associates and partners too the time out of their busy schedules to converse with us, provide us with insights into their specific departments and answer as many questions as we had. We also had a Diversity & Inclusion session which allowed everyone with an opportunity to showcase their individuality.

We had daily catchup calls with SH's team members, to ensure no one had any issues and was enjoying the scheme. SH's team members (namely Joanna and Freya) were available at all time to answer any of our questions and cater to anyone's needs. We were constantly encouraged to ask questions and reach out should we experience any issues. We also had a WhatsApp group with SH's team members which made it easy to communicate at anytime.

With respect to skills, I believe the scheme has enhanced my research, teamwork and communication skills which I believe are essential for a career in law. Notably, the information I received was highly insightful and beneficial, for instance, I got introduced to new areas of law that I am now considering qualifying into. I also learnt about the typical tasks I would be undertaking in my career in the future and what is going to be expected of me.

The structure of the scheme was very organized. Our timetables allowed us to get as much exposure as possible into the firm all whilst allowing room for some socials that were a bit less formal and some breaks. Each day was packed with insightful sessions, an opportunity to interact with other vacation schemers as well as employees of the firm. We also had some 1:1 sessions with trainees and associates/partners which proved to being very insightful and beneficial.

The general atmosphere was very relaxed and comfortable; even whilst undertaking tasks/ assessments. We attained various opportunities to showcase and utilize our strengths. The firm also organized for a virtual lunch with current trainees and associates, fun-filled socials and group work which was less formal and very enjoyable. Everyone was also very understanding and every vacation schemers' circumstances were catered to. The week flew by quickly and that was in essence associated with our enjoyment of it.

The firm invested a lot of time and resources on my personal training and development. Each session we had with associates/partners/ trainees lasted around an hour, and it was evident that a lot of preparation went into these sessions, further, our 1:1 sessions with HR team members, trainees and associates/partners also further broadened our understanding of the firm. We also had a diversity and inclusion as well as an innovation session which allowed us to get an insight into those themes.

The virtual experience gave me an accurate representation and understanding of what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm. Apart from the generic trainee tasks that we were assigned, we also had a breakdown of what the role of a trainee would entail in every said department within the firm. In addition, the virtual experience also mimicked what working from home would be like, which is a new experience on its own.

The virtual experience helped us gain a better understanding of the company culture. We were introduced to the various initiatives that the firm has in place with respect to ensuring everyone's valued, appreciated and has a sense of belonging in the firm. By conversing with trainees, partners, and associates we also attained a sense of the culture; it appears to being a culture of acceptance and diversity, which is significantly important for me due to my international background.

The content was highly valuable in helping me decide on my future path, not only has it reinstated an insurance that law is the correct career choice for me, but also allowed me to consider a future career as a shipment lawyer. I have also been ablate predict what seats I would like to practice in once I do attain a training contract as well as what skills are required for each given legal department.

From the onset, the firm offered to reimburse for any extra costs that may have been incurred. Whether it being travel expenses to attend the interview, or a reimbursement for one of the social packages. The firm is also paying all vacation schemers a generous amount for participating in the scheme. The experience also catered to those that are not based in the UK, adjustments were made accordingly such as undertaking the interview via a phone call.

The scheme allowed for various opportunities for networking and meeting other employees. After every session, we were encouraged to reach out to whomever was presenting and ask questions. The scheme also allowed for socials and virtual lunches were we could speak to people working in the firm and get to know them more. We also had some 1:1 scheduled with trainees and associates or partners which have us an opportunity to ask questions and allow them to get to know us more.

The social event opportunities were great, with respect to socials, they were fun and enjoyable, they allowed us to get creative and talk with the associates (as we were divided into smaller subgroups). In regards to the 1:1 sessions, they were also less formal and we were encouraged to ask as many questions as we wanted, this has allowed us to ultimately feel more comfrotable and build good relations with the current employees of the firm.

The scheme has introduced us to several activities and initiatives that employees of the firm can get involved in outside work. The scheme showcased how the the employees are encouraged to maintain a good work/social balance. This was showcased throughout the week during the sessions. The firm seems to cater to various interests, some initiatives are charity based, and some activities include sports such as a running team for those interested in such an activity.

I would definitely recommend this virtual experience to a friend. Despite it being virtual, its structure has allowed for a wonderful experience that equates being in the office. I personally believe we did not miss out on any opportunity, in fact in the contrary we actually got to attend informative department based sessions, have 1:1 sessions, work on a presentation in groups and deliver it, attend socials and network, conduct some typical trainee tasks. I definitely came out of this week feeling motivated, informed and inspired.